Texas Family First 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: Texas Family First Program Specialist 
Job Title: CPS FBSS Prog Spec V 
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc 
Department: CPS Dir of FBSS St Prg Supp 
Posting Number: 8473 
Closing Date: 09/24/2025 
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 20% 
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: No direct military equivalent. 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

This position reports to the FBSS Division Administrator. Performs 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, government agencies, community organizations, or the general public. May serve as a lead worker providing direction to others. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Markets program(s) to community and professional groups to encourage and/or improve interest in the program(s) and to secure support for the program(s).
• Works with Community Based Care staff to assist with issues encountered that are unique to the Single Source Continuum Contractor population.
• Provide assistance and support to non-agency external users of the supported DFPS applications.
• Represents Program Support in projects with the Community Based Care Liaison and Project Manager for any needed changes to the IMPACT application.

Consults with public and private agencies involved in the programs to resolve problems, identify training needs, and discuss program effectiveness.
• Acts as the liaison for agency field staff, external entities, Program Liaisons and Information Technology to ensure requested enhancements to agency applications serve the needs and follow the procedures of the agency.
• Assists external users in the proper functionality of agency applications and trains these users as necessary to correct the issues experienced.

Coordinates and conducts surveys, inspections, or reviews to determine compliance with certification requirements, laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Reviews application project requirements to ensure compliance with agency policies and applicable laws.
• Tests changes made to the IMPACT application to verify functionality does not violate any policies or procedures in place.
• Staff scheduled application changes with Information Technology to ensure they comply with current agency practices.

Analyzes performance data to help ensure compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules; and recommends corrective action(s) as needed.
• Tracks incidents reported through the help desk to recognize defects and trends being reported by agency staff.
• Test and recommend fixes to application issues to mitigate down time experienced by agency staff.
• Works with Program Support Management Analyst to provide any needed to determine severity of issues reported to assign priority levels.

Analyzes the application of and variations within programs, and develops action plans to improve or initiate new programs.
• Works with Program Support Management Analyst to review proposed projects to help determine any needed application changes or additions.

Analyzes legislation to develop recommendations for policy in programmatic issues relating to the implementation, improvement, and/or expansion or reduction of program funding.
• May be required to review legislative changes to identify any necessary changes to the IMPACT application.
• Assist in identifying application process changes that are required as a result of new legislation.
• May be asked to attend meetings or workgroups to determine if legislative changes apply to different areas within DFPS.

Collects, organizes, analyzes, and/or prepares materials in response to requests for program information and reports.
• May be required to test and analyze newly created applications and provide results and feedback to developers.
• Consult with the Program Support Management Analyst to produce any needed reports to support requested changes or change priority levels assigned to projects.

Determines program statistics and trends and resolves operational problems.
• Monitor tickets reported to identify trends and issues being experienced by agency staff and help identify resolutions.

Prepares administrative reports and studies; and performs specialized research projects.
• Conducts research on application issues submitted by field staff from all agency programs to provide resolution within accepted agency policies and procedures.
• Attend triage meetings to provide information and research data to assist in assigning priorities to current issues being experienced.

May develop program policies, procedures, standards, and manuals in accordance with program objectives and goals.
• Assist unit supervisor in maintaining unit procedures on issue resolutions and approved data fixes.
• Communicate known issues to the team members and provide standards established on resolutions.

May identify and prioritize business needs, ensuring alignment with agency goals.
• Provide feedback on needed changes to training manuals produced for field staff in the use of supported agency applications.

May serve as a lead worker providing direction to others.
• Communicate with team members on current issues and defects, including all agency approved resolutions and work-arounds.
• May be asked to provide direction to team members on proper resolution of issues.

Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

Knowledge of Texas Family First Pilot Program.

Knowledge of the operations, policies, and procedures used in field work for at least one DFPS program area.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, policies, and best practices relating to health and human services, business fundamentals, key internal and external customers, and individual and team behaviors.

Skill in:

Skill in analytical thinking and ability to solve problems.
Skill in analyzing software applications, defects, and business problems to draw evidence-based conclusions and solutions.
Skill in consensus building.
Skill in consultation and negotiation.

Ability to:

Ability to work independently with limited direction in using initiative and judgment.
Ability to learn DFPS specific applications, technology, and terminology.
Ability to learn customer support processes and techniques.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, clearly document relevant issues, and prepare accurate, concise, reliable reports.
Ability to use office productivity software including Microsoft Office Suite, Access, SQL, and ticket tracking software to gather, modify, and test data.
Ability to handle multiple priorities/projects and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
Ability to research data requests and completes system data corrections to include manipulation of the system database.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Candidate will be an FBSS Specialist III or above and/or have three years experience in Family Based Safety Services Program area with thorough knowledge of DFPS programs, policy, and use of DFPS internal applications.

Additional Information:

This position is only open to current DFPS employees.  This position may be housed where space is available, but preferred in Texas Family First Pilot regions. 

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.