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.

The mission of the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is to promote and support a workforce system that creates value and offers employers, individuals and communities the opportunity to achieve and sustain economic prosperity. To support our mission, we are looking for a Purchasing Specialist to join the Gulf Coast South Department team. This position is located at 18333 Egret Bay Blvd, Houston, TX.

You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.

Benefits to working for TWC include: - Competitive starting salary: $3,409.83- $3,752.00/month - Defined Retirement Benefit Plan - Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts - Medical Insurance - Currently, the state pays 100% of the health plan premium for eligible full-time employees and 50% of the premium for their eligible dependents. Eligible part-time employees get a 50% state contribution for themselves and 25% for their dependents. Employees pay the remainder of the premium by paycheck deduction before taxes are withheld. - Optional Benefits such as dental, vision, and life insurance - 8 hours' sick leave per month - 8 hours' vacation leave per month with potential to earn more with longevity - Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services - Additional benefits for active employees: https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits.

The Purchasing Specialist performs advanced and/or supervisory (senior-level) social service or case management work. Work involves collecting, preparing, and reviewing cases to facilitate access to medical, educational, social, and other services; and providing intervention and frequent contact with individuals, facilities, and service providers. May assign and/or supervise the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

GENERAL DUTIES: - Oversees and reviews case management services for adults or students/youth with disabilities; and monitors clients and case status. - Oversees and reviews purchasing documents for monitoring and evaluation in coordination with the Administrative and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Supervisors. - Provides purchasing actions for complicated cases or in cases where the caseload carrying team needs additional expertise. - Coordinates purchasing of complicated medical servi es with Regional Medical Services Coordinators (MSC) in areas where MSCs are not assigned. - Provides training, consultation and technical assistance to staff in coordination with the Administrative and VR Supervisors and under the direction of the VR Manager. - Participates in unit administration and program development and develops internal policies and procedures regarding caseload purchasing as requested. - Conducts program analyses and research of purchases, assesses service needs, formulates program plans, and assists in the preparation and justification of budget estimates as needed by VR Supervisors and under the direction of the VR Manager. - Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in human services, social science, business, or a related field plus three years and six months of full-time qualifying experience in social and rehabilitative services work, teaching and counseling persons with disabilities, social services, medical eligibility, or entitlement programs; Twelve semester hours of graduate study from an accredited college or university may be substituted for each year of the required qualifying experience; One additional year of full-time qualifying experience may be substituted for each year (30 semester hours) of the required college. Copy of official transcripts, certifications and/or credentials will be requested at the time of interview if applicable.

Duty requires up to 10% travel within the state of Texas and the ability to lift 10 pounds.

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_SocialServices.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.