Program Specialist (Austin)
Texas Workforce Commission connects people with careers across the state. We are based in Austin on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol. We're a Family Friendly Certified Workplace with great work-life balance, competitive salaries, extensive opportunities for training and development, and fantastic benefits. The position is located in Austin at 1411 Brazos St. in the UI Admin & Ops Support department. To work in this position, you must live in the Austin area or be willing to relocate to the area.
About the Role
Program Specialist I performs routine (journey-level) consultative services and technical assistance work. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Responsibilities
- Researching, interpreting, and analyzing complex state and federal laws and regulations.
- Analyzing the impact of new legislation and rules on program operations and management and developing written analyses to identify policy and operational issues.
- Collecting and conducting research for program policy changes, automation changes, and other changes within the UI Division.
- Monitoring federal guidance and reviewing and assessing agency impact.
- Developing UI Program Letters and policy updates and maintaining UI policy records.
- Preparing administrative reports, studies, and specialized research projects.
- Representing the agency at meetings or conferences with federal, state, and local agencies or organizations.
- Tracking and monitoring state and federal audit requests.
- Serving as support for governmental relations support.
- Performs other job duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Six months of full-time experience in the development, implementation, or interpretation of policies and procedures in a public or private agency.
- Relevant academic credits may be applied toward experience qualifications for this position.
- Acceptance into a TWC Internship or TWC Apprenticeship will satisfy the minimum qualifications.
- Must live in the Austin area or be willing to relocate to the area.
- Must be a Texas resident or willing to relocate to Texas.
Qualifications
- Experience as a Policy Analyst.
- Extensive knowledge of the Texas Unemployment Compensation Act (TUCA).
- Prior unemployment insurance experience.
- Prior work with the state Legislature or assisting the state legislature during one or more sessions.
- Excellent writing skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences.
- Excellent time management skills and the ability to juggle multiple, shifting priorities.
- Ability to quickly learn complex new content and to gather, assess, correlate, and analyze facts.
- Attention to detail and an enthusiasm for producing high-quality work products.
- Demonstrated ability to successfully collaborate in a team environment.
- UI policy development experience.
- Experience in legislative bill analysis.
- Experience in researching state/federal laws and regulations.
- Experience responding to Open Records Requests.
- Experience implementing Rapid Process Improvement (RPI).
- Graduation from an accredited law school approved by the American Bar Association and admission to the State Bar of Texas (a plus).
Benefits
- Family Friendly Certified Workplace.
- Defined Retirement Benefit Plan.
- Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts.
- Medical Insurance.
- Paid time off, including time for vacation, sick and family care leave.
- Additional benefits for active employees can be found at https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits.
Pay
$4,245.00/month
Schedule
- 40 hours a week during hours of operation Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM CT.
- Occasional overtime (evenings, weekends, and holidays) may be required.
- Management will set the schedule.
- Duties require up to 5% travel (within the state of Texas) and the ability to lift 10 lbs.
This is a career ladder position with the opportunity to advance within the established career ladder structure after meeting minimum qualifications, competency requirements, and time in position.