Opioid Treatment Program Lead

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Under the supervision of the Texas Targeted Opioid Response (TTOR) Associate Director, the TTOR Treatment Program Lead performs highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work related to the development and implementation of HHSC agency opioid treatment services. The Treatment Program Lead plans, develops coordinates, and implements opioid treatment initiatives under the Texas Targeted Opioid Response.

The TTOR Treatment Program Lead provides consultative services and technical assistance to programs and systems to reduce unmet treatment need by increasing geographic access to opioid treatment and overall treatment capacity; reduce criminal activity and justice involvement related to untreated opioid use disorder; reduce infectious disease transmission that results from intravenous opioid use and increase access to testing and treatment; reduce opioid overdose death; and increase social functioning, outcomes for family preservation, and retention in treatment.

The TTOR Treatment Program Lead interfaces with internal and external partners including program staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, and the general public to coordinate policy development and analysis that involves state health and human services issues, specifically services that promote access to and expansion of evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder and to improve responsiveness of those systems to the needs of the community as it relates to the opioid overdose crisis. The TTOR Treatment Program Lead works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative, creative/innovative problem solving, and independent judgment. The TTOR Treatment Program Lead trains, leads, assigns, and/or prioritizes the work of others.

This position is telework eligible. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business need.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF1: Subject Matter Expertise: Acts as senior level subject matter expert on issues pertaining to evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder. Is attuned to developments within the field of addiction treatment. Ensures clarity around priorities and goals for opioid treatment. Provides subject matter expertise to both internal partners and external stakeholder groups on the integration of evidence-based treatment, policies, and procedures. Works across functions with colleagues among multiple groups to ensure collaboration and shared goals. [25%]

EJF 2:  Development: Through ongoing program assessment and population needs assessment, identifies gaps and the need for new opioid treatment services. Uses creative problem solving to design innovative and integrated opioid overdose crisis response programs statewide. Establishes evidence-based treatment program goals and objectives; develops and approves implementation schedules, program priorities, and standards for achieving programmatic goals. Works with the director and executive leadership for strategy development and execution planning for both long and short-term goals. Initiates procurement processes, develops scopes of work, reviews budgets, develops funding methodologies, and collaborates with contract development, contract management staff, and potential contractors to fully develop contracts and manage within federal and state timelines. [20%]

EJF 3:  Oversight: Oversees the multi-million-dollar budget, development, and implementation of TTOR Treatment services. Ensures quality service delivery through the provision of technical assistance. Organizes and provides regularly scheduled, ongoing technical assistance calls with TTOR Treatment funded service providers as well as interdepartmental project team meetings. Consults public and private providers of TTOR Treatment services and stakeholder groups to resolve problems and identify training needs. Ensure services are delivered within scope, with fidelity, and within budget. Monitors budget expenditures. Monitors compliance with federal and state rules, policies, procedures, and standards. Uses project management tools to organize highly complex program oversight. Communicates key performance indicators to contractors, director, and executive leadership. [25%]

EJF 4: Assessment: Assesses and evaluates program performance, productivity, and effectiveness through interdepartmental and system agency collaboration and data gathering. Develops program evaluation tools in collaboration with interdepartmental partners. Tracks program outputs and outcomes. Presents program recommendations to director and executive leadership. [10%]

EJF 5: Communication and Reporting: Responds to state, federal, legislative, grant, and media requests/inquiries through the development of reports and communication plans ensuring coordination with appropriate staff. Interacts with senior management at the state and federal level for reporting. Escalates issues to management as appropriate for decision making and/or resolution. Manages the preparation of briefing documents, issue papers, correspondence, bill analyses and memorandums for executive management review and decision-making. Represents HHSC and program director as requested at meetings and hearings. [15%]

EJF 6:  Other duties as assigned: Cross train with team members and serve as back-up subject matter expert. [5%]

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

Advanced Knowledge of: Opioid Treatment; Federal and state laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to both substance use disorder treatment and medication assisted treatment; Opioid misuse prevention; overdose prevention; recovery support; public health; behavioral health continuum of care; strategic prevention framework.

Advanced Skill in: Effective verbal communication and public speaking; Data analysis and reporting, and qualitative interpretation of complex policy issues; Effective facilitation of contractors struggling with implementation of behavioral health services; Quickly comprehending complex issues and prioritize activities to meet strict deadlines; Identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions to complex policy and implementation issues. Exceptional writing skills required.

Ability to:  Develop complex, detailed implementation plans; Develop products to support the implementation of evidence-based practices; Develop materials for training and Technical Assistance events; Lead cross functional work groups; Support contracts related to behavioral health services; Develop statewide rules for behavioral health policy; Build and maintain strong relationships with diverse professionals.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Preferred licensure: LCDC, LPC, LMSW, LCSW, or CARN

Preferred certification: Prevention Specialist, Recovery Support Peer Specialist, or Medication-Assisted Treatment Advocate 

Initial Screening Criteria:

Required: Minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in a behavioral health related field or four years of work experience in behavioral health services.

Additional Information:

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 need.

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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.