Data and Systems Improvement Project Manager

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

Brief Job Description:

The Process Improvement Unit (PIU) Project Manager (PM) works under the direction of the Director of the Process Improvement Unit in the Center for System Coordination and Innovation (CSCI). This position is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating the agency's cross-program and cross-agency project management initiatives. This position is also responsible for the creation and monitoring of systems-based / data process improvement projects throughout the agency. Specifically, this position will center around the use of various platforms to develop tools for process improvement, such as Microsoft Power Apps. This position will also be responsible for helping various divisions across the agency develop solutions and reporting tools for cross division coordination activities. Manages DSHS special projects, utilizing project management tools in coordination with agency business and program units. The position facilitates work groups and compiles and analyzes information to develop project recommendations and reports. May plan and direct organizational assessments and monitor and report on successes and challenges related to organizational change activities. Promotes and implements approaches to continuously assess and improve health outcomes and/or business processes. The work requires regular interaction and coordination with executive, program, and legal staff and others within DSHS and HHSC.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1: The PM serves as project manager and lead for the development of data and systems process improvement projects across the agency. This work involves: providing technical assistance to all functional divisions and programmatic areas within DSHS for various process improvement needs; leading the agency in developing solutions for various agency needs; lead the agency in developing tools using MS Power Apps and other systems-based solutions; assist the agency with developing systems-based approaches to process improvement needs; facilitating project status reporting; leading work groups and project teams; ensuring that any discussion or decisions made regarding project status are accurately captured in the tracking system; assisting program area managers when it is time to close out a project; and working with program area managers to evaluate performance to see that the project had the intended impact (30%).

EJF 2: The PM serves as project manager for initiatives that impact key functions within DSHS. This work involves: providing technical assistance to areas in the development of project charters and work plans at the start of a new project; ensuring that critical project documentation is completed timely; facilitating project status reporting; leading work groups and project teams; ensuring that any discussion or decisions made regarding project status are accurately captured in the tracking system. (25%).

EJF 3: The PM leads management studies conducted by the PIU team, including, but not limited to analyzing data sources and identifying possible trends; contributing to the design and implementation of survey tools; identifying key findings; and proposing recommendations for change that represent practical solutions to problems identified during the study. The PM will also work with the area under review to ensure that recommendations are addressed in an action plan that will subsequently become part of DSHS business processes. Oversee, review, and evaluate corrective actions to determine if the actions have led to increased efficiency and effectiveness. (20%).

EJF 4: The PM is responsible, alone or in conjunction with others, to produce a variety of communication items related to departmental planning exercises and department-wide initiatives being undertaken at DSHS that may include: DSHS strategic and operational plans, priority initiatives, response to legislative request or reports, Survey of Employee Engagement (SEE), etc. (20%).

EJF 5: Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned including but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or continuity of operations activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location (5%).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of data and system improvement models, tools and other system-based tools, including but not limited to MS Power Apps, Tableau, or similar solutions.

Knowledge of public health and health care policy issues, systems of service, and programs.

Knowledge of project management methodology/tools.

Knowledge of organizational development and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs and procedures.

Skill in effectively organizing and presenting complex information in written and oral communications.

Skill in analyzing and solving problems in collaboration with numerous stakeholders.

Skill in providing consultation and technical assistance to varied audiences.

Ability to establish effective working relationships with staff at various levels of an organization, agencies, providers, and stakeholders.

Ability to understand and align operations and support strategies according to business needs.  

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in public administration, business administration, information technology, data and systems management, organizational management, strategic planning, process improvement, quality improvement or a related discipline required.
2. At least 2 years’ experience with project management and/or process improvement, education, or training; data and systems-based tools (e.g., MS PowerApps); planning and facilitating meetings, and writing reports for diverse audiences including senior and executive management.

Registrations, Licensures, and Certifications:

Certification in a project management / process improvement training program strongly preferred (e.g., Lean Six Sigma, CAPM, PMP, higher education certificates in project management, etc.). If no certification at time of hiring, one will be required within the first year of employment.

Additional Information:

Candidates selected for an interview are required to bring a writing sample in conjunction with a paid employment position listed in their application, preferably related to a project management or process improvement task. There may also be a brief in-basket exercise at the conclusion of the interview.

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 for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form