Program Specialist, Travel Policy and Training

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: Program Specialist, Travel Policy and Training 
Job Title: Program Specialist IV 
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc 
Department: Accounting 
Posting Number: 16958 
Closing Date: 06/18/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations 
Salary Range: $4,263.16 - $5,521.16 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
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: 4900 N LAMAR BLVD 
Other Locations: Austin 
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

The Program Specialist IV will provide technical and functional expertise by participating in internal and external work groups. Oversee the development of policy handbooks. Provides technical assistance and consultation services regarding travel policy and operations to all levels of DFPS staff. Plans, develops, and implements major agency initiatives, coordinates and develops communication to DFPS staff and related stakeholders regarding travel policy and procedures and related updates. Train DFPS staff on travel operations and policy. Oversees upgrades to the eTravel system to ensure state and federal compliance guidelines are followed. Prepares reports, conducts studies and specialized research analyses. This position works closely with the Travel Claims and Services Manager on Department-wide issues including but not limited to process improvements and contract monitoring. This position works under the supervision of the Travel Claims and Services Manager and attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy. This position performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provide technical guidance and consultation to state office and regional staff on new travel related program requirements, policies and procedures, and state and federal compliance via face-to-face training sessions, webinars, conferences, etc. Serves as travel technical/functional subject matter expert on the eTravel system, including modifications, enhancements, updates and upgrades by training travelers how to navigate the system, as well as training travelers on how specific system modifications, enhancements, updates and upgrades impact how they complete tasks within eTravel, such as completing travel authorizations, submitting travel claims (40%).
• Conducts frequent and ongoing review of travel policies and procedures and state and federal laws as they pertain to travel; works closely with DFPS Accounting management to review and recommend revisions to policies and procedures and to develop new policies and procedures; oversees the development of policy handbooks; revises and develops new policies and procedures; plans, develops and implements major agency initiatives; coordinates and develops email broadcast communications to DFPS staff and related stakeholders regarding travel policy and procedures, including updates; oversees travel-related document imaging procedures. (20%)
• Develops training content and materials using computer applications such as Microsoft Word and PowerPoint; creates microlearning videos; updates training content and materials; creates quarterly newsletters; publishes training content and materials on the Travel Resources web page on the DFPS SafetyNet. (15%)
• Research and gather statistics and formulate research results into reports, case studies and proposals to support policy changes. Research alternative business models related to specific travel functions and operations to look for opportunities to gain efficiencies and achieve cost-saving measures beneficial to the agency and the State of Texas. (10%)
• Consults with management, the Comptroller’s Office, support offices, State Travel Management Program, Contracted travel vendors and others on travel issues, state and federal statutes, rules and regulations as they pertain to existing policy, policy revisions, new policy development, and compliance; participates in internal and external workgroups on travel polices, application of state and federal laws relating to travel, travel issues, and process improvements. (10%)
• Completes special projects assigned by the Travel Claims and Services Manager. (5%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

• Knowledge of Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Fiscal Management accounting and procedures
• Knowledge of automation principles and techniques
• Knowledge of CAPPS Financial; USAS/TINS financial accounting systems and eTravel System
• Knowledge of reviewing and updating policies and procedures
• Skill in working with automated financial systems and operating computers and software applications
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, direct, and coordinate financial activities of the agency
• Ability to prepare concise reports
• Ability to manage projects
• Ability to use SharePoint
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to interpret and apply state and federal rules regarding travel expenditure and reporting including Texas Government Code and Texas Administrative Code pertaining to Travel
• Ability to establish goals and objectives
• Ability to review and understand complex technical matters and disseminate information to others
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Ability to train others in travel-related policies, rules and regulations, and operations
• Ability to telework

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major course work in Business, Finance, Accounting, or in a field relevant to the position is generally preferred. Experience can be considered in lieu of education.
• Experience in Accounting or Financial Operations.
• Experience in the use of Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with training others.

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.