Program Specialist

Posting ID 19259 -Posted 07/28/2026 - Health & Human Services Comm - CIVIL RIGHTS - Legal - Other Locations (5) - Additional Shifts available (1) - c. $5000 - $6999 per month 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: Program Specialist VI Job Title: Program Specialist VI Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: CIVIL RIGHTS Posting Number: 19259 Closing Date: 08/11/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Legal Salary Range: $5,098.66-$6,701.75 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Days (First) Telework: Travel: Up to 25% 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; Edinburg; Grand Prairie; Houston; San Antonio MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS Brief Job Description: Performs consultative services and technical assistance work involving planning, developing, and implementing HHS Civil Rights rules and regulations, training staff, and screening and conducting complex Civil Rights complaints and providing consultative services and technical assistance to program staff, government agencies, community organizations, or the general public. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Essential Job Functions (EJFs): EJF #1: Provides highly advanced research, analysis, and evaluation on complex program and policy issues and initiatives related to civil rights employment cases. Collects, organizes, analyzes, and prepares material in response to service complaints, screening service related inquiries and compliance issues. Oversees and reviews work prepared by staff to determine compliance with civil rights policy. Interprets civil rights policies and procedures. Identifies need for new policies and procedures and recommends improvements to existing policies and procedures relating to the area of service related complaints. Provides leadership and direction to Civil Rights Specialists on service-related complaints, inquiries, and compliance matters. EJF #2: Oversees the completion of management reports, monitors required performance measures, mentors staff on rotation, corrects the work of others and recommends appropriate changes. Determines trends and makes recommendations to resolve compliance issues. Prepares and approves written project updates, administrative reports, policies, procedures, correspondence and other documents for the Compliance Manager or Compliance Director. Represents the Compliance Manager or Compliance Director at internal and external meetings and/or in leading projects. EJF #3: Develops, implements, and manages projects related to program initiatives for civil rights to ensure effective techniques are being implemented in the compliance area for civil rights. Provides leadership, consultation, direction, guidance, and quality review to civil rights staff on assignments and/or projects related to program initiatives and activities. Collaborates with agency and division staff, HHS system staff, contractors, contract administrators, clients, community groups, and other stakeholders to refer accordingly and resolve issues at the initial screening or remedy phase of an investigation. EJF # 4: Develops and conducts civil rights training for Compliance Team, the CRO and agency staff. Provides programmatic direction for developing, implementing, and monitoring civil rights policies and procedures. Establishes goals, objectives, priorities, and standards for projects and initiatives. Oversees work groups and meetings related to program oversight, research, analysis, and evaluation functions as necessary. EJF #5: Conducts or oversees investigations into complex or specialized complaints and provides recommendations to resolve issues or violations of policy. EJF #6: Monitors and analyzes federal and state legislation, regulations, court decisions, and initiatives related to compliance in civil rights and HHS policies and programs and recommends appropriate response. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): Ability to serve as a lead worker providing direction to others Knowledge of HHS programs, policies, functions and objectives. Knowledge of causes and effects of discriminatory practices. Knowledge of and ability to interpret applicable federal and state laws pertaining to civil rights, especially Titles VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and related executive orders and federal guidelines. Skill in investigative methods. Skill in gathering and organizing information and in summarizing facts logically and persuasively. Skill in presenting ideas and information. Skill in human relations and counseling. Skill in planning and coordinating activities or tasks. Skill in problem solving and conflict resolution. Skill and ability to develop and evaluate policies and procedures. Skills in counseling and ability to relate to employees at all levels. Skill in the use of personal computer and software, including word processing programs. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with clients and stakeholders. Ability to research, organize, correlate, and analyze information to substantiate hypotheses or findings; to devise solutions to problems; to prepare concise reports; to develop evaluation policies and procedures; and to assign the work of others. Ability and skill in applying general rules, laws, regulations, or theories to specific factual circumstances. Ability to enhance and expand working relationships with advocacy groups. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with HHS agency staff, organizations, and community groups. Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: N/A Initial Screening Criteria: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Work experience in civil rights or equal employment opportunity or related field may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for a bachelor’s degree. Experience of causes and effects of discriminatory practices (HR, civil rights or management experience). Experience in problem solving and conflict resolution (mediation). Experience in HHS Civil Rights Office (CRO) complaint investigations (preferred) or general investigative work. Experience in Compliance Review in accordance with FNS Federal guidelines (preferred). Experience in presenting ideas and information. Experience in use of a personal computer, especially Word. Additional Information: Experience and education may be substituted for one another. 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 tothose 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr