QA/ Project Manager 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.

Brief Job Description:

The QA/ Project Management Program Specialist reports to the Deputy Director of Purchased Client Services. This position performs highly advanced (senior level) project management, technical assistance, and quality assurance work. Work involves researching, collaborating, planning, developing, and implementing special projects for Purchased Client Services (PCS). This position will also assist with providing consultative services, project management, technical assistance, and quality assurance to internal and external stakeholders, which includes acting as a liaison for Purchased Client Services. May serve as a lead worker providing direction to others. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Internal and External Relationship Management: 

• Responsible for building, establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with DFPS internal and external stakeholders;
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to identify areas to improve PCS contracting procedures, policies, operations, and program coordination associated with outcomes in alignment with DFPS goals, objectives, strategic efforts and initiatives; 
• Provides efficient and effective technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders, which includes acting as a liaison for PCS; and
• Responsible for ensuring the PCS Deputy Director is kept abreast of project status, issues, and efforts prior to formal sharing with other areas.

Quality Assurance Management and Reporting: 

• Uses reports, data, and projections to identify areas potentially needing quality assurance reviews regarding internal contract compliance with contracting policy;
• Assists with quality assurance reviews to determine compliance with appropriate state and federal laws, rules, policies, procedures, and the Comptroller by reviewing the scope of work, specifications, and conditions for various contracts across the division;
• Research and compile data on issues relevant to project / division objectives and initiatives; and
• Prepares documents and reports and maintains and manages materials and data in support of project work.

Data Resource Management: 

• Assist in the management of the PCS SharePoint;
• Completes ad-hoc reports and special assignments timely and accurately and ensures issues are escalated, if necessary; and 
• Evaluates and reviews statewide data regularly and consistently so that change management processes are implemented and documented to improve contracting and purchase client service delivery.

Contract Project/Program Planning, Development, and Implementation: 

• Responsibility for participating in special project/program initiatives including the planning, development, and implementation of process improvements and initiatives; and
• Participates on project teams and workgroups in the development of initiatives, process improvements, and statewide policy, procedures, and tasks.
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Liaison: 

• This position will serve as the legislative liaison between PCS and Government Relations following up on any legislative inquiries and serves as the legislative coordinator during legislative session scheduling bill analysis with management, tracking bills, and assist with the implementation plans for any passed bills that affect the division.
• This position will serve as the liaison between PCS and Contract Oversight and Support (COS), working to establish, develop, update, and monitor existing Contract Handbook policy to meet the needs of the PCS Contracting division. This will include work with stakeholders within PCS to ensure written policy meets the needs of all the internal contracting areas within the division;
• This position will serve as the liaison between PCS and Records Management Group (RMG) attending workgroups, researching, and answering questions, and collaborating with RMG and internal stakeholders for any updates and/ or monitoring of existing record retention requirements for the division; and
• This position also serves as the liaison between PCS and the DFPS forms coordinator, DFPS Web Update Team, and Learning & Development. 

Knowledge Skills Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Contracting regulations and policies.
• Project Management in strategic planning, leadership and resource management and in providing quality assurance consultation to, or oversight of, projects, assignments or special initiatives.
• Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, TEAMS, Word, IMPACT, SCOR, CAPPS, and SharePoint or the ability to learn.

Skill in:

• Skill in effective written and verbal communication.
• Skill in presenting information effectively to varying levels if staff.  
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective and productive working relationships both internally and externally working relationships.

Ability to:

• Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete multiple tasks with deadlines.
• Ability to interpret and apply state policies, rules and regulations.
• Ability to identify problems and make recommendations to correct.
• Ability to work in a stressful environment and meet deadlines.  
• Ability to lead and facilitate workgroups.
• Ability to present complex information in simple, meaningful ways.
• Ability to ensure a strong attention to detail
• Ability to develop written reports and materials suitable for specific audiences including community members, contractors, internal staff, executive staff, and legislators.
• Ability to apply a critical and analytical approach to problem solving and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to understand new information effectively and quickly.
• Ability to work independently and with limited direction.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None.  

CTCM Required within 18 months of hire.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and two years full-time contract development or management of contracting processes; or graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and two planning, organizing, and coordinating requirements for support services or program operations where a wide range of demands are involved, including interpretation of complex written material and analysis of data. DFPS experience preferred

Additional Information:

This position can be housed anywhere in the State.

CTCM Certification is required within 18 months of hire.

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.