Program Specialist (Austin)

Texas Workforce Commission - TWC; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 52,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Program Specialist II to join their team in Austin. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage in consultative services and technical assistance, focusing on energy monitoring and conservation programs. You will be responsible for conducting research, analyzing policies, and collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance program effectiveness. The position promises a supportive work environment with a strong emphasis on work-life balance and professional development. If you're passionate about public service and eager to make a difference, this role is tailored for you.

Benefits

Defined Retirement Benefit Plan

401(k) and 457 accounts

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Sick leave

Vacation leave

Qualifications

• One year of experience in policy development or implementation.
• Knowledge of public administration and management principles.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance and support for agency programs.
• Conduct compliance reviews and prepare administrative reports.
• Collaborate with community organizations and government agencies.

Skills

Consultative service

Technical assistance

Planning and development

Logic and reasoning

Communication skills

Critical thinking

Problem-solving

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Access

Microsoft Office

Visio

SharePoint

Outlook

Job description

Who We Are:
Texas Workforce Commission connects people with careers across the state. While we are based in Austin on the North lawn of the Texas State Capital building at 101 E. 15th Street, Austin Texas. We’re a Family Friendly Certified Workplace with a great work-life balance, competitive salaries, extensive opportunities for training and development, and fantastic benefits.

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those currently on student or postgraduate visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.

You may be interested in this role if you are:
- Highly motivated and experienced with Consultative service and technical assistance, planning, developing.
- Able to create and implement an agency program to staff, government agencies, community organizations, or the general public.

What You Will Do:
The Program Specialist II performs moderately complex (journey-level) consultative services and technical assistance work. Works under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

You will be Trusted to:

1. Perform an array of technical, training, research, planning, policy, program assessment, and administrative activities related to agencies building energy monitoring and conservation program.
2. Perform comprehensive reviews of literature, statutes, rules, and/or policies and prepares administrative reports, studies, and specialized research projects.
3. Provide support and collaborate in the planning, development, implementation, analysis, and documentation of an agency program.
4. Serve as a liaison to staff, government agencies, community organizations, or the general public to explain and provide technical assistance on program specifics and requirements.
5. Conduct surveys and/or reviews to determine compliance with certification requirements, laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
6. Market program(s) to community and professional groups to encourage and improve interest in the program(s).
7. Monitor and review compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules for assigned program.
8. Study and analyze operations and problems, prepares reports of findings and recommendations, and prepares justifications for procedural or policy changes.
9. Assist in reviewing and evaluating information on service delivery system methods, outputs, and activities to identify gaps in resources and recommend improvements.
10. Assist in the collection, organization, analysis, and/or preparation of materials in response to requests for program information and reports.
11. Assist in preparing and evaluating program budget requests.
12. Collaborate with program staff in determining trends and resolving technical problems.
13. Recommend and coordinate activities to produce a more effective program.
14. Assist in analyzing legislation to develop recommendations for policy in programmatic areas relating to the implementation, improvement, and/or expansion or reduction of program funding.
15. Assist in the developing policy and procedure manuals.
16. Provide guidance to others.
17. Perform related work as assigned.

You Are a Great Fit With:

1. Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to business function, division, or department areas, and of the principles and practices of public administration and management.
2. Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems and in operating computers and applicable computer software, Expertise in Microsoft Access.
3. Ability to manage business functions, division, or department activities; to establish goals and objectives; to devise solutions to administrative problems; to develop and evaluate administrative policies and procedures; to prepare reports; to communicate effectively; and to plan, assign, and supervise the work of others.
4. Knowledge of building utility efficiencies and energy management strategies, data reporting and analysis, project management principles, and report preparation, preferably in a state government environment.
5. Proven experience meeting multiple deadlines and communicating effectively with various audiences in person and in writing.
6. Skill working with and navigating Microsoft Office programs, such as Visio, Access Word, SharePoint, and Outlook.
7. Skill interacting with staff at various levels of an organization and maintaining professional working relationships at all times.
8. Ability to think critically, prioritize work, and escalate problems appropriately.
9. Ability to analyze and solve work problems and make decisions affecting the operation of administrative services functions.
10. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

You Qualify With:
- One year of full-time experience in the development, implementation, or interpretation of policies and procedures in a public or private agency.
- Relevant academic credits may be applied toward experience qualifications for this position.

You Gain:
- Competitive salary: $4,290.34/month
- Defined Retirement Benefit Plan
- Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts
- Medical Insurance - Currently, the state pays 100% of the health plan premium for eligible full-time employees and 50% of the premium for their eligible dependents. Eligible part-time employees get a 50% state contribution for themselves and 25% for their dependents. Employees pay the remainder of the premium by paycheck deduction before taxes are withheld.
- Optional Benefits such as dental, vision, and life insurance.
- 8 hours sick leave per month.
- 8 hours vacation per month with potential to earn more with longevity.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services
- Additional benefits for active employees: https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits.

VETERANS:
Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs! Go to www.texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications, and skill sets. Also, you can compare this position to military occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor's Office by pasting this link into your browser: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_ProgramManagement.pdf.

HOW TO APPLY:
To be considered, please complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and apply online at www.workintexas.com or on Taleo.

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those currently on student or postgraduate visas.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

A position utilizing this classification will be designated as security sensitive according to the Texas Labor Code, Section 301.042.