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Functional Title: Program Services and Vocational Development Specialist
Job Title: Program Specialist V
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: SSLC Operations
Posting Number: 18844
Closing Date: 07/24/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support
Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $7,253.83
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 30%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: DENTON
Job Location Address: 3980 STATE SCHOOL RD
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS
Brief Job Description:
The Program Services and Vocational Development Specialist, Program Specialist V, performs advanced consultative and technical assistance work related to active treatment, vocational services, skill acquisition, employment services, and service planning and implementation at State Supported Living Centers (SSLCs). Travels to SSLCs to evaluate facility organization, processes, resource coordination, and program implementation; uses site-visit data and other information to develop collaborative recommendations; assists facilities with localized plans of correction; monitors implementation of agreed-upon changes; and provides feedback, oversight, and technical assistance to facility staff and others involved in improvement efforts. Identifies facility-specific and statewide training needs, develops training materials, provides training to all levels of SSLC staff, and supports active treatment training initiatives. Develops community employment opportunities through outreach, marketing, and innovative approaches; supports vocational contract development; maintains contract, job, and wage information; and reviews potential and revenue-generating vocational contracts for compliance with HHSC policy. Reviews vocational program data for compliance with Department of Labor (DOL) requirements; maintains, oversees, and audits DOL reporting and tracking systems, including Section 14(c) certification, wage rate studies, audits, and required reporting; and promotes consistency in program evaluation and monitoring across the SSLCs. Collects, organizes, and analyzes information to identify trends, evaluate compliance, resolve operational issues, and prepare activity and status reports. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment, and travels approximately 25-30% of the time.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs):
Attends work on a regular and predictable basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule, rotating schedule, extended shift, and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy. Performs other duties as assigned.
Travels to each SSLC to perform on-site evaluations of facility organization and processes related to assessment, service planning, service implementation, skill acquisition programs, active treatment, and employment services. Assesses the coordination and availability of resources needed to support active treatment and vocational services and provides technical assistance to help facilities strengthen or develop additional resources.
Uses data gathered from site visits and other information sources, including State Office discipline leads for QIDP and Programs, Active Treatment/Vocational Services, and Skill Acquisition, to develop collaborative recommendations for improving service planning and implementation processes. Assists facilities with developing localized plans of correction, provides oversight and technical assistance to facility staff and others involved in implementation efforts, assigns or prioritizes related follow-up activities as appropriate, monitors agreed-upon process changes, and provides feedback on implementation progress.
Identifies facility-specific and statewide training needs for vocational and active treatment departments. Develops training materials, schedules training activities, and provides training on-site and through webinar or video conferencing on assessment, service planning, service implementation, active treatment, vocational services, and skill acquisition. Provides training to all levels of SSLC staff and participates in planning and executing the annual active treatment conference.
Seeks out and develops community employment opportunities for individuals served through community outreach, marketing, and other innovative approaches. Develops marketing tools using computer, audio, and visual equipment to market resident worker services to businesses and uses other innovative approaches to create new opportunities. Oversees and assists facility staff with outreach efforts and development of facility-specific marketing tools. Procures contract work to provide sufficient employment opportunities for resident workers. Maintains an accurate inventory of contracts, job availability, and wages. Reviews potential and revenue-generating vocational contracts for compliance with HHSC contract policy and provides contract-related technical assistance and technical support to facility staff as needed.
Reviews vocational program data to monitor compliance with Department of Labor regulations and provides technical support as needed. Maintains, oversees, and audits reporting and tracking systems for Department of Labor (DOL) data, including subminimum wage Section 14(c) certification, wage rate studies, audits, and required reporting. Performs audits of wage rate studies and related documentation to verify accuracy, consistency, and compliance with DOL standards.
Develops and implements techniques and tools to promote consistency in program evaluation and monitoring across the SSLCs. Collects, organizes, and analyzes information to identify trends, evaluate compliance, and resolve operational issues. Reviews service planning and implementation compliance reports and coordinates responses with the appropriate State Office discipline lead. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment in carrying out program monitoring, evaluation, and reporting activities. Prepares and presents activity and status reports verbally and in writing.
Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of active treatment, skill acquisition, vocational services, employment services, service planning, and service implementation for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Knowledge of Department of Labor (DOL) requirements related to vocational services, including Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, subminimum wage certification, wage rate studies, audits, documentation, and reporting.
Knowledge of program review, site visit, audit, monitoring, and evaluation methods used to assess services, processes, documentation, and compliance.
Skill in using Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access, to prepare documents, spreadsheets, reports, presentations, professional correspondence, and databases; enter, update, query, track, or report information; and learn agency or facility-specific software systems.
Skill in interviewing, assessment, planning, evaluation, mediation, consultation, technical assistance, and stakeholder guidance.
Ability to collect, organize, review, and analyze data or other information to identify trends, compliance concerns, performance issues, and recommended actions.
Ability to develop, implement, monitor, and track plans of correction, process improvement activities, and related follow-up actions.
Ability to review work products, documentation, contracts, reports, and program records for compliance with policies, procedures, standards, guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with facility staff, leadership, residents, family members, community partners, and other stakeholders when providing guidance, recommendations, or updates.
Ability to prepare clear reports, activity summaries, recommendations, training materials, and other written work products that support evaluation, monitoring, compliance, and implementation activities.
Ability to identify training needs and develop, deliver, and evaluate training, technical assistance, and consultation for staff or stakeholders in small and large group settings.
Ability to develop and support employment opportunities, vocational services, marketing efforts, contract work, and partnerships with community businesses.
Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, communicate progress, meet deadlines, and manage frequent work-related travel, including travel approximately 25-30% of the time.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) preferred. Will need to complete CTCM certification within 18 months of hire.
Initial Screening Criteria:
Required:
Preferred:
Additional Information:
Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).
Males between the ages of 18 - 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.
Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
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 Auditors 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.