988 Program Specialist

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Brief Job Description:

The Program Specialist V position performs advanced oversight, consultative services, and technical assistance work related to Crisis Services. This position works in partnership with the Crisis Services Director and Manager with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position will work with senior-level internal and external stakeholders including Chief Communications Officers, media partners, advocacy organizations, and state agency leadership on issues related to 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, other crisis services. The primary focus will be the implementation of strategies such as: public awareness campaigns, messaging that utilizes both traditional and social media platforms, public events, training, website development and support, social media/marketing, and other effective approaches. Work includes researching and analyzing complex data related to behavioral health promotion, identifying best practices, and supporting the implementation of evidence-based practices including monitoring fidelity. This position will additionally use data to assist in designing and rolling out statewide public awareness campaigns and training.  

The position will provide contract oversight including developing Statements of Work (SOW) and establishing related policies, practices, and monitoring processes.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF1: Works with media partners to ensure effective roll-out of statewide marketing campaigns using traditional and social media platforms, public events, training, website development, and support, social media/marketing and other effective approaches. Facilitates training and provides guidance to staff and external partners including agency executives and service delivery contracted partners on effective methods for 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and crisis service awareness. Helps ensure products created for the media campaign are in line with SAMHSA toolkit and HHSC Brand Guidance. Provides advanced consultation by interpreting policies, procedures, rules, regulations, standards, and literature related to 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and crisis services (50%).

EJF2: Supports contract management and other internal entities in the development and oversight of prevention media contracts. Monitors media partner performance provides technical assistance and makes recommendations for corrective action. Maintains knowledge of best practices as it relates to public awareness campaigns and understands the need for an integrated approach to service delivery and establishes related policies and practices (20%).

EJF3: Performs ongoing qualitative and quantitative data analysis and information pertaining to the statewide prevention campaign. Collects, tracks, and analyzes data by monitoring and assessing campaign utilization and reach. Determines trends, needs, and opportunities, and identifies strategies for improvement. Provides HHSC-funded organizations with media and community-specific technical assistance (15%). 

EJF4: Represents agency on internal and external committees, workgroups, and projects to ensure streamlined delivery of effective strategies. Develops and implements strategies to increase consumer voice including identifying opportunities to receive provider, youth, family, and community input. Builds and maintains effective partnerships with stakeholders including advocacy organizations (5%). 

EJF5: Analyzes legislation and conducts bill analysis to determine the programmatic impact of proposed policies or funding strategies and provides written responses. Develops responses to legislative and/or executive leadership inquiries (5%). 

EJF6: Performs other duties and participates in other divisional operational processes as assigned (5%). 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of: 

a. Media-related best practices and approaches as they relate to public awareness campaign implementation; and
b. Knowledge of marketing products, services, and associated equipment; and of the principles and dynamics of marketing and merchandising.

Skill in:

a. Effective verbal and written communication and public speaking;
b. Quickly comprehending complex issues and prioritizing activities to meet strict deadlines;
c. Management of large projects; 
d. Facilitation of large workgroups; 
e. Identifying and implementing creative solutions to complex problems;
f. Identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions to complex policy and implementation issues;;
g. Data analysis and reporting, and qualitative interpretation of policy issues; and
h. Computer software, including Microsoft Office Suite programs, social media platforms, Office 365 – SharePoint, web-based platforms i.e. Skype, Teams, or Zoom.

Ability to:

a. Build and maintain strong interpersonal relationships with diverse professionals and stakeholders; 
b. Develop complex, detailed implementation plans and resources for partners;
c. Think strategically and holistically while simultaneously being detail-oriented;
d. Lead training, technical assistance and cross-functional workgroups;
e. Support the development and oversight of contracts;
f. Use data to inform decisions and research/apply findings to prevention work in Texas;
g. Lead cross-functional work groups; and,
h. Be solution-focused and work well in a team environment

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Bachelor Degree required; preferred experience with public awareness campaigns or marketing/communications. 

Additional Information:

This is a temporary position to implement the 988 Statewide Public Awareness Campaign. 

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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.