SWI Program Specialist V

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Austin, TX

3d • $4,523 - $7,254 • 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 Statewide Intake (SWI) Program Specialist V performs advanced policy analysis, program evaluation, and policy development work to support the implementation and continuous improvement of SWI policies, procedures, and operational practices. The SWI Program Specialist V performs the following duties: Researches and analyzes federal and state laws, regulations, legislation, and policy initiatives to assess impacts on agency programs, operations, compliance requirements, and service delivery. Develops data-driven recommendations, policy proposals, reports, implementation plans, and other decision-support materials that support agency goals, regulatory compliance, and operational effectiveness. Collaborates with agency leadership, program staff, and internal and external stakeholders to gather information, evaluate policy impacts, identify issues, and develop solutions to complex policy and operational challenges. Assists in planning and coordinating policy implementation activities and monitors policy effectiveness through research, quality assurance findings, performance data, legislative changes, and stakeholder feedback. Evaluates program performance and outcomes and recommends revisions and improvements to enhance consistency, efficiency, compliance, and service delivery. Serves as a subject matter expert on assigned policy and legislative matters by providing technical assistance, consultation, training, and guidance to agency staff and stakeholders. Prepares reports, briefing materials, legislative responses, presentations, correspondence, and other communications for executive leadership and partner programs. Represents the agency in meetings, committees, workgroups, and other forums related to policy development, implementation, and legislative initiatives. The SWI Program Specialist V works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. The SWI Program Specialist V exercises sound judgment in researching issues, interpreting policies and regulations, managing competing priorities, and developing recommendations that support informed decision making, strategic objectives, and program effectiveness. WHY WORK FOR DFPS? 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 27 million citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments, but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity as well as Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

Requirements

• Knowledge of public policy analysis principles, methodologies, and best practices.
• Knowledge of state and federal legislative, regulatory, and policy development processes.
• Knowledge of governmental structures, agency operations, and program administration.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, rules, and guidance affecting agency programs and services.
• Knowledge of policy implementation, compliance monitoring, and program evaluation techniques.
• Knowledge of research methods, data analysis, performance measurement, and quality improvement practices.
• Knowledge of strategic planning and organizational decision-making processes.
• Skill in policy research, analysis, and evaluation.
• Skill in legislative analysis and impact assessment.
• Skill in quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
• Skill in critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Skill in development of policy recommendations and implementation strategies.
• Skill in report writing, policy brief development, and technical documentation.
• Skill in oral communication, presentation, and public speaking.
• Skill in stakeholder engagement and collaboration.
• Skill in facilitation of meetings, workgroups, and policy discussions.
• Skill in project coordination and management of multiple priorities.
• Skill in policy interpretation and technical consultation.
• Skill in use of computers and applicable software applications.
• Ability to analyze complex laws, regulations, policies, and operational issues and determine their impact on agency programs.
• Ability to collect, organize, evaluate, and interpret data from multiple sources.
• Ability to develop evidence-based policy recommendations and alternative solutions.
• Ability to monitor and evaluate policy implementation and program effectiveness.
• Ability to identify risks, opportunities, trends, and areas for improvement.
• Ability to prepare concise reports, presentations, legislative materials, and executive briefings.
• Ability to communicate complex policy and operational information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Ability to provide technical assistance, training, and guidance on policy-related matters.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with leadership, staff, and internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and make informed recommendations.
• Ability to support strategic initiatives and align policy recommendations with agency goals and objectives.

Nice To Haves

• Experience leading or managing others preferred.
• Graduate level studies in a relevant field preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Monitors and evaluates the implementation of policies and programs, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and providing actionable insights for continuous improvement.
• Conducts policy research and analysis of federal and state laws, regulations, rules, legislation, policies, and guidance.
• Gathers and analyzes data from various sources, including government reports, public records, academic studies, to assess their impact on agency programs and services.
• Monitors and tracks relevant state and federal legislation to ensure alignment with agency policies and strategic goals.
• Legislative bill analysis during legislative session.
• 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.
• Represents SWI at meetings, workgroups, committees, panels, and task forces as needed.
• Creates and delivers appropriate job aids, training materials, and presentations for SWI intake specialists and supervisors to ensure adherence to policy.
• Collects, organizes, analyzes, and prepares materials in response to requests for program information and reports, including requests from the Texas legislature and other stakeholders.
• Oversees and completes additional projects as assigned.

Benefits

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service
• Options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed