Security Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

33d • Onsite

About The Position

The Program Specialist V reports to the Security Specialist Manager within the Administration and Business Operations and is responsible for implementing VSS Security Program priorities affecting both internal and external Vital Statistics Section (VSS) stakeholders and employees. Consults with outside stakeholders to ensure that program goals and deliverables are met. Develop plans to take immediate steps to increase security, data quality and capacity in The Vital Statistics Section. Prepares and submits required reports and conducts security audits of all VSS facilities and systems. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Work involves the planning, developing and implementing of VSS security policies, procedures, and safeguards that fulfill the mission and vision of the Vital Statistics Section.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Vital Statistics, Identity Documents, and/or associated security frameworks.
• Knowledge of Security strategies including policies, procedures, functions and organizational structures
• Knowledge of Principles, practices and administrative procedures used to identify system vulnerabilities.
• Knowledge of The use of a personal computer and related software, including Microsoft Office or equivalent word processing, spreadsheet, database or presentation programs used to analyze and present security strategies and plans.
• Skill in Accomplishing portions of more than one task out of sequence and changing priorities under pressure of immediate deadlines.
• Skill in Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing with individuals and groups to handle high level administrative and operational issues and to assign work to others.
• Skill in Using initiative and independent judgment and managing time effectively to establish priorities, organize tasks, and assign and direct the work of others.
• Skill in Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships, including the ability to work with people under pressure, negotiating with multiple parties and resolving conflicts.
• Skill in Reading, interpreting and understanding material to prepare concise reports or appropriate responses for the review and/or signature of section managers and/or directors.
• Skill in Developing and providing individual and/or group training.
• Skill in Gathering, organizing and analyzing facts, recommending solutions and resolving work-related problems.
• Skill in Maintaining statistical and accounting records and producing data summaries.
• Ability to Handle confidential and sensitive issues appropriately.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in computer information systems, management information systems, public health, criminal justice or a related field (degree preferred).
• Two-year minimum experience designing and implementing security controls.
• Two-year minimum experience in formal risk analysis and risk mitigation strategies.
• Minimum three (3) years of customer service experience or working with government clients and stakeholders resolving complex issues.
• Up to two years of education and experience may be substituted for one another.

Responsibilities

• Implementing VSS Security Program priorities affecting both internal and external Vital Statistics Section (VSS) stakeholders and employees.
• Disseminating and interpreting security processes and policies used to safeguard the statewide system of vital event registration and issuance.
• Planning, developing, coordinating, implementing, and reporting on the performance of VSS systems, operating processes, and policies.
• Developing and conducting projects resulting in measurable security improvements.
• Initiating programs involving a variety of technical, training, research, planning, policy, program assessment, and administrative activities related to ensuring that VSS is capable of mitigating risks resulting from the ongoing growth and development of the section.
• Planning, developing, coordinating, implementing, and reporting on the performance of outside stakeholder engaged in the use of VSS system; also, on the performance of stakeholder compliance with VSS program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules according to the requirements of security audits
• Delivering consultative services and technical assistance to contracted service providers.
• Preparing and submitting required reports and conducts audits of internal security process.
• Organizing and preparing materials in response to requests for program information and reports related to VSS facilities and security measures that improve the quality and security of data collection.
• Acting as a liaison with internal and external stakeholders.
• Explaining program and agency statutory requirements.
• Monitoring required performance reports and recommends appropriate changes.
• Analyzing operations and problems and the preparation of reports of findings and recommendations.
• Consulting with public and private agencies involved to resolve problems, identify training needs, and discuss effectiveness.
• Working with and speak to stakeholder security projects that improve and secure data collection across VSS systems.
• Planning, developing, coordinating, implementing, and overseeing studies and analyses of operations and problems and the preparation of reports of findings and recommendations, VSS System surveys and reviews to determine compliance with certification requirements, laws, regulations, policies, and related procedures.
• Traveling to present information to diverse stakeholder groups or assess system compliance with security processes and procedures.
• Actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.

Benefits

• DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

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