Program Specialist (Austin)

WHO WE ARE:
We are looking for you to take the next step! The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is seeking a Program Specialist I to join the UI Administration & Operational Support (UIA&OS) Department, to help provide Unemployment Insurance (UI) guidance and support to TWC staff across the state.

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, now or in the future, for this position. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals currently on H-1B, F-1 (OPT/CPT), or H-4 visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.

WHO YOU ARE:
A professional individual who enthusiastically shares our department's *E.P.I.C. vision and values in a positive, high-paced, energetic team environment. Each day, we reinforce our vision: "Creating a Positive Culture of Excellence and High Expectations Focused on Continuous Improvement." The position will be in UI Administration and Operational Support at 1411 Brazos St. (Austin, Texas).

WHAT YOU WILL DO: 
The Program Specialist I perform routine (journey-level) consultative services and technical assistance with the Special Programs Unit. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

YOU WILL BE TRUSTED TO:
- Perform complex (journey-level) UI claims work in the Special Programs Unit. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment to gather, research, investigate work, and implement UI claims procedures, programs, and services.
- Uses the UI benefits system to review all claims for proper payment and conformance to state and federal regulations. Reviews information and preforms functions as needed to ensure high quality and timely processing of assignments.
- Processes special program claims, including Combined Wage Claims CWC), Chargeback (CB), and appeals decisions and/or other UI related programs as needed.
- Reviews determinations to ensure compliance with law and policy.
- Utilizes knowledge of UI to respond to telephone inquiries from claimants, employers, other states and other TWC departments related to UI Special Programs.
- Serves our customers, other staff, groups, and situations with quality and timely customer service in accordance with TWC’s mission, vision, and philosophy.
- Performs related work as assigned and required to meet the mission and goals of the department, division, and the Texas Workforce Commission agency.
- Handles multiple priorities with frequent interruptions, while paying attention to detail and accuracy. 
- Adheres to all agency and department rules, regulations, and policies.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

YOU QUALIFY WITH:
- Six months 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:
- Able to handle multiple priorities with frequent interruptions.
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Recent experience with UI program and UI Benefits System.
- Experience working in CAST.
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint)
- Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.

YOU GAIN: 
- A Family Friendly Certified Workplace
- Competitive salary: $3,900.82/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 10% 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, now or in the future, for this position. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals currently on H-1B, F-1 (OPT/CPT), or H-4 visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas. 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.