DCS PROGRAM SPECIALIST - 07152026-79241

Overview

This classification is primarily responsible for evaluating Children's Services program delivery and providing consultative support to ensure that field and central office operations meet policy standards and quality expectations. Through technical guidance and interpretation of policies, the role strengthens frontline service quality, supporting the agency's mission to protect children and improve family outcomes across the state. This is the first level in the DCS Program Series.

Responsibilities

• Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with internal and external partners to support unified service efforts, ensure smooth operations, and foster open lines of communication.
• Interprets complex policies, laws, and procedures for stakeholders and delivers targeted training to promote compliance, drive improvements, and support informed decision-making.
• Maintains accurate records, manages correspondence, enters timekeeping data, and supports permanency planning by contributing to documentation that informs case strategies and outcomes.
• Tracks customer and program compliance using performance data, third-party input, and system reports to ensure adherence to legal and procedural requirements.
• Collects, analyzes, and evaluates data and documentation from a variety of sources to assess service eligibility, address client needs, and support effective case planning.
• Regularly reviews casework, outcome data, and service reports to assess program performance, identify trends, and ensure quality services are delivered that align with agency standards.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree and experience equivalent to three years of professional work in one or a combination of the following: counseling or case management services; program evaluation of counseling or case management services, two years of which must involve providing these services to children and/or juveniles.
• Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicants for this class must: Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age on the date of application; Be a citizen of the United States; Possess a valid driver's license prior to and during employment; Have a good moral character, as determined by investigation; Complete a criminal history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority; Have no conviction for a felony; Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointment authority; Supply a fingerprint sample in a manner prescribed by the TBI for a fingerprint based criminal history records check; Submit to and pass a pre-employment screening test for use of illegal drugs.