Program Specialist, Travel Policy and Training

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

5d • Hybrid

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.

The Program Specialist IV will provide technical and functional expertise by participating in internal and external work groups. Oversee the development of policy handbooks. Provides technical assistance and consultation services regarding travel policy and operations to all levels of DFPS staff. Plans, develops, and implements major agency initiatives, coordinates and develops communication to DFPS staff and related stakeholders regarding travel policy and procedures and related updates. Train DFPS staff on travel operations and policy. Oversees upgrades to the eTravel system to ensure state and federal compliance guidelines are followed. Prepares reports, conducts studies and specialized research analyses. This position works closely with the Travel Claims and Services Manager on Department-wide issues including but not limited to process improvements and contract monitoring. This position works under the supervision of the Travel Claims and Services Manager and attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy. This position performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Fiscal Management accounting and procedures
• Knowledge of automation principles and techniques
• Knowledge of CAPPS Financial; USAS/TINS financial accounting systems and eTravel System
• Skill in working with automated financial systems and operating computers and software applications
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, direct, and coordinate financial activities of the agency
• Ability to prepare concise reports
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to interpret and apply state and federal rules regarding travel expenditure and reporting including Texas Government Code and Texas Administrative Code pertaining to Travel
• Ability to establish goals and objectives
• Ability to review and understand complex technical matters and disseminate information to others
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Ability to train others in travel-related policies, rules and regulations, and operations
• Ability to telework
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major course work in Business, Finance, Accounting, or in a field relevant to the position is generally preferred. Experience can be considered in lieu of education.
• Experience in Accounting or Financial Operations.
• Experience in the use of Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance and consultation to state office and regional staff on new travel related program requirements, policies and procedures, and state and federal compliance via face-to-face training sessions, webinars, conferences, etc. Serves as travel technical/functional subject matter expert on the eTravel system, including modifications, enhancements, updates and upgrades by training travelers how to navigate the system, as well as training travelers on how specific system modifications, enhancements, updates and upgrades impact how they complete tasks within eTravel, such as completing travel authorizations, submitting travel claims (40%).
• Conducts frequent and ongoing review of travel policies and procedures and state and federal laws as they pertain to travel; works closely with DFPS Accounting management to review and recommend revisions to policies and procedures and to develop new policies and procedures; oversees the development of policy handbooks; revises and develops new policies and procedures; plans, develops and implements major agency initiatives; coordinates and develops email broadcast communications to DFPS staff and related stakeholders regarding travel policy and procedures, including updates; oversees travel-related document imaging procedures. (20%)
• Develops training content and materials using computer applications such as Microsoft Word and PowerPoint; creates microlearning videos; updates training content and materials; creates quarterly newsletters; publishes training content and materials on the Travel Resources web page on the DFPS SafetyNet. (15%)
• Research and gather statistics and formulate research results into reports, case studies and proposals to support policy changes. Research alternative business models related to specific travel functions and operations to look for opportunities to gain efficiencies and achieve cost-saving measures beneficial to the agency and the State of Texas. (10%)
• Consults with management, the Comptroller’s Office, support offices, State Travel Management Program, Contracted travel vendors and others on travel issues, state and federal statutes, rules and regulations as they pertain to existing policy, policy revisions, new policy development, and compliance; participates in internal and external workgroups on travel polices, application of state and federal laws relating to travel, travel issues, and process improvements. (10%)
• Completes special projects assigned by the Travel Claims and Services Manager. (5%)

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