Program Specialist V

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

13d • Onsite

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. This position reports to the Manager of the Background Checks (BC) team. The position is responsible for providing highly advanced consultative and technical assistance work in developing strategies and decision making related to background checks agency-wide. This position is responsible for minimizing risk to DFPS clients and staff through consistent and accurate application and assessment of background check policies. The Program Specialist is also responsible for drafting new policy, editing existing policies, and creating/monitoring work flow processes related to program functions. The Program Specialist provides technical assistance, training, written clarifications, and interpretation of policies related to background checks to agency staff, providers and all relevant stakeholders. The position collects, organizes, and analyzes material in response to requests for information and reports and is responsible for preparation of administrative reports, studies, and specialized research projects as needed. The Program Specialist provides team leadership and may oversee the work of others. The position will routinely serve as a subject matter expert on background checks and function as a liaison for many internal and external stakeholders, which may include outside attorneys and various law enforcement officials. The Program Specialist assists BC Managers with special projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of the criminal and abuse/neglect background check policies and processes in Department of Family and Protective Services.
• Ability to conduct a thorough and appropriate risk analysis.
• Ability to perform background checks.
• Ability to work independently, with limited direction and on short deadlines.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to write policy and design processes.
• Skill at establishing and maintaining productive working relationships both internally and externally.
• Ability to manage a project team in design, development, and deployment.
• Ability to present complex information in simple, meaningful ways at training sessions, conferences, and hearings.
• Ability to develop written reports and materials suitable for specific audiences, including licensed providers, contractors, internal staff, executive staff, and legislators.
• Ability to apply a critical and analytical approach to problem solving and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to understand new information effectively and quickly.
• Ability to plan, direct, and assign responsibilities and provide oversight for the work of others.
• Ability to plan and develop training.
• Ability to develop and evaluate administrative policies and procedures and to devise solutions to administrative problems.
• Ability to lead workgroups.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university is preferred.
• Education and/or experience equivalent to a four-year college degree may be substituted for the four-year degree.
• Experience leading projects, writing rules, analyzing legislation, working as a policy analyst, or program specialist.
• Experience with the DFPS background check program, the FINDRS program, DFPS program experience or HHS regulatory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies and procedures that impact DFPS Background Check staff. Responsible for the on-going maintenance of the BC Safety Net and Internet pages which may include updating and revising existing policies maintained by DFPS Background Checks.
• Participates in stakeholder meetings and other meetings on behalf of DFPS Background Checks. Serves as subject matter expert and liaison to staff, government agencies, community organizations, or the general public to assist in explaining background check policies and procedures, as well as laws, rules and statutory requirements which must be followed by DFPS related to background check functions and requirements.
• Serves as the IT liaison and project lead for IT related projects and/or initiatives that impact DFPS Background Checks. Responsible for maintaining and prioritizing System Improvement Requests (SIR) submitted by DFPS Background Checks.
• Conducts and runs quality assurance reports on BC staff. Responsible for ensuring DFPS Background Check staff complete background checks according to policy by reviewing a sample of work for each staff on a monthly basis.
• Oversees the development of training materials to support the division and implements training action plans to ensure the handling, completion, and interpretation of background checks is consistent across the agency.
• Serves as the legislative coordinator and point of contact. Responsible for completing bill analysis to determine impact on the DFPS Background Checks team and reporting recommendations to the DFPS Background Checks Manager.
• Collects, organizes, and analyzes material in response to requests for information and reports from agencies such as the Department of Public Safety. Responsible for preparation of administrative reports such as the DFPS Background Checks employee performance reports and monthly reports.
• Assigns and monitors the work of others. Serve as team lead for the other program specialists in DFPS Background Checks.

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