TLS PAL Management Analyst II

• Collects and analyzes PAL and Chafee service delivery data to identify trends, service gaps, participation outcomes, and regional performance indicators.
• Evaluates workload, staffing utilization, and program performance metrics to identify operational challenges and support resource planning.
• Analyzes historical, current, and projected data to identify emerging service needs, barriers to participation, and opportunities for program enhancement.
• Reviews National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) reports and other performance measures to evaluate program effectiveness and support continuous quality improvement.
• Evaluates the utilization and effectiveness of PAL and Chafee-funded services, including Education and Training Voucher (ETV), aftercare, life skills, and transition services.
• Develops data-driven recommendations to improve youth engagement, service access, and program outcomes.

Program Monitoring and Quality Improvement

Monitors organizational, procedural, and operational systems to ensure effectiveness, efficiency, compliance, and consistency in service delivery.

• Monitors PAL and Chafee program operations for compliance with DFPS policy, federal requirements, and established program standards.
• Reviews service delivery processes, operational procedures, and youth documentation to identify opportunities for improvement and standardization.
• Evaluates regional implementation of PAL services and identifies inconsistencies, trends, and barriers affecting service delivery.
• Assesses program operations and service delivery models to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and outcomes for transition-aged youth.
• Identifies operational issues and develops recommendations for corrective action and continuous quality improvement.

Research, Strategic Planning, and Program Development

Conducts research and analysis to support program planning, service development, and strategic initiatives.

• Collaborates with program leadership to identify priorities and conduct studies addressing service delivery challenges, emerging needs, and program opportunities.
• Researches national best practices, evidence-based models, and innovative approaches related to youth transition services and independent living programs.
• Evaluates partnership opportunities and service delivery approaches that may enhance PAL and Chafee programming.
• Assists in developing, implementing, and evaluating pilot projects, initiatives, and special programs designed to improve outcomes for older youth in foster care.
• Provides analytical support for strategic planning, program development, and decision-making activities.

Policy, Legislative, and Regulatory Analysis

Researches and analyzes legislation, regulations, policies, and emerging issues affecting transition-aged youth and foster care services.

• Reviews proposed and enacted state and federal legislation impacting PAL, Chafee, foster care, extended care, and transition-age youth services.
• Conducts policy and operational impact analyses and recommends changes necessary to align program operations with legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Develops policy summaries, briefing materials, and comparison documents for leadership and stakeholders.
• Monitors federal guidance and regulatory changes related to Chafee-funded services, NYTD reporting, and youth transition programs.
• Provides recommendations to support compliance, program improvement, and effective policy implementation.

Organizational Effectiveness and Service Delivery Analysis

Conducts organizational studies and operational reviews to identify efficiencies and improve program performance.

• Conducts workload and organizational studies to evaluate staffing alignment, resource utilization, and service capacity.
• Reviews business processes and workflows to identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce administrative burden.
• Evaluates service delivery approaches, including contracted and non-contracted models, to assess effectiveness, cost efficiency, and alignment with program goals.
• Analyzes stakeholder feedback, performance measures, and program outcomes to support operational decision-making.
• Develops recommendations related to staffing, workflows, procedures, and organizational effectiveness.

Reporting, Technical Writing, and Executive Recommendations

Prepares technical reports, analyses, and recommendations to support leadership decision-making and program accountability.

• Develops comprehensive reports, presentations, strategic briefs, and program evaluations that summarize findings and recommendations.
• Synthesizes complex data, research, and stakeholder input into clear, actionable information for leadership and partners.
• Prepares internal and external reports related to PAL and Chafee performance, outcomes, and federal reporting requirements.
• Presents findings and recommendations to management and stakeholders to support policy, operational, and programmatic decisions.
• Maintains technical records and documentation related to research, evaluation, and program improvement activities.

Training, Technical Assistance, and Program Support

Develops resources and provides support to ensure consistent implementation of PAL and Chafee programs statewide.

• Develops and maintains policies, procedures, manuals, job aids, guidance documents, and training materials.
• Provides technical assistance, consultation, and training to DFPS staff, SSCC representatives, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Supports implementation of new policies, procedures, systems, and program initiatives through training and instructional support.
• Coordinates statewide surveys, data collection efforts, and special projects related to youth transition services and program improvement.
• Assists with onboarding and knowledge transfer activities to promote consistent program implementation.

Change Management and Industry Engagement

Supports organizational change efforts and identifies emerging trends and innovations that may benefit PAL and Chafee programs.

• Conducts readiness assessments for new initiatives, policy changes, and program improvements by gathering and analyzing stakeholder feedback and implementation data.
• Identifies barriers, resource needs, and implementation risks and provides recommendations to support successful change management efforts.
• Monitors national trends, research, technology, and best practices related to youth transition services, foster care, and independent living programs.
• Evaluates emerging strategies, tools, and program models for potential application within DFPS PAL and Chafee programs.
• Collaborates with state agencies, community organizations, advocacy groups, and national partners to identify opportunities that improve services and outcomes for youth transitioning from foster care.

Other Duties

• Performs related work as assigned.

Applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, criminal justice, public administration, public policy, education, human services, or a closely related field.
• Experience in social work, child welfare, youth services, program administration, policy analysis, program evaluation, or a related human services field.
• Experience serving transition-age youth involved in child welfare, foster care, juvenile justice, homelessness prevention, education, workforce development, or other related human services systems.
• Experience with Preparation for Adult Living (PAL), Chafee-funded services, Extended Foster Care, Aftercare, Education and Training Voucher (ETV), or other transition services for youth in foster care.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to identify trends, inform recommendations, and support program or operational decision-making.
• Experience researching, developing, implementing, or evaluating programs, policies, procedures, or initiatives.
• Experience preparing reports, recommendations, presentations, or other written materials for management or stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, data analysis, and reporting tools
• Experience conducting program evaluation, quality improvement activities, or policy analysis.
• Experience monitoring contracts, grants, or provider performance.
• Experience developing and delivering training, technical assistance, or guidance materials.

Knowledge of:

• Services, resources, and supports that promote successful transitions to adulthood for youth and young adults with experience in foster care or other systems of care.
• Organizational development, program evaluation, and management practices related to the analysis, development, implementation, and monitoring of programs, policies, and procedures.
• Research methodologies, data collection techniques, statistical concepts, methods, models, performance measurement, and data analysis principles.
• Continuous quality improvement processes, organizational effectiveness practices, and methods for evaluating program outcomes.
• Texas child welfare programs, applicable federal and state laws, regulations, policies, contracts, and funding requirements related to foster care, transition-aged youth, the Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood, and the National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD).
• Contract management and monitoring principles, including performance measurement and compliance oversight.
• Preparation for Adult Living (PAL), Extended Foster Care, Aftercare, Education and Training Voucher (ETV), and other services and resources available to youth transitioning from foster care to adulthood.
• Community resources, service delivery systems, and collaborative partnerships that support housing, education, employment, transportation, healthcare, and other transitional services for youth.
• Business process analysis, records management, and work simplification methods.

Skill in:

• Conducting data searches and analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating large volumes of quantitative and qualitative information.
• Researching and evaluating legislation, regulations, policies, best practices, and emerging trends.
• Developing recommendations and alternative solutions based on data, research findings, and stakeholder input.
• Preparing concise, accurate, and comprehensive reports, presentations, briefing materials, and policy summaries.
• Managing projects and coordinating multiple assignments, priorities, and stakeholders.
• Facilitating collaboration across teams and building productive partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Delivering effective customer service and technical assistance to staff, providers, youth-serving organizations, and partners.
• Using computers and software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite, data reporting systems, virtual meeting platforms, and data visualization tools.

Ability to:

• Ability to maintain the security and integrity of the infrastructure per Governor Abbot Executive Order GA-48.

• Collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including community organizations, service providers, governmental entities, and advocacy groups.
• Analyze complex organizational, operational, programmatic, and policy-related issues and identify practical, effective solutions.
• Identify problems, evaluate alternatives, develop recommendations, and implement corrective actions and process improvements.
• Conduct and coordinate research studies, program evaluations, and special projects.
• Develop, interpret, implement, and communicate policies, procedures, and program guidance.
• Monitor program and contract performance and assess compliance with applicable requirements.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with leadership, staff, contractors, providers, partner agencies, advocacy organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Design and deliver training, technical assistance, and presentations to diverse audiences.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Exercise sound judgment, initiative, discretion, and independent decision-making while managing multiple priorities.
• Support organizational change efforts and continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen services and outcomes for transition-aged youth.