Program Specialist (Austin)

Texas Workforce Commission; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 47,374 - 653,763; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

401(k) and 457 plans

Job summary

Texas Workforce Commission, located in Austin, seeks a Program Specialist to analyze state and federal laws affecting UI program operations. You will draft analyses, monitor guidance, and liaise with federal and state partners. A strong writing background and knowledge of TUCA are essential.

Experience with unemployment insurance, legislative process, and open records requests is preferred. The role requires relocation or residency in the Austin area and offers a stable salary and benefits.

Qualifications

• Six months of full-time experience in policy development and interpretation of laws and regulations.
• Academic credits may be applied toward experience qualifications.
• Acceptance into a TWC Internship or TWC Apprenticeship satisfies minimum qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Research, interpret, and analyze complex state and federal laws and regulations.
• Analyze impact of new legislation on program operations and prepare written analyses.
• Collect and research for UI policy changes and other UI Division changes.
• Monitor federal guidance and assess agency impact.
• Develop UI Program Letters and policy updates; maintain policy records.
• Prepare administrative reports and specialized research projects.
• Represent the agency at meetings with federal, state, and local agencies.

Skills

Policy Analyst

TUCA knowledge

Unemployment insurance experience

Legislative bill analysis

Open Records Requests

Excellent writing skills

Education

ABA-accredited law degree

Bar admission: Texas

Job description

Job Description - Program Specialist (Austin) (827234)

Job Description

Program Specialist (Austin) - ( 827234 )

Description

WHO WE ARE:
Texas Workforce Commission connects people with careers across the state. We are based in Austin on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol. We're a Family Friendly Certified Workplace with great work-life balance, competitive salaries, extensive opportunities for training and development, and fantastic benefits. The position is located in Austin at 1411 Brazos St. in the UI Admin & Ops Support department. To work in this position, you must live in the Austin area or be willing to relocate to the area.

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those with H1B visas or 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.

WHO YOU ARE:
You're an experienced policy analyst with a strong background in understanding state and federal laws and regulations and how they impact government program operations and management. You're adept at developing written analyses to identify policy and operational issues and demonstrating what needs to change. You excel at supporting governmental relations and can serve as a liaison between TWC and federal, state, and local agencies and organizations. You also have experience following developing legislative bills at the state and federal level and writing reports on how they could impact TWC. You also understand how to track, monitor and respond to state and federal audit requests. You are good at organizing and have a strong attention to detail. You can handle multitasking on projects on different deadlines. And you are a strong writer who is not dependent on AI to write or edit your own material, only to enhance it and verify its accuracy.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Program Specialist I performs routine (journey-level) consultative services and technical assistance work. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

WHAT YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR:

• Researching, interpreting, and analyzing complex state and federal laws and regulations.
• Analyzing the impact of new legislation and rules on program operations and management and developing written analyses to identify policy and operational issues.
• Collecting and conducting research for program policy changes, automation changes, and other changes within the UI Division.
• Monitoring federal guidance and reviewing and assessing agency impact.
• Developing UI Program Letters and policy updates and maintaining UI policy records.
• Preparing administrative reports, studies, and specialized research projects.
• Representing the agency at meetings or conferences with federal, state, and local agencies or organizations.
• Tracking and monitoring state and federal audit requests.
• Serving as support for governmental relations support.
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

YOU QUALIFY WITH:

• Six months 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.
• Acceptance into a TWC Internship or TWC Apprenticeship will satisfy the minimum qualifications.

YOU ARE A GREAT FIT WITH:

• Experience as a Policy Analyst.
• Extensive knowledge of the Texas Unemployment Compensation Act (TUCA).
• Prior unemployment insurance experience.
• Prior work with the state Legislature or assisting the state legislature during one or more sessions.
• Excellent writing skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to juggle multiple, shifting priorities.
• Ability to quickly learn complex new content and to gather, assess, correlate, and analyze facts.
• Attention to detail and an enthusiasm for producing high-quality work products.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully collaborate in a team environment.
• UI policy development experience.
• Experience in legislative bill analysis
• Experience in researching state/federal laws and regulations.
• Experience responding to Open Records Requests.
• Experience implementing Rapid Process Improvement (RPI).
• Graduation from an accredited law school approved by the American Bar Association and admission to the State Bar of Texas a plus.

YOU GAIN:

• A Family Friendly Certified Workplace
• Competitive salary: $4,245.00/month
• Defined Retirement Benefit Plan
• Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts
• Medical Insurance
• Paid time off, including time for vacation, sick and family care leave
• Additional benefits for active employees can be found at https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits

Will work 40 hours a week during hours of operation Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM CT. Occasional overtime (evenings, weekends, and holidays) may be required. Management will set the schedule. Duties require up to 5% travel (within the state of Texas) and the ability to lift 10 lbs. This is a career ladder position with the opportunity to advance within the established career ladder structure after meeting minimum qualifications, competency requirements, and time in position.

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