Program Specialist (Hiring Event - Austin)

In-person Hiring Event is being held in Austin, Texas April 30, 2026 – May 1, 2026.

The Workforce Program Policy department at the Texas Workforce Commission is looking to fill multiple Program Specialist positions. All candidates that pass the initial screening questions will be emailed a questionnaire beforehand to complete in order for the hiring manager to determine who to invite for an in-person interview. Potential conditional offers could be made during the interview! More information will be included in the email invitation.

Apply quickly in Taleo because this 10-day posting closes on April 15, 2026. Please ensure to upload a copy of your resume, official transcripts, certifications, and/or credentials to your application when you apply to this posting. Read more about who we are, what you'll do, and what you'll gain below.

Who We Are

The Texas Workforce Commission connects people with careers across the state, and we are based in Austin on the north lawn of the Texas State Capitol. The Workforce Program Policy department is currently seeking to fill two Program Specialist III-IV positions and two Program Specialist V positions in the Workforce Program Policy department, located at 1117 Trinity St., Austin, TX. We're a Family Friendly Certified Workplace with great work-life balance, competitive salaries, extensive opportunities for training and development, and fantastic benefits.

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 is an analytical and detail-oriented individual capable of dissecting legislation, interpreting data from various sources, and drawing logical conclusions to develop effective solutions. You thrive in fast-paced environments, managing multiple projects simultaneously while collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders and prioritizing tasks. A commitment to continuous learning is essential to ensure expertise in workforce development trends, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively to any audience is a key requirement.

These positions are critical to the successful policy development for programs such as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Wagner-Peyser Employment Service, Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Non-custodial Parent, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment & Training programs. We are looking for a highly motivated individual seeking a challenging yet fulfilling opportunity to apply their expertise in a role with significant impact. If this describes you, we invite you to apply.

What You Will Do

• Program Specialist III: Performs complex (journey-level) policy and programmatic research and analysis on federal and state laws, regulations, and guidance related to employment and training programs to support the development of agency policies and directives. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
• Program Specialist IV: Performs highly complex (senior-level) policy and programmatic research and analysis on federal and state laws, regulations, and guidance related to employment and training programs to support the development of agency policies and directives. Determines the need for and develops new or revised program policy guidance to communicate changes in policies, procedures, or rules. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment
• Program Specialist V: Performs advanced (senior-level) policy and programmatic research and analysis on federal and state laws, regulations, and guidance related to employment and training programs to support the development of agency policies and directives. Determines the need for and develops new or revised program policy guidance to communicate changes in policies, procedures, or rules. May serve as a lead worker providing direction to others. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
  
  

You Will Be Trusted To

Program Specialist III-IV

• Author policy documents such as discussion papers, procedures, and guidelines for employment and training programs.
• Research, interpret, and analyze state and federal laws and regulations to determine their impact on program operations.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to 28 Local Workforce Development Boards to ensure workforce programs are operated according to TWC standards.
• Prepare or assist in the preparation of administrative reports, state plans, federal waiver requests, and audit responses.
• Contribute to the analysis of federal legislation and proposed and final regulations.
• Analyze Texas legislative bills to determine their impact on TWC policies, operations, and costs.
• May represent TWC or assist in its representation at public meetings and interagency workgroups to promote the agency’s goals and workforce programs.
• May serve on rule-making teams and contribute to each stage of the rule-making process.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Program Specialist V

• Author policy documents such as discussion papers, position papers, procedures, and guidelines for employment and training programs.
• Research, interpret, and analyze complex state and federal laws and regulations to determine their impact on program operations.
• Author or assist in the preparation of administrative reports, state plans, federal waiver requests, and responses to federal audit reviews.
• Provide high-level technical assistance and guidance to 28 Local Workforce Development Boards to ensure workforce programs are operated according to TWC standards.
• Contribute to the analysis of federal legislation and proposed and final regulations and contribute to the drafting of comments for submission to federal partners.
• Prepare analyses of bills of the Texas Legislature to determine their impact on TWC policies, operations, and costs.
• Represent or assist others in representing TWC and Workforce Programs in public meetings and interagency workgroups to promote the goals of TWC and workforce employment and training services.
• Develop agency rules and serve on rule-making teams through each stage of the rule-making process.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

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 Are a Great Fit With

Program Specialist III-IV

• A strong ability to write clearly and effectively for reports, plans, and procedures.
• Solid research and analytical skills for gathering information and drawing logical conclusions.
• A capacity to learn new subject matter quickly and adapt as priorities shift.
• Effective time-management skills and the ability to prioritize your work.
• A collaborative nature and the ability to be a reliable and productive member of a team.
  
  

Program Specialist V

• Experience in writing policy documents, procedures, comprehensive reports and plans.
• Excellent research and analytical skills, including the ability to gather, interpret, and analyze data from various sources and draw logical conclusions.
• The ability to quickly learn complex new content and adapt to changing priorities.
• Skilled in managing multiple projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines, and effectively prioritizing tasks.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and contribute to a productive work environment.
  
  

You Gain

• A Family Friendly Certified Workplace.
• Competitive starting salary:
  
  

Program Specialist III-IV: $4,473.73-$5,333.80/month

Program Specialist V: $5,566.05-$5,844.35/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. 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.