Program Specialist VII

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Functional Title: Program Specialist VII 
Job Title: Program Specialist VII 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: TTF Admin 
Posting Number: 11397 
Closing Date: 12/04/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25 
Salary Range: $5,797.66 - $9,508.25 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 20% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST 
Other Locations: Austin 
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

The Program Specialist VII, under the direction of the Family Health Services (FHS), Thriving Texas Families (TTF) Director will provide strategic direction, planning, guidance, and technical assistance for program operations for TTF. This position works under minimal direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment and ensure all TTF policies and procedures adhere to and are in compliance with all HHSC and state contracting and procurement guidelines. 

The PS VII leads legislative and external stakeholder activities including bill analyses, media inquiries, open record requests, presentations, and implementation plans. May train, lead, assign, and/or prioritize the work of others. Formats, reviews, edits, and routes programmatic reports and related documents for FHS management approval. Assists in resolving technical problems and providing programmatic technical assistance. Assesses the effectiveness of program policies and develops recommendations to standardize or improve systems. Maintains records and information in accordance with division policy. Reviews and analyzes programmatic reports to ensure compliance with division, HHSC and statutory requirements.

May represent the TTF Program at workgroups and with stakeholders. Advises the TTF Director on all current TTF programmatic activities and potential risks or issues related to program and policy, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

This position is also responsible for preparing and reviewing curricula, promotional materials, procurements, reports, grant applications, statutes, policies, and policy and procedure development.

Essential Job Functions

(25%) Maintains program policies and prepares state reports. Ensure that the program operates within state and Agency requirements. Represents the agency to other HHS divisions, state agencies, the community, and professional groups, as directed, or other state agencies. Keeps management informed of issues that may need to be escalated. Resolves issues and provides clarification to HHSC departments in relation to program policies and procedures.

(15%) Assists with the coordination of program strategic planning and management activities to implement and monitor the program mission, vision and objectives including program risk mitigation. Conducts regular evaluation of program activities to assist with the implementation of program improvements and makes recommendations for policy and program issues to implement program improvements and processes.

(15%) Consults with leadership to resolve problems, identify and develop training needs and engage in analysis and discussion of program evaluation and effectiveness. 

(15%) Coordinates with Chief Public Affairs Office to compile, track, and respond to legislative, media inquiries and open record requests.

(10%) Prepares written state reports to include statistical data explanation of grantee performance outcomes. 

(10%) Supervises staff on the collection and  analysis of data and develops action plans and monitors program compliance with state reporting requirements.

(5%) Reviews Grantee curricula and promotions materials.

(5%) Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to make presentations and write technical and program information in a professional and understandable format.

Ability to interpret policies and develop effective operating procedures.

Skill in legislative analysis and policy research.

Knowledge of project management principles and ability to implement new initiatives. 

Knowledge of Texas legislative process. 

Knowledge of agency, state, and federal procurements, policies, procedures, and regulations.

Ability to independently coordinate and analyze necessary tasks.

Skill with developing and maintaining professional relationships;

Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.

Skill in identifying problems and evaluating solutions.

Skill in working collaboratively in a team manner with internal, and external stakeholders and agency leadership.

Ability to interact effectively with others;

Ability to interpret and apply federal and state statutes, regulations, agency, rules, policies, and procedures related to program activities;

Ability to organize and present information in a concise and effective manner. 

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

N/A

Initial Selection Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. Experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis. Experience in policy development, researching, or evaluating HHSC social service programs preferred. 

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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.