Program Specialist (Austin)

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 Capitol, we have offices statewide. We're a Family Friendly Certified Workplace with great work-life balance, competitive salaries, extensive opportunities for training and development, and fantastic benefits. This position is located at 1117 Trinity St, Austin, TX in the Services for Dislocated Workers department.

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:
The ideal candidate must take initiative, have excellent and accurate data entry skills, interpersonal skills, listening skills, patience, and reasoning skills. Must have a positive and optimistic attitude with a problem-solving drive to assist both internal and external stakeholders to support the mission of the Texas Workforce Commission. If you are a self-starter looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity and want to be part of the solution, this opportunity could be the perfect match for you.

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:
-Accurately and timely data enter layoff and WARN notices.
-Provide a variety of technical training, research, and administrative activities related to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and Trade Adjustment Assistance programs.
Collaborate with program staff in determining trends and resolving technical problems.
-Serve as a program liaison for agency staff, employers, Boards and affected employees.
-Assist in the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of materials in response to requests for program information.
-Provide support and collaboration in the planning, development, implementation, analysis, and documentation of WIOA Rapid Response and the Trade Adjustment Assistance program.
-Analyze legislation and assist with the development of recommendations for policy and programmatic issues relating to the implementation, improvement, and expansion or reduction of program funding.
-Assist and develop policy and procedure manuals.
-Respond to and resolve routine Rapid response inquiries received both through inbound methods
-Assist employers, Boards and affected employees in navigating information related to the WARN Act.
-Ensure a positive and exemplary experience.
-Provide accurate, valid, and complete information to employers, Boards and affected employees using the right methods and tools.
-Maintain a composed and professional demeanor while handling challenging calls.
-Identify and escalate priority issues for resolution or coordinating with other departments to assist the employers, Boards and affected employees.
-Document all contacts and accurately process documents or pending issues.
-Research information in benefit systems to address employer inquiries or issues, as applicable.
-Remain flexible and assist with additional tasks as needed for the success of the department and division.

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 ARE A GREAT FIT WITH:
-Experience with federal employment programs and training services; experience with WIOA and Trade Adjustment Assistance program is a plus.
-Knowledge of and/or experience with local, state, and federal laws related to the program area.
-Experience working with employers.
-Experience with data entry.
-Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.

YOU GAIN:
- A Family Friendly Certified Workplace.
- Competitive starting salary: $4,197.91 - $4,447.91/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.

Duty involves up to 25% travel within the state of Texas.

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 (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.