Program Specialist V

About the role

The Program Specialist V plays a crucial role in the Office of Guardianship Services, working under the supervision of the Office of Guardianship Services Director. This position involves performing advanced consultative services and technical assistance, managing the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) background check account, supporting management in quality assurance reviews, and assisting with developing and implementing program initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Consult with public and private agencies to resolve problems, identify training needs, and discuss program effectiveness.
• Analyze performance data to ensure compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules; recommend corrective action(s) as needed.
• Analyze legislation to develop recommendations for policy in programmatic issues related to the implementation, improvement, and/or expansion or reduction of program funding.
• Develop program policies, procedures, standards, and manuals in accordance with program objectives and goals.
• Manage the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Name-Based search account for the Guardianship Services program. Train staff on the background check process, procedures, and policies, and provide professional responses to areas of concern or needing supplemental information.
• Support management in annual quality assurance reviews, follow-ups, and plans of correction, and provide senior-level advice by interpreting policy, procedures, rules, regulations, and standards related to the program/s.
• Assist management with developing program initiatives, policies, procedures, standards, manuals, and planning program activities. Assist management with researching medically challenging cases and gathering and preparing material on client healthcare outcomes.
• May assist with conducting monthly status contact visits with clients located throughout the State of Texas and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Experience and education in a field related to the agency program. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a field relevant to the assignment is generally preferred.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the program area; public administration techniques; training, and marketing techniques; and program management processes and techniques.
• Skills in identifying measures or indicators of program performance, using a computer and applicable software, and communicating effectively.
• Knowledge of management techniques, statistical analysis processes, budget processes, and research techniques.
• Ability to provide guidance to others and serve as a lead worker providing direction to others.
• Must pass a name-based background check upon hire and an FBI fingerprint check conducted by the Judicial Branch Certification Commission, JBCC, and every two years thereafter. Must obtain and maintain Guardianship Certification through the JBCC within one year of employment.