Early Childhood Program Specialist V

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Within the Family Support Services (FSS) Division and under the direction of the Division Administrator for Early Childhood Programs, this position provides oversight and support for community-based grantees implementing FSS Early Childhood programs. This position will provide program support for FSS Early Childhood Programs such as the Healthy Outcomes through Prevention and Early Support (HOPES) Program, Texas Home Visiting Program (THV), and Texas Nurse-Family Partnership (TNFP) Program. These programs are designed to strengthen families with young children, promote child and family well-being, and support positive outcomes for families with children, infants through five years. The programs include services such as evidence-based parent education, early childhood service coordination, early childhood systems building, and other family supports.

The Program Specialist position provides consultative services and technical assistance to grantees, service providers, other division staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, and the public. The Program Specialist engages in program planning, writing policies and procedures, coordination, and facilitation of meetings, conducting site visits, conducting training, preparing reports, and other work as needed. The Program Specialist provides program monitoring and oversight to ensure effective delivery of services to parents and families and identifies areas for continuous improvement. Work also involves program planning and development, interpreting grant requirements, data analysis, program operations and grantee budget review, grantee orientation and training, and convening internal and external workgroups. The position also provides guidance and general communication to ensure coordination with HHSC program goals and objectives. Requires initiative and independent judgement.

Essential Job Functions:

Performs a variety of technical assistance, training, research, planning, policy, program assessment, and administrative activities for assigned programs.

Demonstrates knowledge of child and family services, program management, and other related areas.

Provides consultative services and technical assistance to grantees throughout the planning and implementation of programs and services.

Monitors required performance and recommends appropriate action plans, changes, or improvements to strengthen programs.

Provides high-level consultation and guidance by interpreting standards, policies, procedures, and regulations related to the program.

Assists grantees in developing plans and setting goals.

Organizes and presents complex information to team members, division staff and partners, management, and external stakeholders to include written materials, routine communication, facilitation, and training.

Conducts training (e.g., outreach and recruitment, family engagement, program implementation) and provides guidance to grantees in the development and integration of new or revised practices and procedures. Training may be conducted with individual grantees, grantee cohorts, or large-scale training involving all grantees.

Oversees grant initiative implementation and offers support to help community-based programs meet performance measures.

Reviews and interprets data related to grantee performance, analyzes grantee data and information, and prepares reports, briefings, and informational materials that include grantee information, trends, summaries, and recommendations for improvement.

Develops program policies, procedures, standards, and manuals in accordance with program objectives and goals.

Consults and works collaboratively with Early Childhood team members, within the FSS Division, and with community and other state agency stakeholders and partners.

Evaluates program operations, budget alignment, and program budget requests.

Travels, attends in-person meetings, and conducts site visits routinely.

Has knowledge of program planning and procurements.

Communicates effectively orally and in writing.

Performs additional work as required and is adaptable to changing work needs.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:         

Not applicable

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:   

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the program area; public administration and management techniques; statistical analysis processes; budget processes; research techniques; training and marketing techniques; and program management processes and techniques.

• Knowledge of interpreting grant or policy requirements is desired but not required. Knowledge of the implementation and planning of services such as evidence-based parent education, and/or working with children and families within community organizations, state or federal agencies is desirable. Knowledge of program planning and development preferred. Knowledge of working with parents and families and/or populations including expecting parents and families with young children desirable. Knowledge of parent education program; family programming; understanding of challenges of parent or caregivers and knowledge of working alongside community-based organizations to support and strengthen outcomes for young children, parents, and families is desirable.
• Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance and the use of a computer and applicable software.
• Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems; to market programs; to prepare reports; to develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures; to communicate effectively; and to serve as a lead worker providing direction to others.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in social services, human services, or related field relevant is generally preferred. Experience and education may be substituted on a year for year basis. Experience in early childhood services, social work, working with parents and caregivers, program operations, child development, counseling, or other related area. Experience in report writing, data analysis, and budget experience preferred. Experience in training, giving presentations, and facilitating meetings.

Additional Information:

This is an Austin-based position that requires up to five days in-office attendance as directed by management.  FSS is currently hiring three Program Specialist Vs, one of which is 100% federally funded.

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

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.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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 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.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.