Human Trafficking 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 Human Trafficking Specialist - Program Specialist VI (HT Specialist) reports to the Director of Human Trafficking and performs highly advanced (senior-level) analytic, consultative, technical and project management work in support of business goals and objectives related to human trafficking within the population served by DFPS. The position will work closely with the Director to plan, prioritize, and support the development, implementation and evaluation of strategic initiatives and policy improvement projects related to human trafficking and child exploitation through a variety of technical activities to include training, research, planning, policy/program and legislative assessment, and administrative oversight and reporting. The HT Specialist serves as a human trafficking subject matter expert in the HT Division and supports the DFPS mission to promote safe and healthy families and protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, through the development of policy, practices and identification services that are: survivor informed; trauma responsive; victim-centered and evidenced-based where possible. Assignments include short-term and long-term high-profile initiatives that require active project management through increased levels of expertise, overall planning, implementation, evaluation, as well as analysis and reporting of project-related risks/issues through regular and ongoing reporting. The HT Specialist routinely collaborates with internal and external stakeholders and cross-functional teams/workgroups and provides the needed logistical support for successful human trafficking prevention and intervention program/policy and legislation implementation and evaluation. This includes coordinating the dissemination of information, developing systems, and promotion of process improvement activities, compiling and submitting scheduled reports and facilitating stakeholder meetings.

*This is NOT a telework position. Preferred position location is Austin, but other cities may be considered. *

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Provides logistics to facilitate the execution of division goals and objectives consistent with the DFPS strategic plan. Works closely with the Human Trafficking Director, where assigned, to implement, monitor and evaluate human trafficking prevention and intervention policies and procedures. Is familiar with state and federal legislation and judicial mandates around human trafficking. Researches and analyzes information from other agency divisions, other state agencies, community and advocacy groups, and other states for the purpose of planning and program development. Evaluates national trends and stays abreast of current research. (20%)

Serves as a subject matter expert and provides technical assistance, training, written guidelines, and interpretation of policies and procedures to both agency staff and external stakeholders. Travels to field offices regularly to provide training and support. (20%)

Represents the agency at business meetings, court hearings, trials legislative hearings, conferences, and seminars and on boards, panels and committees. (20%)

Seeks stakeholder input, develops a strategy for providing long-term, wraparound services for child victims of human trafficking in Texas and ensure that overall program deliverables are achieved. (15%)

Work closely with the Director to research models of service and programs for child trafficking victims, facilitate the Human Trafficking Prevention and Intervention Training of DFPS personnel, contracted providers and youth in foster care. (10%)

Provides needed logistical support for successful human trafficking prevention and intervention program implementation and evaluation. (10%)

Any other tasks as directed (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of agency policies, procedures and regulations. Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program areas. Knowledge of multidisciplinary teams and community partnerships.

Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships both internally and externally. Skill in developing presentations. Skill in providing logistical support for training. Skill in working with external clients and community stakeholders. Skill in communicating, both orally and in writing, for a wide variety of audiences. Skill in writing readable documents/reports, policies and procedures dealing with complex subject matter.

Ability to apply critical and analytical approach to problem solving. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities with competing priorities. Ability to organize workload, set priorities and adhere to strict deadlines. Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts. Ability to prepare clear and concise reports. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation from high school or equivalent. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. Five (5) years full-time consultative, supervisory, managerial, professional or technical work which must include: analysis of work problems having an administrative aspect and interpretation of complex material; or planning, organizing, and coordinating requirements for support services or program operations where a wide range of demands are involved, interpretation of complex written material or Department of Family and Protective Services experience.

Acceptable Substitutions:

One additional year full-time law enforcement or criminal investigation experience which must include: analysis of work problems having an administrative aspect and interpretation of complex material; or planning, organizing, and coordinating requirements for support services or program operations where a wide range of demands are involved, interpretation of complex written material or forensic investigation experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education, with a maximum substitution of four years. Graduate degree may be substituted for the required experience, with a maximum substitution of two years.

Additional Information:

Individuals with lived experience strongly encouraged to apply.

Selected applicants must successfully complete an In-Basket to be eligible for an interview.

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.