For Texas to be GREAT, we need the best and brightest talent like you!

The public vocational rehabilitation (VR) program administered through the Texas Workforce Commission helps people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain, retain, and advance in employment.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND HELP PEOPLE WITH VR According to the Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities was 12.6% in 2020.This jobless rate continues to be much higher than the rate for those without disabilities.

PUBLIC SERVICE IN VR IS FOR YOU -If you want to find meaningful work and contribute to a powerful mission. For more than 100 years VR has been helping individuals with disabilities achieve their employment goals! -If you are looking for career and advancement opportunities.38% of employees in VR have 15+ years of seniority.There are various positions with career ladders and opportunities to specialize in areas of interest:Autism, Blind and Visual Impairments, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Brain Injury, Foster Youth, Transition Students, Veterans. -If you need a comprehensive benefits package that offers competitive pay and benefits from health plans, life insurance, retirement programs, paid leave and holidays, and longevity pay. -If you have direct VR Counseling work experience, receive higher starting salary. -If you are interested in a flexible work schedule with teleworking as an option. -If you want to advance your education with our tuition assistance program. -FREE CEUs to maintain CRC credentials and reimbursement for CRC and LPC renewals.

WHO WE ARE: The Texas Workforce Commission - Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VRD) is seeking a Program Specialist VI-Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist to join the team. This position can be 100% remote. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.

WHAT YOU WILL DO: The Program Specialist VI for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (PSDHH) is selected by and reports to the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program, Policy, Support Specialized Services and Stakeholder Relations (SSSR) Manager and acts as the lead staff for Deaf and Hard of Hearing services. Performs highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

YOU WILL BE TRUSTED TO: - Oversees the development of information, reports, and analyses regarding utilization trends, compliance with federal law and state Law and regulations, and compliance with the TWC-VRD policies, procedures, and standards. - Oversees and serves as subject matter expert in program policy development, procedures, and guidance materials regarding best practices and technical assistance to Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services (TWS-VRS) managers, field staff, and regional staff regarding assigned program area and TWC-VRD policy content related to Deaf and Hard of Hearing Vocational Rehabilitation service delivery process. - Oversees the performance of technical research, planning, policy, program assessment and administrative activities of all Deaf and Hard of Hearing services. - Consults with Regional management, regional program specialists, field staff, and others to provide mentoring, training, and consultation as needed to ensure statewide consistency of program development and monitoring. - Conducts customer case reviews to provide case consultation, training, and guidance on assigned program areas. - Reconciling accounts and billing, receive refund checks from hearing aid manufacturers, research if the refund is due and process the checks for the TWC Revenue and Trust department. - Coordinate changes to TWC-VRD electronic case management system to ensure Deaf and Hard of Hearing cases contain all necessary elements. - Oversees the coordination of services with state facilities, tra ning Institutions and community providers. - Serves as the liaison to the Health and Human Services Commission, Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services and Texas School for the Deaf to ensure appropriate coordination of services. - Performs other duties as assigned.

YOU ARE A GREAT FIT WITH: Five years experience; at least one year being direct service; working with individuals who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing and one year of experience working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals. - Proficient (or able to demonstrate proficiency) in American Sign Language. - Knowledge of other sources for individuals with disabilities to get employment services and supports and of peer and self-advocacy groups statewide.

YOU QUALIFY WITH: -Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. -Relevant academic credits may be applied toward experience qualifications for this position.

YOU GAIN: - A Family Friendly Certified Workplace. - Telecommuting offered from anywhere within the State of Texas - Competitive starting salary: $5,098.67 - $7,503.29/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 requires up to 25% 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: http://www.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.

-TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including 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.