Community Based TANF Program Specialist

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

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About The Position

The Department of Health and Human Services is seeking a motivated individual to join its Office of Economic Assistance Team as a DHHS Program Specialist in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The position manages the day-to-day operational and technical functions of TANF programs, including 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. The role includes researching and developing program policies, conducting quality assurance analyses, and providing technical assistance to agency staff, clients, and service providers. 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 meet service delivery standards. The role also assesses program effectiveness, develops improvement plans, and uses data analysis and compliance checks to ensure proper utilization of services.

The position is advertised statewide. The preferred office location is the Nebraska State Office Building in Lincoln, Nebraska; placement at another State office location may be considered based on available office space.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent coursework or training, in public administration, social or behavioral sciences, healthcare, human services, or another program-related field; professional experience in a human/social service or healthcare agency with responsibility for planning or evaluating services, programs, or operational policies and practices may substitute for the education requirement.
• Knowledge of public administration; policy and procedure development; program planning; applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and procedures; public funds and budgeting; adult learning; quality assurance; and planning, monitoring, and evaluating human services programs and service delivery systems.
• Skill in interpreting or clarifying policy to interested groups and conducting formal presentations.
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct a major program; work collaboratively; analyze, develop, and organize materials; and establish and maintain positive relationships with agency staff, service providers, contractors, community organizations, and clients.
• Ability to communicate electronically, on paper, and in person; prepare and review technical documents such as regulatory summaries, action plans, reports, contracts, and grants; and understand, interpret, and apply relevant instructions, laws, rules, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to exercise independent critical thinking and maintain liaison with community representatives and governmental agencies.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of experience working with grants, budgets, subawards or contracts, and/or human service programs.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Word.
• Ability to communicate effectively electronically, virtually, and in person.

Responsibilities

• Research, review, analyze, and interpret federal and state laws and regulations and their administrative requirements to develop appropriate policies, procedures, and interpretations.
• Explain and clarify operational practices, policies, procedures, and federal and state regulations to agency staff, community organizations, and the public.
• Assess program effectiveness, identify training needs and requirements, and participate in developing training materials.
• Develop resources and administrative support to ensure efficient operation and coordination of programs, departmental divisions, and outside agencies.
• Draft, develop, and implement policies, procedures, agreements, and program regulations as needed.
• Review invoices and reports and provide technical assistance and responses to technical questions.
• Assess provider performance, compile performance reports, and identify and address provider training needs.
• Conduct quality assurance analyses, audits, and compliance checks; develop improvement plans.
• Prepare reports and conduct training sessions.
• Maintain liaison with governmental and community organizations.

Benefits

• Comprehensive compensation and benefits package, with eligibility varying by position, agency, and employment status.
• Paid time off.
• Retirement benefits.
• Professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time