Apply now »

Lead Appeals Specialist

Date: Aug 14, 2025

Location:

AUSTIN, TX

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: Lead Appeals Specialist
Job Title: Program Specialist VI
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc
Department: Resolution Specialists
Posting Number: 7223
Closing Date: 08/28/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Protective Services
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $8,304.83
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 15%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 4900 N LAMAR BLVD
Other Locations: Austin; Abilene; Alamo; Alice; Alpine; Alvin; Amarillo; Anahuac; Andrews; Angleton; Anson; Aransas Pass; Archer City; Arlington; Athens; Atlanta; Bacliff; Ballinger; Bandera; Bastrop; Bay City; Baytown; Beaumont; Bedford; Beeville; Bellville; Big Spring; Boerne; Bonham; Borger; Bowie; Brady; Breckenridge; Brenham; Brownfield; Brownsville; Brownwood; Bryan; Burnet; Caldwell; Cameron; Canton; Canutillo; Carlsbad; Carrizo Springs; Carrollton; Carthage; Center; Centerville; Childress; Clarksville; Cleburne; Cleveland; Coldspring; Columbus; Conroe; Copperas Cove; Corpus Christi; Corsicana; Crockett; Crosby; Crystal City; Cuero; Cypress; Daingerfield; Dallas; Decatur; Del Rio; Denton; Dickinson; Dumas; Duncanville; Eagle Pass; Eastland; Edinburg; El Paso; Elgin; Elsa; Ennis; Fabens; Falfurrias; Floresville; Fort Stockton; Fort Worth; Fredericksburg; Gainesville; Galveston; Garland; Gatesville; Georgetown; Giddings; Gilmer; Goliad; Gonzales; Graham; Granbury; Grand Prairie; Grapevine; Greenville; Hallettsville; Hamilton; Harlingen; Haskell; Hearne; Hemphill; Hempstead; Henderson; Hereford; Hillsboro; Hondo; Houston; Humble; Huntsville; Hurst; Irving; Jacksonville; Jasper; Johnson City; Jourdanton; Karnes City; Katy; Kaufman; Kerrville; Killeen; Kingsville; Kingwood; Kirbyville; La Grange; Lake Jackson; Lake Worth; Lamesa; Lampasas; Lancaster; Laredo; Levelland; Lewisville; Liberty; Linden; Littlefield; Livingston; Llano; Lockhart; Longview; Lubbock; Lufkin; Lumberton; Madisonville; Marble Falls; Marfa; Marlin; Marshall; Mcallen; Mckinney; Mercedes; Meridian; Mesquite; Mexia; Midland; Mineola; Mineral Wells; Mission; Monahans; Mount Pleasant; Mount Vernon; Nacogdoches; Navasota; New Boston; New Braunfels; Odessa; Orange; Palestine; Pampa; Paris; Pasadena; Pearland; Pearsall; Pecos; Perryton; Pharr; Pittsburg; Plainview; Plano; Pollok; Port Arthur; Port Lavaca; Presidio; Quitman; Raymondville; Refugio; Richardson; Richmond; Rio Grande City; Robstown; Rockwall; Rosenberg; Round Rock; Rowlett; Rusk; San Angelo; San Antonio; San Benito; San Juan; San Marcos; San Saba; Schertz; Seguin; Seminole; Seymour; Sherman; Silsbee; Sinton; Snyder; Socorro; Sonora; South Houston; Stephenville; Sugar Land; Sulphur Springs; Sweetwater; Taylor; Temple; Terrell; Texarkana; Texas City; The Woodlands; Tomball; Trinity; Tyler; Uvalde; Van Horn; Vernon; Victoria; Waco; Washington; Watauga; Waxahachie; Weatherford; Webster; Weslaco; Wharton; Wichita Falls; Woodville; Zapata
MOS Codes: No direct military equivalent.

Job Description: The Lead Appeals Program Specialist performs highly complex (senior level) consultative services, technical assistance and oversight of program staff who conduct administrative reviews. The Lead Appeals Program Specialist provides subject matter expertise, consultation and guidance in decision-making, and monitors the status of administrative reviews to ensure timely completion. The position routinely interacts with internal and external stakeholders, and works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Job Functions: Attend work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy. Provide support to the Division Administrator (DA) and represent the business unit in the absence of the DA. Oversee the day-to-day activities of program staff who conduct administrative reviews and provide clear direction on work performance expectations. Responsible for assigning administrative reviews and tracking progress to ensure timely completion. Approve administrative review decisions to ensure compliance with appropriate laws, agency rules, policy and procedures. Provide guidance and professional development to program staff. Facilitate internal/external meetings and workgroups. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal/external stakeholders to ensure coordination, quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of unit’s performance. Address general inquiries, concerns, complaints from internal/external stakeholders and the public related to services provided by program staff and escalate to DA when appropriate. Perform other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.

Knowledge Skills Abilities: Knowledge of the principles and practices of child protective investigations – both family and child care preferred but not required. Knowledge of program areas with the ability to provide subject matter guidance, consultation and leadership to program staff. Skill using database management systems such as IMPACT 1.0, IMPACT 2.0, various Microsoft applications and a working knowledge of CLASS. Ability to manage business function activities. Ability to develop working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to apply a critical and analytical approach to problem solving. Ability to establish goals and objectives. Ability to devise solutions to administrative problems. Ability to communicate effectively both written and oral. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities and to plan, implement, and meet deadlines.
Registration or Licensure Requirements: NA

Initial Selection Criteria: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university plus a minimum of five years’ full-time experience in either Texas DFPS Child Protective Investigations (CPI) or Child Care Investigations (CCI), of which two years have been in a supervisory role with direct reports. Experience in technical work that includes analysis of work problems having an administrative aspect, interpretation of complex written materials, planning, organizing, and coordinating requirements for program operations.

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.

State of Texas employees are required to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), State of Texas Business and Commerce Code. Applicants selected for hire comply with this code by completing related training and abiding by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies.

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.

Nearest Major Market: Austin

Apply now »