Program Specialist V

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals.  

What You Get Beyond Your Paycheck

When you join the State of Texas, your monthly paycheck is just one part of your real income. Our benefits provide extra value that many private employers simply don’t match—often adding hundreds of dollars each month to what you take home or save.

Here’s what you get as a full-time employee:

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for)
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance—at rates much lower than most private plans
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

You also might qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which could help you pay off federal student loans faster.

You can see all the details here: ERS recruitment brochure

Functional Title: Program Specialist V 
Job Title: Program Specialist V 
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc 
Department: Central Background Check Unit 
Posting Number: 11927 
Closing Date: 12/24/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Protective Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 
Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $7,253.83 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 25% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 4900 N LAMAR BLVD 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

This position reports to the Manager of the Background Checks (BC) team.  The position is responsible for providing highly advanced consultative and technical assistance work in developing strategies and decision making related to background checks agency-wide.  This position is responsible for minimizing risk to DFPS clients and staff through consistent and accurate application and assessment of background check policies.  The Program Specialist is also responsible for drafting new policy, editing existing policies, and creating/monitoring work flow processes related to program functions.  The Program Specialist provides technical assistance, training, written clarifications, and interpretation of policies related to background checks to agency staff, providers and all relevant stakeholders. The position collects, organizes, and analyzes material in response to requests for information and reports and is responsible for preparation of administrative reports, studies, and specialized research projects as needed. The Program Specialist provides team leadership and may oversee the work of others. The position will routinely serve as a subject matter expert on background checks and function as a liaison for many internal and external stakeholders, which may include outside attorneys and various law enforcement officials. The Program Specialist assists BC Managers with special projects as assigned.

Essential Job Functions

• Oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies and procedures that impact DFPS Background Check staff.  Responsible for the on-going maintenance of the BC Safety Net and Internet pages which may include updating and revising existing policies maintained by DFPS Background Checks. (Total 20%)  
• Participates in stakeholder meetings and other meetings on behalf of DFPS Background Checks. Serves as subject matter expert and liaison to staff, government agencies, community organizations, or the general public to assist in explaining background check policies and procedures, as well as laws, rules and statutory requirements which must be followed by DFPS related to background check functions and requirements.  (Total 15%)
• Serves as the IT liaison and project lead for IT related projects and/or initiatives that impact DFPS Background Checks.  Responsible for maintaining and prioritizing System Improvement Requests (SIR) submitted by DFPS Background Checks.  (Total 15%)
• Conducts and runs quality assurance reports on BC staff.  Responsible for ensuring DFPS Background Check staff complete background checks according to policy by reviewing a sample of work for each staff on a monthly basis. (15%)   
• Oversees the development of training materials to support the division and implements training action plans to ensure the handling, completion, and interpretation of background checks is consistent across the agency. (Total 10%)    
• Serves as the legislative coordinator and point of contact.  Responsible for completing bill analysis to determine impact on the DFPS Background Checks team and reporting recommendations to the DFPS Background Checks Manager.   (10%)    
• Collects, organizes, and analyzes material in response to requests for information and reports from agencies such as the Department of Public Safety.  Responsible for preparation of administrative reports such as the DFPS Background Checks employee performance reports and monthly reports. (Total 10%)    
• Assigns and monitors the work of others.  Serve as team lead for the other program specialists in DFPS Background Checks.   (5%)

Licensure, Certification OR Registration: 

None required. 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilites:  

Extensive knowledge of the criminal and abuse/neglect background check policies and processes in Department of Family and Protective Services.   

• Ability to conduct a thorough and appropriate risk analysis. 
• Ability to perform background checks.
• Ability to work independently, with limited direction and on short deadlines.  
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication. 
• Ability to write policy and design processes.
• Skill at establishing and maintaining productive working relationships both internally and externally.
• Ability to manage a project team in design, development, and deployment.
• Ability to present complex information in simple, meaningful ways at training sessions, conferences, and hearings.
• Ability to develop written reports and materials suitable for specific audiences, including licensed providers, 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 plan, direct, and assign responsibilities and provide oversight for the work of others.
• Ability to plan and develop training.
• Ability to develop and evaluate administrative policies and procedures and to devise solutions to administrative problems. 
• Ability to lead workgroups.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university is preferred. Education and/or experience equivalent to a four-year college degree may be substituted for the four-year degree. Experience leading projects, writing rules, analyzing legislation, working as a policy analyst, or program specialist. Experience with the DFPS background check program, the FINDRS program, DFPS program experience or HHS regulatory experience preferred.

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.