Family Violence and Human Trafficking Specialist (AUSTIN, TX)

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Family Violence and Human Trafficking Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist VI 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Human Trafficking Admin 
Posting Number: 19441 
Closing Date: 08/12/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Range: $5,500.00 - $6,900.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 20% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

As part of the Office of Family Services (OFS), the family violence and human trafficking (FVHT) program specialist performs highly advanced (senior-level) complex policy, research, outreach, training, and technical assistance work for the Family Violence Program (FVP) and the Human Trafficking Resource Center (HTRC). The position will, among other duties: provide subject matter expertise on family violence and human trafficking with a special emphasis on the intersection and co-occurrence of these issues; coordinate the review and approval process of the HHS Human Trafficking Prevention Training program; coordinate efforts to enhance access to information and best practices regarding violence prevention and services to survivors of human trafficking and multiple victimizations.  

Works with internal and external partners to support program operational needs for FVP grantees and HTRC stakeholders. Leads the legislative session activities, implementation, and reporting for FVP and HTRC. Plans, develops, and oversees trainings, presentations, process improvement, and quality assurance of FVP and HTRC program operations. Initiates and engages in cross-department collaboration and integration activities.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

(30%) Work collaboratively with the FVP team, serving as a subject matter expert for FVP policy and rules, facilitating internal and external workgroups, and providing administrative, reporting, and program support to the FVP team and FVP service providers. Provides technical assistance to grantees including assessments of policy compliance, confidentiality requirements, identification of issues and associated solutions, collaborating with stakeholders, supporting grant management, and strategic planning. Supports the FVP contract management team and grantees with program monitoring activities and expertise.  

(20%) Coordinate, track, and oversee the HHS Human Trafficking Prevention Training program to ensure the list of approved trainings is accurate and current. Oversee the reporting and maintenance of the HEART training on the HHS Learning Portal, including quarterly accreditation reports. Work with various internal and external partners to troubleshoot and provide technical assistance regarding HEART and other approved trainings. Collaborate with external stakeholders and organizations to solicit new trainings for specialized practitioners.

(20%) Provide subject matter expertise on the intersection of family violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Develop and share best practices on survivor care for multiple victimizations. Provide training and technical assistance to FVP grantees and stakeholders on human trafficking screening at FVP centers, specialized services for co-occurring abuse and exploitation, and on program quality, outcomes, and evaluation best practices. Lead new projects and initiatives for special survivor populations including human trafficking, survivors with disabilities, accessibility services, language access, and tribal partnerships.

(20%) Participate in planning, development and implementation of Office of Family Services programming. Attend external workgroups and task force meetings relevant to FVP and HTRC. Manage legislative session activities and implementation reporting for FVP and HTRC. Perform assignments in accordance with program work plan timelines. Monitor progress on special projects and program plans ensuring reports and assignments are prepared, reviewed and submitted accurately and timely.

(10%) Other duties and/or special projects as assigned to support FVP, HTRC, OFS, and Family Health Services.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of public policies and programs, as well as local, state, and federal laws and regulations relating to family violence and human trafficking. 

Knowledge of policy and procedure development, implementation, and maintenance.

Knowledge of family violence and human trafficking legislation and statewide initiatives.

Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and practices.

Knowledge of continuing education and accreditation standards.

Skill in organization and project management.

Skill using the internet and computer software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and Adobe Pro. 

Skill in analyzing, evaluating, and solving service delivery problems and implementing effective solutions.

Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with colleagues at all levels in the organization as well as external customers.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, health care professionals, law enforcement officials, national, state and local governmental and community organizations, and advocacy groups.

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate and analyze facts, devise solutions to problems.

Ability to prepare concise yet complex reports.

Ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of audiences, verbally and in writing.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely.

Ability to maintain confidential files and documents.

Ability to think creatively and support creative thinking in others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Experience in developing professional communication and training materials required. Experience working on family violence or human trafficking initiatives with a governmental agency or nonprofit organization preferred. Experience in rulemaking and legislative session activities preferred. Experience collecting and analyzing program data is preferred.

Additional Information:

N/A

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

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.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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 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.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.