Title IV-E Federal Funds Program Specialist

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 citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, longevity pay, generous paid leave, access to the Wellness program, lifetime retirement annuity, Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

Functional Title: Title IV-E Federal Funds Program Specialist
Job Title: Federal Funds Prog Spec VI
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc

Department: Rate Modernization Prjct Mgmt

Posting Number: 4712
Closing Date: 04/22/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Protective Services
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $8,304.83
Shift: Day

Additional Shift: Days (First)

Telework:

Travel: Up to 15%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: ((custOfficeAdd))

Other Locations:

MOS Codes:

No direct military equivalent.

Brief Job Description

Performs highly advanced (senior level) consultative services and technical assistance work. Work involves planning, developing, and implementing major agency program(s) and providing consultative services and technical assistance to program staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, or the general public. May serve as a lead worker providing direction to others. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Essential Job Functions

Plans, prioritizes, and performs a variety of technical training, research, planning, policy, program assessment, and administrative activities for assigned program(s) including overseeing the delivery of services; provides high-level technical assistance for a program; and creates efficiencies where opportunities occur.

• Defining project implementation methods, deliverables, and timeframes.
• Developing workflows, procedures, and guidelines.
• Coordinating and leading cross-divisional teams, with internal and external stakeholders, to support development of consistent and accurate content and publication of Title IV-E allowable deliverables.

Coordinates the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of materials in response to requests for program information and reports.

• Developing and delivering presentations and trainings related to Title IV-E to educate internal and external stakeholders (including but not limited to all divisions within DFPS, HHSC, the judiciary, legal community, local and state CASA, and community advocate agencies) on the maximization of federal funds project implementation and oversight and ensure timely and accurate communication.
• Reviews, develops, and/or approves policy or procedural changes and/or submits recommendations for changes to finance, executive, and legislative management.

Completes and monitors required administrative and performance reports, studies, and specialized projects; and recommends appropriate changes to programs.

• Provides input and recommendations to improve federal funds claiming, implementation, and oversight processes.
• As new methods are developed, works directly with state and local staff to develop new policies and procedures.

Ensures compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules; and takes corrective action(s) as needed.

• Developing written protocols, policies, and procedures to support the maximization of Title IV-E federal funding claims.
• Researching and developing requests for policy changes and TAC rule waivers.
• Utilizes information collected on other states, federal and state law to create efficiencies in processes and procedures to help enhance the ability to maximize federal funding.

Provides high-level advice and counsel by interpreting policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and standards related to the program.

• Serves as the agency Subject Matter Expert for Title IV-E policy to ensure compliance with State and Federal regulations and Child Care Licensing Standards.
• Interprets State and Federal regulations, Child Care Licensing Standards, and program policy.
• Research deficiencies and makes corrective actions as needed.
• Coordinates with relevant DFPS and HHSC divisions to complete (development, review and approve) necessary policy changes or recommendations for submittal to management.

Performs and/or oversees studies and analyses of operations and problems and the preparation of reports of findings and recommendations.

• Works directly with universities and other contract providers to review and provide input into enhancing federal funding maximization.
• Coordinates with DFPS and HHSC leadership to implement findings and recommendations from universities and other stakeholders on Title IV-E maximization.

Analyzes legislation to develop recommendations for policy in programmatic issues relating to the implementation, improvement, and/or expansion or reduction of program funding; and assists in responding to legislative and external inquiries and requests.

• Provides written responses to legislative bills and inquiries in coordination with internal and external stakeholders and management.
• Provides written updates to legislative bill implementation plans.
• Develops cost analysis to legislative bills in coordination with DFPS Finance and management.
• Develops and writes policy from new legislation that impacts Title IV-E policy and federal funds.

Speaks to the community and professional groups to coordinate, improve, and stimulate interest in the program(s) and to secure support for the program(s).

• Prepares power point presentations for diverse audiences.
• Presents material to internal local and statewide DFPS and HHSC staff and external stakeholders and stakeholder groups, such as advisory councils, local provider meetings, Children's Commission, CASA, etc.

Consults with public and private agencies involved in the programs to resolve problems, identify training needs, and discuss program effectiveness.

• Utilizes feedback from internal and external stakeholders, residential providers, CASA, Children's Commission, DFPS state and local staff to inform needed training and/or resolution approaches.
• Coordinates and facilitates meetings to identify issues and make agreed-upon decisions on resolution.
• Memorializes issue resolutions and/or recommends contract amendments to management.

Prepares and evaluates program budget requests.

• In coordination with management and DFPS Finance, develops written budget requests with justification to DFPS executive leadership and the Texas Legislature.

Assists management with developing program policies, procedures, standards, and manuals, and planning program activities in accordance with program objective and goals.

• Works directly with DFPS and HHSC management to coordinate and facilitate meetings.
• Ensures published policies and procedures are accessible to the public.
• In coordination with DFPS Learning and Development division, completes (drafts, reviews, finalizes) training curriculum based on agreed upon changes.
• In coordination with DFPS Learning and Development division, provides in-person and/or virtual training to staff and other stakeholders.

Assists management with developing and implementing effective techniques for evaluating agency programs, identifying the need for new programs, and providing guidance to staff in the development and integration of new methods and procedures.

• Provides input and recommendations to improve the overall system and implementation processes.
• As new methods are developed, works directly with state and local staff to develop new procedures.
• Memorializes new procedures as needed and/or works with the Purchased Client Services and Community-based Care Divisions to develop contract amendments.

May serve as the lead on implementation and ongoing management of complex program initiatives.

• Serves as the lead Title IV-E Program Specialist and Subject Matter Expert (SME) for specified policy and procedures.
• As the lead Program Specialist, leads all project management activities related to the maximization of Title IV-E funding as a part of the project.
• As needed, serves as the Title IV-E SME on other agency initiatives/project workgroups, and provides perspective and input to new policies/procedures resulting from agency initiatives.

May coordinate and implement risk and compliance activities.

• Works directly with the DFPS Office of Finance, CPS, Purchased Client Services Divisions and HHSC to develop and implement transition risk and readiness tools.
• Works with staff, providers, and other stakeholders to review risk and readiness tools as it relates to Title IV-E maximization efforts.

May serve as a lead worker providing direction to others.

• Serves as the Title IV-E Program Specialist lead for the Office of Finance to provide direction and guidance.
• Works directly with agency leadership to provide direction related to new legislation, and other changes in federal policy and processes.

Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the program area; public administration and management techniques; statistical analysis processes; budget processes; research techniques; training and marketing techniques; and program management processes and techniques.

Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance and the use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems; to market programs; to prepare reports; to develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures; to communicate effectively; and to serve as a lead worker providing direction to others.

Knowledge of the Texas Foster Care System, the Community-Based Care model, and the Family First Prevention Services Act; knowledge of agency program and contract policy, procedures and regulations; skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and in managing teams; skill in stakeholder engagement and developing consensus; skill in problem-solving and resolution of disputes; skill in effective oral and written communication; ability to develop and use project management processes, practices and tools; ability to gather, assemble, correlate and analyze facts; ability to travel locally within the catchment area (region) as well as outside the catchment area on an as needed basis; ability to work non-traditional hours as necessary.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None required.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. Four years of state and/or federal policy development and implementation experience required. Master's Degree preferred.

Additional Information:

This position may be required to work outside of normal business hours on occasion.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor's Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver's record check.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files.

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.