Program Specialist IV

Date:  Oct 16, 2025
Location: 

SAN ANTONIO, 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: Program Specialist IV 
Job Title: Program Specialist IV 
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc 
Department: COA APS Contracts 
Posting Number: 10294 
Closing Date: 11/15/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Protective Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20 
Salary Range: $4,263.16 - $6,779.25 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 20% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: SAN ANTONIO 
Job Location Address: 3635 SE MILITARY DR 
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: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 



Brief Job Description:    

**This position location is to be housed in Austin however other locations will be considered based on office availability and qualifications.**

 

This position supports the APS Division Manager and aids and support to the APS Contract Unit housed throughout the state. Performs contract management work which involves coordinating, developing, and evaluating a broad range of contracts. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for use of initiative and independent judgement. This position will accomplish group goals and objectives through assisting and supporting others to achieve program goals and assignments. The position will require knowledge in working with SCOR, CAPPS Financial, IMPACT, Excel, Word, SharePoint and other applicable systems. This position is responsible for ongoing updates to internal tracking systems and quality assurance. The position will interact with DFPS Leadership, DFPS staff, and other State agency staff at all levels and the public. This position will also interact with stakeholders, contractors and/or potential applicants. May serve as a lead worker providing direction to others and covering in manager’s absence. 

 

Essential Job Functions:  

  • Conducts quality assurances checks to ensure contact management compliance within the APS Purchased Client Services unit by assuring the unit’s contracts adhere to contracting guidelines, handbooks, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • Develops and maintains the unit’s resources through documenting and maintaining contract processes for the unit. Assists with developing APS contract guidelines and procedures. Trains, leads, and provides technical assistance and guidance on quality assurance strategies and contract management-related issues.  
  • Prepares documents and reports. Evaluates expenditure data and makes projections to ensure appropriate use of funds. Coordinates and facilitates the completion of requests and assignments. Is responsible for ensuring staff compliance with data entry and contract file requirements.
  • Processes requisitions and works closely with HHS, chart field, operations, and program staff to ensure purchase orders for the delivery of client services are received timely.
  • Leads, facilitates, and represents APS contracts in workgroups. Maintains effective communication and working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Serves as a liaison between internal and external stakeholders. Interprets policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and standards related to the program to ensure compliance with contract management requirements.
  • Coordinates and/or develops solicitations, contracts, and amendments by identifying provider resources, describing services to be rendered, evaluating information supplied by bidders, and negotiating contract specifications. Coordinates and facilitates procurement-related meetings such as kick-off and pre-proposal meetings, post-award conferences, team briefings, and evaluation scorings. Coordinates the risk assessment process for contract monitoring and planning. Monitors contract performance by examining billings, fiscal data, and eligibility determinations for compliance with terms of contracts and policies and recommends cancellation of contracts when deviations occur. Administers the billing process and eligibility monitoring functions for contract billings.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Knowledge Skills Abilities:        

  • Knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, Word, IMPACT, SCOR, CAPPS, CAPPS Fin, SharePoint, and other applicable systems.
  • Knowledge of contracting regulations and policies to include contract billing/invoicing, contract monitoring, contract management, and contract closeout processes.
  • Knowledge of basic legal concepts related to contracting.
  • Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to contracting and procurement.
  • Knowledge of contract monitoring and evaluation of contractor performance.
  • Ability to evaluate fiscal and programmatic data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with contract requirements.
  • Ability to understand new information effectively and quickly and relay that information to others.
  • Skill in professional and effective written and verbal communication.
  • Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
  • Ability to calculate detailed math formulas accurately.
  • Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete multiple tasks with deadlines.
  • Ability to function as a team member.
  • 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 work independently with little supervision.
  • Ability to lead the work of others.
  • Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
  • Ability to manage contracts in SCOR and ensures all contract close-out activities are performed according to policy.

 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

The successful applicant must earn a CTCM (Certified Texas Contract Manager certification) within 18 months of hire and comply with all ongoing certification requirements. 

 

Initial Screening Criteria:

  • Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
  • Two years full-time contract management or planning, organizing, and coordinating requirements for an entire program area where a wide range of demands are involved, including interpretation of complex written material and analysis of data.
  • Texas Department of Family and Protective Services experience preferred.

 

Additional Information:   

  • The position will require travel to meetings and training around the State on a periodic basis.
  • This position must earn a Texas Contract Manager Certification (CTCM) within 18 months of hiring and maintain the certification.
  • Salary will be calculated according to DFPS salary policy.
  • This position is housed in Austin however other locations will be considered based on office availability and qualifications.

 

 

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: San Antonio