Program Specialist (Austin)

WHO WE ARE:
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is seeking a Program Specialist III–V for the Budget and Fiscal Policy Department in Austin, TX, at 101 E. 15th Street.

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.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:
This role performs complex to advanced (senior-level) consultative and technical assistance work involving the planning and implementation of major agency programs. The position is highly research-intensive, requiring deep analysis of federal and state regulations, cost principles, audit requirements, and grant guidance to develop defensible fiscal determinations. Accuracy is critical, as these determinations directly impact compliance, audit outcomes, and statewide operations. Candidates must be able to pivot quickly between high-priority tasks, maintain rapid response times, and meet strict deadlines driven by external entities. Works under general to limited supervision with moderate to considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

YOU WILL BE TRUSTED TO:
-Develop and maintain written policy guidance letters, grant compliance manuals, and guides.
Provide financial grant compliance guidance and determinations to TWC staff and grant-funded entities, ensuring high-accuracy work and proactive communication.
-Apply accounting principles and regulatory frameworks (such as 2 C.F.R. Part 200 and Texas Uniform Grant Management Standards) to resolve complex questions regarding cost principles and audit requirements.
-Conduct award reviews and identify fiscal implications for programs including WIOA, TANF, SNAP, Child Care and Development Fund, Apprenticeship, and Adult Education.
-Support the development of contracts, grant awards, and competitive solicitations, and analyze related legislation.
-Coordinate and assist at the TWC Financial Conference and other fiscal/procurement trainings.
-Maintain ownership of administrative tasks, including real-time logs, shared documentation systems, and the shared Fiscal TA inbox with same-day updates.
-Manage frequent interruptions and navigate emerging issues while meeting urgent external deadlines.
-Perform related work as needed.

YOU ARE A GREAT FIT WITH:
-Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university plus two to four years of full-time experience in policy development, implementation, or interpretation.
-Heavy research skills and the ability to synthesize complex regulatory language into clear, accurate fiscal guidance.
-In-depth knowledge of 2 C.F.R. Part 200, TWC’s Financial Manual for Grants and Contracts, and public procurement.
-Experience in policy writing, grant award analysis, and applying regulatory frameworks to real-world scenarios.
-Experience with public procurement and interacting with large, diverse groups.
A self-starter mindset with the ability to navigate ambiguity and work both independently and collaboratively.
-Strong professionalism, attention to detail, and customer service skills.
-Receptiveness to professional feedback and a commitment to continuous improvement.
-Proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong organizational skills for maintaining administrative systems.

YOU QUALIFY WITH:
-Program Specialist III: One year and six months of full-time experience in the development, implementation, or interpretation of policies and procedures in a public or private agency.
-Program Specialist IV: Two years of full-time experience in the development, implementation, or interpretation of policies and procedures in a public or private agency.
-Program Specialist V: Two years and six months of full-time experience in the development, implementation, or interpretation of policies and procedures in a public or private agency.
-All Levels: Relevant academic credits may be applied toward experience qualifications for this position.

YOU GAIN:
A Family Friendly Certified Workplace.
Competitive starting salary: $5,000.00 – $6,250.00/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.

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. You can also 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_AccountingAuditingandFinance.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 (Job Search). 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. 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.