Title IV-E Program Development and Compliance Specialist

State of Nebraska•Pending Location Assignment (PLA) - no city, NE

10d

About The Position

Nebraska’s Division of Children and Family Services is seeking a DHHS Program Specialist to support its statewide Title IV-E program. The role combines federal compliance, program analysis, policy and procedure development, fiscal stewardship, and process improvement. The specialist researches complex questions, develops practical recommendations, and coordinates projects to improve program operations. Work may begin with questions raised in meetings, staff concerns, or new federal guidance; the specialist determines what merits review, gathers information, consults knowledgeable stakeholders, and advances assigned work toward useful outcomes. The position works alongside experienced program staff, supervisors, and partners to strengthen Title IV-E operations and support responsible administration of federal funding that helps Nebraska serve children and families. The role analyzes eligibility, payment, claiming, and operational practices; researches requirements and prepares findings; supports federal review readiness; develops and maintains statewide procedures and guidance; and organizes improvement projects. It also helps capture emerging questions and risks, assess their urgency and potential impact, recommend priorities, and track progress and barriers. The position is posted statewide pending office space availability. The hiring rate is $24.862 per hour.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent coursework/training, in public administration, social or behavioral sciences, healthcare, human services, or another program-related field; professional experience in a human/social service or healthcare agency involving planning or evaluation of services, programs, or operational policies and practices may substitute for the education requirement.
Ability to take broadly defined assignments, determine what information is needed, and develop a thoughtful approach.
Ability to research complicated requirements, evaluate information, recognize patterns, and develop well-supported recommendations.
Ability to produce clear, professional written materials that others can understand and use.
Ability to organize competing priorities, carry work through completion, and communicate when leadership input or approval is needed.
Ability to build effective working relationships, respect experienced staff’s knowledge, and approach existing practices with curiosity and sound judgment.
Knowledge of public administration; policy and procedure development; program planning, monitoring, and evaluation; federal and state human services requirements; public funds and fiscal accountability; quality assurance and internal controls; and adult learning principles and techniques.
Skill in researching and interpreting complex requirements; analyzing program information; identifying risks and underlying causes; professional and technical writing; developing reports, procedures, and recommendations; coordinating projects; communicating clearly; and using data and technology to support program improvement.
Ability to exercise independent critical thinking and sound judgment; organize and advance complex assignments; evaluate information from multiple sources; develop practical recommendations; collaborate with staff and professional partners; coordinate approved improvements and evaluate results; manage competing priorities; communicate progress and decisions needed; and maintain confidentiality and professional relationships.

Nice To Haves

Background in Title IV-E, child welfare, Medicaid, eligibility, or another federally funded human services program.
Experience researching and interpreting federal or state laws, regulations, policies, or technical guidance.
Professional writing experience, including developing policies, procedures, technical reports, or formal recommendations.
Knowledge of compliance monitoring, auditing, internal controls, quality assurance, or program integrity.
Demonstrated ability to analyze information, investigate problems, and carry projects or improvement efforts through implementation.
Familiarity with data or technology tools used to improve processes, reporting, or program monitoring.

Responsibilities

Analyze Title IV-E eligibility, payment, claiming, and operational practices to identify compliance risks, recurring concerns, and opportunities to strengthen internal controls.
Research federal and state requirements, investigate emerging issues, and prepare written findings and recommendations for leadership consideration.
Support federal review readiness through monitoring, documentation, evaluation of corrective actions, and identification of opportunities for allowable federal financial participation.
Research, draft, organize, and maintain statewide standard operating procedures, standard work instructions, technical guidance, and other program resources.
Translate complex requirements and research findings into clear, accurate guidance, reports, and recommendations that support consistent program practices.
Work with experienced staff and program partners to understand existing practices and develop guidance that is compliant and practical.
Organize and advance assigned projects, including developing plans, coordinating with partners, communicating progress, and evaluating results.
Investigate recurring operational challenges, identify underlying causes, and develop practical solutions with staff, supervisors, and program leadership.
Identify opportunities to use data and technology to improve program processes, monitoring, and reporting in coordination with appropriate partners.
Help establish and maintain an organized approach to capturing emerging program questions, potential risks, and improvement opportunities.
Evaluate the urgency, significance, and potential impacts of identified concerns and recommend priorities for leadership consideration.
Track assigned work, communicate progress and barriers, and identify decisions or additional resources needed to move projects forward.