Program Specialist Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

THIS POSTING IS FOR EXISTING TWC EMPLOYEES ONLY
WHO WE ARE:
Texas Workforce Commission connects people with careers across the state. While we are based in Austin, 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 in the Tax Department and can be located at any UI Tax Office statewide.
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:
You have excellent organizational skills, a strong attention to detail, and the ability to handle multiple priorities while meeting strict deadlines. The ideal candidate will share our vision and goals within the State Office Tax Department to directly support our Tax Experience Rating Unit.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:
The Program Specialist II-IV works primarily in support of the Unemployment Insurance Tax System and other systems as assigned within the Tax Department. Performs moderately complex to highly complex (senior-level) consultative services and processing of tax rate changes, status actions, money allocations, and other tax departmental assignments. Works with general to limited supervision, with limited to moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 
Production Expectations: Performance and volume expectations scale with the level of the position. A Program Specialist III is expected to maintain a 20% increase in production over the base Program Specialist II standard. A Program Specialist IV is expected to maintain a 20% increase in production over the base Program Specialist III standard.
YOU WILL BE TRUSTED TO:
-Examine and audit tax rate calculations and account transactions; process other tax unit assignments, and coordinate/implement annual rate programs.
-Provide technical assistance to agency program staff and the public.
-Assist with paper correspondence and tasks related to official notices.
-Verify and calculate tax rates based on complex formulas for employers subject to the Texas Unemployment Compensation Act (TUCA).
-Identify, investigate, and analyze issues while explaining tax rate law to stakeholders.
-Contact employers via phone or email to discuss and clarify tax rate calculations.
-Perform as the department's primary point of contact and subject matter expert (SME) regarding Tax Rate matters, working closely with Tax Department management.
-Review and evaluate highly complex tax assignments to identify and resolve discrepancies.
-Monitor and review compliance with requirements, laws, regulations, policies, and procedures for Tax Rates.
-Analyze procedures and recommend improvements or changes as necessary.
-Testify at Rule 13 Tax Coverage hearings regarding tax rate issues as required.
-Assist and/or participate in training Tax staff for Rates assistance.
-Perform related work as assigned.
YOU QUALIFY WITH: 
-Program Specialist II:  One year of full-time experience in the development, implementation, or interpretation of policies and procedures in a public or private agency.  Six months of full-time in-service TWC experience classified as a Program Specialist I or Program Supervisor I with regular status will satisfy the minimum qualifications.
-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.  Six months of full-time in-service TWC experience classified as a Program Specialist II or Program Supervisor II with regular status will satisfy the minimum qualifications.
-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.  Six months of full-time in-service TWC experience classified as a Program Specialist III or Program Supervisor III with regular status will satisfy the minimum qualifications. 
-All Levels:  Relevant academic credits may be applied toward experience qualifications for this position. 

YOU ARE A GREAT FIT WITH:
- Experience in UI tax. 
- Experience interpreting the Texas Unemployment Compensation Act, statutes, rules and laws. 
- Experience interpreting Tax Rates and TWC mainframe knowledge.  
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Windows-based personal computer programs experience, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.

YOU GAIN: 
- A Family Friendly Certified Workplace.  
- Competitive salary: PS II: $3,793.41; PS III: $4,020.33; PS IV: $4,263.17
- 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 and the ability to lift 15 pounds. This position generally requires the routine operation of a personal vehicle in the performance of job duties and thus requires possession of a valid driver's license and liability insurance as required by state law. Requires non-agency owned transportation to make timely in-person contacts with employers at their residence or worksites that are not required to and may not meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifications.
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_AccountingAuditingandFinance.pdf 

HOW TO APPLY: 
To be considered, please complete an Application for Employment and apply on Taleo. 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.