The Finance Program Support Officer for Foster Care is classified as a Program Specialist VII and reports to Director of Client Services, Forecasting, and Federal Funds Division within the DFPS Office of Finance.

This position serves as the project coordinator to support the financing of foster care services for CBC, the legacy system, and Foster Care Rate Modernization. The position is the DFPS subject matter expert on rate methodology and works with program, the Office of Community Based Care Transition, forecasting, budget and federal funds policy experts to ensure the foster care structure is designed and functioning to:

Promote and sustain service capacity that meets the changing needs of children, youth, and young adults in the foster care system;

Improve safety, well-being, and permanency outcomes for children through the provision of high-quality care;

Compensate caregivers in a manner that better aligns service delivery with the cost of care.

This position performs advanced managerial work providing coordination and guidance in researching, developing, and advising on foster care financing. This position represents DFPS in a leadership capacity, as the subject matter expert for the financing of foster care in interactions with HHSC PFD Division, executive leadership, service providers, advocates, members of the judiciary, the Texas Legislature, and other key stakeholders.

Daily activities involve preparation, developing, coordinating, and planning readiness activities necessary for operating a healthy foster care service continuum. The position will serve as the subject matter expert for DFPS and will be the point of contact for foster care rate methodologies to compliment oversight and administration of the budget and forecasting processes. This position will interact with, and lead program staff, caregivers/providers, contract staff, members of the judiciary, government agencies, community organizations, and/or the general public. Position works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

This position will be responsible for developing project plans, tracking of progress, and writing legislatively required reports. This position routinely communicates to DFPS leadership on DFPS project statuses, issues, and risks. The position serves on cross-functional teams and workgroups and provides subject matter expertise and supports project management. This position is regularly assigned short and long-term projects and will take an active role in leading project management for initiatives that will require increased levels of expertise, overall planning, implementation, coordination, identifying and reporting project-related risks/issues, regular and ongoing reporting, and alignment with DFPS business goals and objectives. This position is responsible for collecting, organizing, analyzing, and preparing material in response to various requests for information that are internal and external to DFPS and may include other state and federal agencies. The position communicates with the community and professional groups to coordinate, improve, and collaborate on various projects and initiatives.

Essential Job Functions:
Oversees a variety of technical, research, planning, policy, program assessments, and administrative activities for DFPS; provides high-level technical assistance for CPS, SSCCs, and HHSC; and creates efficiencies where opportunities occur. Provides expertise, consultation, and guidance regarding the planning, development, readiness for implementation, and monitoring of projects and programs associated with state and federal legislative requirements as it relates to the Foster Care System. Performs and/or oversees studies and analyses of operations and problems and the preparation of reports of findings and recommendations. Oversees the compilation and analysis of data and information from various program resources and stakeholders to contribute critical data for shaping program goals, objectives, and priorities. Serves as a DFPS subject matter expert, and offers guidance, consultation and technical assistance to agency staff and internal and external stakeholders to foster effective program service delivery. (20%)
Leads, plans, develops, implements, and monitors projects, legislative requirements and other initiatives associated with the Foster Care System. Manages and coordinates the completion of specialized research, reports, and issues papers regarding the project. Facilitates the development and completion of the foster care continuum, consistent with legislative direction. Plans and assigns staff projects and assignments, monitors project deadlines and ensures deliverables are available at expected project completion dates. Develops special project monitoring tools, communication plans and performance measures to ensure project milestones and deadlines are met. Analyzes legislation to develop recommendations relating to the implementation, improvement, and/or expansion of the foster care continuum; assists in responding to legislative and external inquiries and requests. Ensures compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules; and takes corrective action(s) as needed. (15%)
Essential Job Functions:

Oversees a variety of technical, research, planning, policy, program assessments, and administrative activities for DFPS; provides high-level technical assistance for CPS, SSCCs, and HHSC; and creates efficiencies where opportunities occur. Provides expertise, consultation, and guidance regarding the planning, development, readiness for implementation, and monitoring of projects and programs associated with state and federal legislative requirements as it relates to the Foster Care System. Performs and/or oversees studies and analyses of operations and problems and the preparation of reports of findings and recommendations. Oversees the compilation and analysis of data and information from various program resources and stakeholders to contribute critical data for shaping program goals, objectives, and priorities. Serves as a DFPS subject matter expert, and offers guidance, consultation and technical assistance to agency staff and internal and external stakeholders to foster effective program service delivery. (20%)

Leads, plans, develops, implements, and monitors projects, legislative requirements and other initiatives associated with the Foster Care System. Manages and coordinates the completion of specialized research, reports, and issues papers regarding the project. Facilitates the development and completion of a new foster care continuum, consistent with legislative direction. Plans and assigns staff projects and assignments, monitors project deadlines and ensures deliverables are available at expected project completion dates. Develops special project monitoring tools, communication plans and performance measures to ensure project milestones and deadlines are met. Analyzes legislation to develop recommendations relating to the implementation, improvement, and/or expansion of the foster care continuum; assists in responding to legislative and external inquiries and requests. Ensures compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules; and takes corrective action(s) as needed. (15%)

Consults with regional and state office management, regional caseworkers and field staff, DFPS and SSCC state office program and policy staff, external public and private stakeholders, consumers of child protective services, volunteers, advocates, judges, other social service providers, educational, juvenile justice, workforce development boards and organizations to provide guidance, technical assistance and program subject matter expertise designed to improve outcomes of children and youth involved with Child Protective Services and Single Source Continuum Contractors. Represents the Office of Finance and DFPS at meetings, conferences, workgroups, hearings and other events. (20%)

Provides consultative and advisory services to stakeholders by analyzing program strategies, identifying areas for improvement and gaps in services, and recommending improvements. Provides technical assistance and guidance to other agencies, state and national level service providers, and other stakeholders to ensure coordination, quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of programs, legislative mandates and program initiatives. Develops programmatic monitoring tools and performance measures to ensure timely, appropriate implementation of legislative and program requirements. (15%)

Provides subject matter expertise and manages the preparation of communications and responses to public, media, stakeholder, and legislative inquiries and data requests regarding foster care programs, legislative mandates and program initiatives. Performs legislative bill analysis, and develops responses related to legislative changes and inquiries which impact the foster care program. Provides subject matter expertise statewide ,and provides consultation and technical assistance services regarding foster care payments and the existing continuum, policies and procedures to stakeholders and employees to respond to written and verbal inquiries, provide educational and legislative information and resolve problems. Oversees monitoring efforts to ensure communications, responses and reports are completed and issued within required statutory or other established timeframes. Consults with public and private agencies involved in programs to resolve problems, identify training needs, and discuss program effectiveness. (10%)

Ensures completion of required administrative, informational and performance reports and analyses for the Office of Finance. Manages the development and preparation of presentations, reports, information, communications, correspondence and responses to requests for information, ensuring quality, consistency, technical and program accuracy and timeliness. Coordinates the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of materials in response to requests for program information and reports. Produces technical and business written communications and materials involving the analysis and implementation of legislative requirements, agency and program impact and program reporting processes. Provides oversight and guidance to ensure reports are completed within established timelines and all related tasks and milestones are achieved while ensuring legislative mandates, administrative rules and procedures, policies, and standards are in compliance. May serve as a lead worker providing direction to others. Performs other duties as assigned. (20%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the Texas foster care system; of public administration and management techniques; of statistical analysis processes; of budget processes; of research techniques; of training and marketing techniques; and of program management processes and techniques.

Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to the Child Protective Services (CPS) and Community-Based Care program.

Knowledge of CPS and Community-Based Care programs and child welfare practices.

Knowledge of contracted and community providers and services provided to children and families involved with Child Protective Services and Single Source Continuum Contractors.

Knowledge of Child Protective Services programs, policies and procedures.

Knowledge of federal and state law regarding Child Protective Services.

Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance.

Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

Skill in effective verbal and written communication.

Skill in negotiation and problem resolution.

Skill in leading others and facilitating group meetings.

Skill in leading projects, managing work processes, producing deliverables and determining outcomes.

Skill at establishing and maintaining productive working relationships both internally and externally.

Skill in program planning, development and implementation.

Ability to represent the agency effectively with key stakeholders.

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems; to market programs; to prepare reports; to develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures; to communicate effectively; and to serve as a lead worker providing direction to others.

Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate and analyze data and facts.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, develop staff and oversee the work of others.

Ability to approach problems critically and analytically.

Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities.

Ability to understand new information effectively and quickly.

Ability to plan, direct and assign responsibilities and supervise the work of others.

Ability to present information at training sessions, conferences, or legislative hearings

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
NA

Initial Selection Criteria:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's Degree is required.

Must have professional experience working in the Texas Foster Care System.

Preferred management experience or experience leading a team.

Additional Information:
NA

MOS Code:
OS, YN, YNS, 611X, 612X, 641X, 712X, OS, YN, OSS, 8U000, 16GX, 60C0, 63GO, 86M0, 86P0, 88A0

As a state agency, DFPS is required Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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.