Program Specialist VI
THIS POSITION IS HEADQUARTERED IN AUSTIN BUT MAY BE FILLED ANYWHERE WITHIN THE STATE OF TEXAS.
The Statewide Intake (SWI) Program Specialist VI is a senior level position essential to SWI's mission and long-term strategic goals. This position oversees the development and implementation of policy and procedure and leads the effort to improve and maintain SWI’s qualitative performance. The SWI Program Specialist VI serves as the lead program specialist for the SWI Policy and Performance Management division, assigning and monitoring the work of others and acting as proxy to SWI's Legislative Coordinator.
SWI operates in a rapidly changing environment, adapting to changes made by all DFPS programs, and some HHSC programs. The SWI Program Specialist VI has advanced and extensive knowledge of SWI operations and works with program partners and external stakeholders to write and improve SWI policy and procedures, job aids, and other SWI training materials. This position analyzes legislation and partner programs’ rules and policies to ensure consistency at SWI and provides guidance and consultation to SWI staff, external DFPS staff, and external stakeholders about SWI’s policy, procedures, and practices.
The SWI Program Specialist VI exercises high-level communication skills, both written and verbal, to successfully achieve desired outcomes. This position must collect, organize, prepare, and present materials in response to requests for information and reports, including requests from media and the legislature. This position must collect, organize, prepare, and present materials to internal staff as part of continued program improvement and program integrity efforts. This position prepares proposals, reports, evaluative summaries, and related work as assigned.
The position regularly communicates with policy partners across programs and with external stakeholders. Communication is required in virtual meetings, via e-mail, telephone, reports, and presentations. Working with all levels of SWI staff, across programs, and with external audiences requires understanding, interpreting, and modifying important messaging to meet the needs of the audience.
The position monitors and synthesizes data and reports in response to program oversight needs, partner program requests, and legislative inquiries. The position plans, prepares for, and assists management with developing program activities to achieve program goals and objectives. The position serves in a lead implementation role for complex program initiatives.
The SWI Program Specialist VI works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.
WHY WORK FOR DFPS?
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected — children, elderly, and people with disabilities — from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the 27 million citizens of Texas.
DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct
Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments, but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity as well as Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.
Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Oversees, plans, and implements strategies to improve SWI policies and procedures. Communicates with other DFPS programs, state agencies, and pertinent external stakeholders to develop SWI policy and procedures. Creates appropriate job aids, training materials, and presentations for SWI intake specialist and supervisors to ensure adherence to policy.
Provides guidance and consultation to SWI staff of all levels, other DFPS staff, and external stakeholders as it pertains to SWI policies, procedures, and practices. This includes representing SWI at meetings, workgroups, committees, panels, and task forces as needed.
Coordinates or performs the following tasks: collects, organizes, analyzes, and prepares materials in response to requests for program information and reports, including requests from the Texas legislature, DFPS executive team, and other stakeholders. Provides data upon request regarding SWI contact quality, efficiency, and justification for methods of SWI operation. Prepares and provides reports, presentations, guides, and technical guidance.
Ensures compliance with program policies and procedures, statues, and rules by interpreting policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and standards related to the program by evaluating calls, report documentation, and other case related tasks; responds to concerns from DFPS partners.
Analyzes and tracks legislation; develops recommendations for policy, including implementation planning and roll-out for passed legislation. This work involves engaging, collaborating, communicating, and coordinating with SWI divisions, DFPS program staff, and other stakeholders.
Oversees and completes additional projects as assigned.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the SWI program area.
Knowledge of public administration regulations, laws, and principles.
Knowledge of technological tools used by SWI.
Knowledge of research, training, and program management techniques.
Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance.
Skill in operating computers and applicable software.
Skill in developing program performance measures.
Skill in managing special projects.
Skill in developing methods to evaluate program and performance quality.
Skill in developing and preparing reports and presentations.
Skill in demonstrating leadership.
Skill in developing, revising, and editing written communications.
Ability to serve as a lead worker, providing direction to others.
Ability to plan, assign, and monitor the work of others.
Ability to plan, coordinate, and administer quality control and efficiency improvement program activities.
Ability to monitor program compliance with state and federal regulations.
Ability to identify problems and develop solutions.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems.
Registration or Licensure Requirements:
N/A
Initial Selection Criteria:
SWI Intake Specialist III or above, OR two years DFPS policy writing experience. Experience leading or managing others. Experience analyzing legislation as part of required job duties preferred.
As a state agency, DFPS is required Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files.
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.