SWI Program Specialist V

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals.  

What You Get Beyond Your Paycheck

When you join the State of Texas, your monthly paycheck is just one part of your real income. Our benefits provide extra value that many private employers simply don’t match—often adding hundreds of dollars each month to what you take home or save.

Here’s what you get as a full-time employee:

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for)
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance—at rates much lower than most private plans
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

You also might qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which could help you pay off federal student loans faster.

You can see all the details here: ERS recruitment brochure

Functional Title: SWI Program Specialist V 
Job Title: Program Specialist V 
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc 
Department: SWI Program Support & Training 
Posting Number: 21519 
Closing Date: 09/30/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Protective Services 
Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $7,253.83 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 
Shift: Compressed Weekend 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 15% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 2401 RIDGEPOINT DR 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

SWI Program Specialist V

THIS POSITION IS HEADQUARTERED IN AUSTIN BUT MAY BE FILLED ANYWHERE IN THE STATE OF TEXAS. 

SWI Program Specialist V SWI operates in a rapidly changing environment, adapting to changes made by all DFPS programs, and some HHSC programs. The Statewide Intake (SWI) Program Specialist V performs advanced policy analysis, program evaluation, and policy development work to support the implementation and continuous improvement of SWI policies, procedures, and operational practices. The SWI Program Specialist V performs the following duties: Researches and analyzes federal and state laws, regulations, legislation, and policy initiatives to assess impacts on agency programs, operations, compliance requirements, and service delivery. Develops data-driven recommendations, policy proposals, reports, implementation plans, and other decision-support materials that support agency goals, regulatory compliance, and operational effectiveness. Collaborates with agency leadership, program staff, and internal and external stakeholders to gather information, evaluate policy impacts, identify issues, and develop solutions to complex policy and operational challenges. Assists in planning and coordinating policy implementation activities and monitors policy effectiveness through research, quality assurance findings, performance data, legislative changes, and stakeholder feedback. Evaluates program performance and outcomes and recommends revisions and improvements to enhance consistency, efficiency, compliance, and service delivery. Serves as a subject matter expert on assigned policy and legislative matters by providing technical assistance, consultation, training, and guidance to agency staff and stakeholders. Prepares reports, briefing materials, legislative responses, presentations, correspondence, and other communications for executive leadership and partner programs. Represents the agency in meetings, committees, workgroups, and other forums related to policy development, implementation, and legislative initiatives. The SWI Program Specialist V works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. The SWI Program Specialist V exercises sound judgment in researching issues, interpreting policies and regulations, managing competing priorities, and developing recommendations that support informed decision making, strategic objectives, and program effectiveness. WHY WORK FOR DFPS? The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected — children, elderly, and people with disabilities — from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the 27 million citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments, but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity as well as Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. Oversees, plans, and implements strategies to improve Statewide Intake policies and procedures. Coordinates with other DFPS programs, state agencies, and pertinent external stakeholders to develop SWI policy and procedures. Monitors and evaluates the implementation of policies and programs, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and providing actionable insights for continuous improvement. Conducts policy research and analysis of federal and state laws, regulations, rules, legislation, policies, and guidance. Gathers and analyzes data from various sources, including government reports, public records, academic studies, to assess their impact on agency programs and services. Monitors and tracks relevant state and federal legislation to ensure alignment with agency policies and strategic goals. Legislative bill analysis during legislative session. Provides guidance and consultation to SWI staff of all levels, other DFPS staff, and external stakeholders as it pertains to SWI policies, procedures, and practices. This includes representing SWI at meetings, workgroups, committees, panels, and task forces as needed. Creates and delivers appropriate job aids, training materials, and presentations for SWI intake specialists and supervisors to ensure adherence to policy. Collects, organizes, analyzes, and prepares materials in response to requests for program information and reports, including requests from the Texas legislature and other stakeholders. Oversees and completes additional projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of public policy analysis principles, methodologies, and best practices.

Knowledge of state and federal legislative, regulatory, and policy development processes.

Knowledge of governmental structures, agency operations, and program administration.

Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, rules, and guidance affecting agency programs and services.

Knowledge of policy implementation, compliance monitoring, and program evaluation techniques.

Knowledge of research methods, data analysis, performance measurement, and quality improvement practices.

Knowledge of strategic planning and organizational decision-making processes.

Skill in policy research, analysis, and evaluation.

Skill in legislative analysis and impact assessment.

Skill in quantitative and qualitative data analysis.

Skill in critical thinking and problem-solving.

Skill in development of policy recommendations and implementation strategies.

Skill in report writing, policy brief development, and technical documentation.

Skill in oral communication, presentation, and public speaking.

Skill in stakeholder engagement and collaboration.

Skill in facilitation of meetings, workgroups, and policy discussions.

Skill in project coordination and management of multiple priorities.

Skill in policy interpretation and technical consultation.

Skill in use of computers and applicable software applications.

Ability to analyze complex laws, regulations, policies, and operational issues and determine their impact on agency programs.

Ability to collect, organize, evaluate, and interpret data from multiple sources.

Ability to develop evidence-based policy recommendations and alternative solutions.

Ability to monitor and evaluate policy implementation and program effectiveness.

Ability to identify risks, opportunities, trends, and areas for improvement.

Ability to prepare concise reports, presentations, legislative materials, and executive briefings.

Ability to communicate complex policy and operational information clearly to diverse audiences.

Ability to provide technical assistance, training, and guidance on policy-related matters.

Ability to collaborate effectively with leadership, staff, and internal and external stakeholders.

Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.

Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and make informed recommendations.

Ability to support strategic initiatives and align policy recommendations with agency goals and objectives.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Initial screening criteria for the position may be met through three different paths: SWI Intake Specialist II and a graduate level degree; SWI Intake Specialist III or above; two years DFPS policy writing experience as part of job duties. Experience leading or managing others preferred. Graduate level studies in a relevant field preferred.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

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 Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

State of Texas employees are required to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), State of Texas Business and Commerce Code. Applicants selected for hire comply with this code by completing related training and abiding by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by 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. 

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

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