Program Management Specialist I

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

10d

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals. Performs complex (journey-level) program management specialist work involving the management of a program or multiple programs within the division. Work involves creating, developing, coordinating, implementing, and overseeing division programs; planning resources; monitoring budgets; and providing consultative services and programmatic assistance to management, acting as liaison to other stakeholders, other divisions and state agencies. Acts as subject matter expert, collaborating with team members and business partners to develop program goals, objectives, plan project activities and track project assignments. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position is classified as a full-time position (40 hours a week). Work outside of regular hours may be required. Travel may be required.

Requirements

• Ability to maintain the security and integrity of the infrastructure per Governor Abbot Executive Order GA-48.
• Knowledge of project/program management theories and practices; project/program costing, estimating, and scheduling; systems and procedures used to evaluate project/program performance; and local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the administration of the project/program undertaken.
• Knowledge of adult education strategies, adult learning theory or group dynamics.
• Knowledge of instructional design or curriculum development.
• Knowledge of Learning Management systems.
• Skill in project/program management, scheduling, resource allocation, and budgeting; and in the use of a computer and applicable software.
• Strong skill with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly MS Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint Teams, Visio and SharePoint.
• Skill with completing training needs analysis and learning objectives.
• Skill in exercising sound judgment and effective decision making.
• Skill in planning and facilitating meetings, developing and delivering effective presentations in both formal and informal settings.
• Skill in managing multiple priorities and supporting multiple managers, teams or a division of staff while meeting designated timeframes.
• Skill in preparing technical documents and maintaining accurate versions of documents.
• Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail.
• Ability to provide leadership and motivate others, to monitor project/program status, to prepare and/or analyze project cost estimates, to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions, to analyze project/program-related information and develop plans to address identified issues and risk, to prepare reports and charts, to communicate effectively orally and in writing, and to oversee the work of others.
• Ability to develop and track program performance metrics and results.
• Ability to assess, coordinate and facilitate training needs.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with all levels of the organization in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and deliver exceptional customer service to all levels of the organization.
• Ability to plan and manage program activities, to establish goals and objectives; to evaluate priorities; to analyze complex information, report required action items to program leadership and follow through to completion.
• Ability to coordinate meetings, special events, and schedule appointments related to program area.
• Ability to work pro-actively, independently, or as part of a team and effectively handle multiple assignments in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to receive and respond positively to constructive feedback.
• Bachelor’s Degree
• 5 years professional experience in a government agency, nonprofit, child protection, foster care, juvenile justice, mental health, or substance abuse services.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care or experience conducting interviews or assessments with children and families.

Nice To Haves

• Degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Human Development and Family Studies, Education, or Public Health.
• Two or more years’ experience as a manager or above with a child welfare agency.

Responsibilities

• Manages a program throughout its life cycle by defining goals, objectives, and controls.
• Manages program planning, including the development, implementation, monitoring, and documentation of policies and processes for specific programs involving departmental or crossfunctional teams focused on the delivery of new or existing programs, operations, or service offerings.
• Manages communications with internal and external stakeholders, including vendors, contractors, other agencies, internal divisions/departments, senior management, and the general public to ensure alignment with program updates, changes, and risks and to support performance goals, contract compliance, customer satisfaction, and quality service delivery.
• Identifies program requirements and establishes methodology to measure the effectiveness of agency initiatives; identifies program gaps and proposes improvements or enhancements.
• Ensures that program decisions are made in accordance with program requirements; other applicable rules, policies, and procedures; and the agency’s strategic objectives.
• Coordinates with internal divisions and departments to achieve complex cross-functional program and business outcomes consisting of multiple work streams, and/or works directly with external stakeholders to launch high visibility partnerships and programs.
• Develops in-depth technical and non-technical knowledge of programs to mitigate problems.
• Recommends, develops, and manages the development of program standards and tools.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Benefits

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for)
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance—at rates much lower than most private plans
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees