SWI Program Specialist V

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Austin, TX

55d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected - children, elderly, and people with disabilities - from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, longevity pay, generous paid leave, access to the Wellness program, lifetime retirement annuity, Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas. The Statewide Intake (SWI) Program Specialist V is a senior level position essential to SWI's mission and long-term strategic goals. This position oversees the development and implementation of policy and procedure and leads the effort to improve and maintain SWI's qualitative performance. SWI operates in a rapidly changing environment, adapting to changes made by all DFPS programs, and some HHSC programs. The SWI Program Specialist V has advanced and extensive knowledge of SWI operations and works with program partners and external stakeholders to write and improve SWI policy and procedures, job aids, and other SWI training materials. This position analyzes legislation and partner programs' rules and policies to ensure consistency at SWI and provides guidance and consultation to SWI staff, external DFPS staff, and external stakeholders about SWI's policy, procedures, and practices. The SWI Program Specialist V exercises high-level communication skills, both written and verbal, to successfully achieve desired outcomes. This position must collect, organize, prepare, and present materials in response to requests for information and reports, including requests from media and the legislature. This position must collect, organize, prepare, and present materials to internal staff as part of continued program improvement and program integrity efforts. This position prepares proposals, reports, evaluative summaries, and related work as assigned. The SWI Program Specialist V works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Requirements

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the SWI program area.
• Knowledge of public administration regulations, laws, and principles.
• Knowledge of technological tools used by SWI including the IMPACT system and the SWI telecom system.
• Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance.
• Skill in operating computers and applicable software.
• Skill in developing program performance measures.
• Skill in managing special projects.
• Skill in developing methods to evaluate program and performance quality.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and administer quality control and efficiency improvement program activities.
• Ability to monitor program compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Ability to identify problems and develop solutions.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Skill in developing and preparing reports and presentations.
• Ability to plan, assign, and monitor the work of others.
• SWI Intake Specialist III or above, OR two years DFPS policy writing experience.

Nice To Haves

• Experience leading or managing others preferred.

Responsibilities

• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• Oversees, plans, and implements strategies to improve Statewide Intake policies and procedures. Coordinates with other DFPS programs, state agencies, and pertinent external stakeholders to develop SWI policy and procedures. Creates appropriate job aids, training materials, and presentations for SWI intake specialists and supervisors to ensure adherence to policy.
• Provides guidance and consultation to SWI staff of all levels, other DFPS staff, and external stakeholders as it pertains to SWI policies, procedures, and practices. This includes representing SWI at meetings, workgroups, committees, panels, and task forces as needed.
• Collects, organizes, analyzes, and prepares materials in response to requests for program information and reports, including requests from the Texas legislature and other stakeholders. Provides data upon request regarding SWI contact quality, efficiency, and justification for methods of SWI operation. Prepares and provides reports, presentations, guides, and technical guidance.
• Oversees and completes additional projects as assigned.

Benefits

• excellent health benefits
• special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program
• longevity pay
• generous paid leave
• access to the Wellness program
• lifetime retirement annuity
• Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Administration of Human Resource Programs
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees