Community Based TANF Program Specialist

State of Nebraska•Pending Location Assignment (PLA) - no city, NE

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Health and Human Services is seeking a motivated individual to join our Office of Economic Assistance Team and fill the role of DHHS Program Specialist within the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. This position is to manage the day-to-day operational and technical functions of TANF programs. This role involves planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating TANF-funded programs and services, developing procedures, and implementing policies. Under limited supervision, the specialist plans, implements, monitors, and evaluates program activities to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. This role includes researching and developing program policies, conducting quality assurance analyses, and providing technical assistance to agency staff, clients, and service providers. Additionally, the specialist drafts policies and procedures, prepares reports, conducts training sessions, performs audits, and liaises with governmental and community organizations to promote program effectiveness and ensure service delivery standards are met. The position also involves assessing program effectiveness, developing improvement plans, and ensuring proper utilization of services through detailed data analysis and compliance checks. This position is being advertised statewide; however, the preferred office location is at the Nebraska State Office Building in Lincoln, Nebraska. For the right candidate, placement at another State office location may be considered based on available office space.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent coursework/training, in public administration, social/behavioral sciences, healthcare, human services or other program related field.
Professional experience working in a human/social service or health care agency with responsibility for planning or evaluation services, programs or operational policies and practices may substitute in lieu of the educational requirement.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
Knowledge of procedure and policy development.
Knowledge of methods and techniques of program planning.
Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, regulations and procedures pertaining to health and human services programs.
Knowledge of public funds and budgeting methods.
Knowledge of the principles and techniques of adult learning.
Knowledge of quality assurance mechanisms.
Knowledge of principles and techniques of planning, monitoring and evaluating human services programs and service delivery systems.
Skill in interpreting and/or clarifying policy to interested groups.
Skill in conducting formal presentations to provide education and share information.
Ability to plan, organize and direct a major program.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.
Ability to analyze, develop and organize materials.
Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with agency staff, service providers/contractors, community organizations and clients.
Ability to communicate electronically, on paper or in person to promote, explain, discuss, advise and interact with interested groups on various program issues and problems.
Ability to prepare and review technical documents such as summaries of state and federal regulations, action plans, reports, contracts and grants.
Ability to understand, interpret and apply instructions, laws, rules, policies and procedures pertinent to the program.
Ability to exercise independent critical thinking skills.
Ability to maintain liaison with community representatives and other governmental agencies.

Nice To Haves

A minimum of one year experience working with grants, budgets, subawards/contracts, and/or human service programs.
Ability to analyze, develop, and organize materials.
Work collaboratively in a team setting.
Communicate effectively electronically, virtually, and in person.
Exercise independent critical thinking skills.
Knowledge in Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Word.

Responsibilities

Manage the day-to-day operational and technical functions of TANF programs.
Plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate TANF-funded programs and services.
Develop procedures and implement policies.
Research, review, analyze, and interpret federal regulations and laws, state laws, and their administrative requirements to formulate appropriate policies, procedures, and interpretations.
Explain, clarify, and interpret operational practices, policies, procedures, and federal and state regulations to agency staff, community organizations, and the public.
Assess program effectiveness, identify training needs/requirements, and participate in developing training materials.
Develop the necessary resources and administrative support to ensure the efficient operation and coordination of all programs, departmental divisions, and outside agencies.
Draft, develop, and implement policy, procedure, agreements, and program regulations as needed.
Review invoices and reports.
Provide technical assistance.
Address technical questions.
Develop policies.
Assess provider performance.
Compile performance reports.
Identify and address training needs for providers.
Conduct quality assurance analyses.
Conduct training sessions.
Perform audits.
Liaise with governmental and community organizations to promote program effectiveness and ensure service delivery standards are met.
Develop improvement plans.
Ensure proper utilization of services through detailed data analysis and compliance checks.