Youth & Family Programs Program Specialist VI

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Youth & Family Programs Program Specialist VI 
Job Title: Program Specialist VI 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: FSS Cont, Fin & Admn Supp 
Posting Number: 7787 
Closing Date: 09/03/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $6,250.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Eligible for 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: 701 W 51ST ST 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,86P0,88A0,88B0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description

This position plays a key leadership role within the Family Support Services (FSS) division, supporting statewide youth-and family-focused services such as Fatherhood Effects, Texas Service Members, Veterans and military families, and Family and Youth Success through funding community-based programs. This position serves as a team lead and is responsible for coordinating day-to-day operations, including advancing unit initiatives, assignments, and projects. The Youth and Family Programs Lead will be a motivated and adaptable individual supporting the division administrator for Youth and Family programs and the Youth and Family program specialists to support community-based grantees implementing programs.

The team lead is responsible for developing and executing training and technical assistance for grantees and program specialists, leading and supporting program implementation projects, and assisting with programmatic monitoring and site visits. The team lead also contributes to strategic planning and policy development as a subject matter expert where needed. Serving as a liaison or FSS representative for both internal and external stakeholders to include meetings, presentations, and workgroups.

The position overall performs highly advanced and complex technical, consultative and professional work designed to promote the FSS and HHSC vision and mission. The role requires an initiative-taking, adaptable professional who can operate with a high level of autonomy ensuring effective communication, independent and critical judgment, and delivery of services aimed at promoting healthy outcomes and community strengthening are achieved. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

Program and Policy Development

Provides leadership and support in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs and policies aligned with agency goals. Collaborates with public and private stakeholders to identify needs, resolve service delivery issues, and enhance program outcomes. Leads project development and contributes to long-term strategic planning efforts. Analyzes program implementation and variations to recommend and develop action plans for continuous improvement. Serves as a program evaluator for grant funding opportunities, ensuring applications align with established priorities. Develops policies, procedures, standards, and program manuals to support effective and consistent operations. Prepares administrative reports, including data analysis and actionable recommendations to inform decision-making.

Program Grant Administration

Oversees grant administration processes by collecting, analyzing, and organizing program information in response to internal and external requests. Monitors grantee performance to ensure compliance with goals outlined in grant agreements and offers guidance to support successful implementation. Reviews grant deliverables and progress reports, and contributes to the development of federal grant applications to ensure alignment with Family Support Services (FSS) program objectives and requirements.

Technical Assistance, Support, and Consultation

Delivers technical assistance, training, and consultative services to staff and community partners to support program planning, implementation, and evaluation. Develops training materials and conducts sessions to address identified needs. Collaborates with state agencies and cross-sector partners through workgroups and initiatives. Offers guidance to community providers on adopting new practices and procedures. Evaluates program operations, including budget requests and financial alignment with service goals.

General Duties

Provides daily leadership and supervision to a team of program specialists, ensuring activities align with divisional and agency objectives and comply with federal and state requirements. Oversees the programmatic implementation of Family Support Services (FSS), coordinating with Youth and Family Program Specialists and FSS staff to achieve meaningful outcomes for families. Participates in on-site visits, attends meetings, and represents the program in various forums as needed. Perform related work as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

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 engaging and collaborating with parents, expectant families, and families with youth is desirable. Knowledge of parent education programs, family programming, and collaborating with community-based organizations to support and strengthen outcomes for youth, 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

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
N/A

Initial Selection Criteria:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a field relevant to the assignment is generally preferred. Experience may be substituted for education on a year-by-year basis. Experience in child and family services, social work, working with parents and caregivers, program operations, child development, counseling, or other related area.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

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.