Amanda Austin
Austin
Summary
Experienced program management professional proficient in coordinating and managing multiple projects simultaneously. Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, risk management, and improving organizational efficiency. Skilled in optimizing processes and aligning initiatives with organizational objectives. Recognized for adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and exceptional communication and organizational skills.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Manager
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
07.2023 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive program evaluations, identifying areas for improvement and recommending actionable solutions.
- Monitored legislation by preparing bill analyses, fiscal notes, and educational impact studies as assigned.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.
- Recruited and selected expert reviewers from universities within the U.S. for research review and doctoral program assessment.
- Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion within deadlines and budgets.
- Managed multiple strategic projects with numerous sub-projects or workstreams.
- Utilized data-driven decision-making approaches to inform strategy development and optimize outcomes.
Legal Assistant
Texas Attorney General's Office
08.2022 - 07.2023
- Worked directly with a senior attorney to gain experience in interpreting and applying the Public Information Act.
- Reviewed and analyzed requests for rulings submitted to the Open Records Division of the Texas Attorney General's Office
- Drafted legal opinions, including informal open records letter rulings involving requests for public information; educated citizens and public servants regarding their rights and obligations under the Public Information Act.
- Ensured security and confidentiality of sensitive and/or protected information.
- Monitored statutory deadlines to enure timely completion of tasks while maintaining high-quality output.
- Synthesized complex information into informal letters to make findings accessible to diverse audiences.
- Managed high-volume workload while maintaining strict attention to detail on every task.
- Facilitated timely resolution of legal matters by preparing and organizing essential documents.
Intake Supervisor II
Department of Family and Protective Services
02.2017 - Current
- Worked in a high stress environment with the ability to be flexible in responding to emergency situations on a daily basis.
- Managed and developed staff through review of calls and performance data, conferences, and training.
- Ensured accurate data collection and reporting by implementing strict quality control measures.
- Conducted regular meetings with staff to discuss performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and develop action plans accordingly.
- Provided guidance and call feedback to direct reports and other agency staff.
- Contributed to agency-wide initiatives aimed at streamlining intake processes by developing and implementing efficient interviewing techniques.
- Established and maintained effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Protective Service Intake Specialist V
Department of Family and Protective Services
05.2015 - 02.2017
- Interpreted and relayed program planning and implementation of; the laws and regulations related to child care, abuse, and neglect; child development principles and theories; gerontology and the dynamics of the aging process, community social service resources; laws and regulations related to child and adult protective services, child care licensing, and facilities; and crisis intervention techniques and skills
- Demonstrated strong organizational skills by managing multiple and competing priorities
Protective Service Intake Specialist I-III
Department of Family and Protective Services
09.2012 - 05.2015
- Obtained and documented detailed information from callers and correspondence concerning the alleged abuse or neglect of children and/or abuse, neglect or exploitation to persons 65 years and older or adults with disabilities
- Assessed severity of the circumstances according to department policies and procedures to assess intake reports for determination of priority, allegation type, and handling
- Knowledge of abuse, neglect, and exploitation definitions found in the Texas Family Code
- Knowledge of normal child development
Juvenile Correction Officer V
Texas Juvenile Justice Department
05.2012 - 09.2012
- Performed advanced work as a shift team leader for the sexual offender dorm
- Lead, directed, coached, and trained assigned officers by monitoring their duties involving the direct supervision of the youth to ensure a secure and safe residential facility
- Facilitated youth rehabilitation and monitored compliance with applicable policies and procedures
- Assisted direct supervisors with staff development, scheduling and performance evaluations for assigned correctional officers
Juvenile Correctional Officer III
Texas Juvenile Justice Department
01.2012 - 04.2012
- Responsible for the direct care of juveniles in a correctional setting
- Remained alert, observant, and physically able to respond appropriately to work situations
- Intervened and corrected youth behavior using verbal and physical crisis intervention/de-escalation techniques and facilitated group discussions and activities
Teaching Parent
Bayes Achievement Center
12.2009 - 11.2011
- Provided in-home care, educational/life skills training, and supervision to clients aged 6-22 with special needs in teaching homes and classroom settings
- Client’s levels of functioning and special needs varied to include Intellectual Developmental Disorders, emotional disturbance, and those on the autism spectrum
- Monitored and assisted clients with self-care based on their level of functioning
- Developed and scheduled activities that lead, encouraged, and developed the clients' independence
- Assisted classroom teacher in implementation and evaluation of student educational goals
Alternative Education Lab Supervisor
Gulf Coast Trade Center
07.2008 - 11.2009
- Supervised youth in the educational setting during school hours
- Responsible for helping youth recover high school credits through programs such as A+ and Plato
- Helped youth prepare for college by filling out FAFSA forms, applying to college and preparing for the SAT
- Assisted as a substitute teacher in educational and vocational settings when needed
- Prepared lesson plans for the youth under my direct supervision
Direct Care Staff
Gulf Coast Trade Center
12.2007 - 07.2008
- Responsible for the direct care of juveniles in a restricted residential setting
- Supervision of youth included overseeing all activities of daily living when not in school to include supervising meals, showering, and sleeping
- Ensured youth remained compliant with all rules and regulations
- Responsible for documenting infractions when rules were not followed
Education
J.D. -
UNT Dallas College of Law
Dallas, Texas05-2022
Master of Science - Victim Services Management
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX08-2018
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX12-2008
Skills
- Analytical thinking
- Project management coordination
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Policy and procedure improvements
- Data collection & research
- Customer service
- Program analysis
- Monitoring performance metrics
- Quality assessment experience
- Personnel management
Timeline
Program Manager
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
07.2023 - Current
Legal Assistant
Texas Attorney General's Office
08.2022 - 07.2023
Intake Supervisor II
Department of Family and Protective Services
02.2017 - Current
Protective Service Intake Specialist V
Department of Family and Protective Services
05.2015 - 02.2017
Protective Service Intake Specialist I-III
Department of Family and Protective Services
09.2012 - 05.2015
Juvenile Correction Officer V
Texas Juvenile Justice Department
05.2012 - 09.2012
Juvenile Correctional Officer III
Texas Juvenile Justice Department
01.2012 - 04.2012
Teaching Parent
Bayes Achievement Center
12.2009 - 11.2011
Alternative Education Lab Supervisor
Gulf Coast Trade Center
07.2008 - 11.2009
Direct Care Staff
Gulf Coast Trade Center
12.2007 - 07.2008
J.D. -
UNT Dallas College of Law
Master of Science - Victim Services Management
Sam Houston State University
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
Sam Houston State University
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