Private Psychiatric Bed Program Specialist

Brief Job Description: 

Performs highly advanced, senior-level coordination, implementation, and technical assistance work related to the provision of statewide Behavioral Health Services specifically in relation to Crisis Services and delivery of services at Crisis Facilities. Work involves program oversight and developing, analyzing, and revising programs. Work also includes facilitating activities to promote effective program design and implementation. This position will focus on community crisis intervention services, crisis stabilization services provided in inpatient facilities, and continuity of care in the behavioral health system. This includes working with Local Mental Health Authorities, State Hospitals, state-funded Crisis Facilities, Private Psychiatric Hospitals, Community Mental Health Hospitals, substance use providers, and other local entities to ensure individual’s needs are addressed in the least restrictive environment. This position will have responsibilities in assisting with the overall administration of programs including serving as the primary programmatic point of contact for internal and external representatives. The position is responsible for acquiring and maintaining state-of-the-art knowledge regarding recovery-oriented services, engagement, and service delivery systems that support persons in need of Behavioral Health Crisis Services. Other specific tasks may include: Assistance with the procurement, development, oversight, and coordination of specific external contracts; providing training and technical assistance; assisting with quantitative and qualitative analysis, to include financial analysis of statewide and/or site-specific programs; analysis of proposed legislation; responding to public officials and stakeholders; ongoing research and analysis activities related to crisis services; and, providing detailed input regarding information systems under development. Duties include development and oversight of complex, detailed implementation plans, facilitation of cross-functional meetings and workgroups, represent the Behavioral Health Services Section, Division, or Department at public meetings, development of financial spreadsheets, taking a leadership role in internal and external workgroups and conferences, and preparation of slide presentations or briefing documents for leadership presentations or public testimony. Performs related work as assigned. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs): 

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. Responsible for assisting with the overall administration of programs focused on Behavioral Health Crisis Services and Facilities and associated policy. Responsible for the day-to-day management of programs and monitoring program's progress towards meeting performance outcomes and for oversight of program progress. Based on section and unit priorities, this team member will serve as subject matter expert, provide program oversight, and perform highly technical work related to Behavioral Health Crisis Services and other behavioral health programs/areas. (25%)

Participates in the development and implementation of program systems, processes, procedures, and forms to ensure success of programs and overall program improvement. Coordinates with internal and external representatives to develop and implement quality assurance processes, identifies program areas needing change and makes recommendations for improvement. Provides guidance to internal and external representatives regarding program policies, procedures, and best practices. (15%)

Routinely provides timely and accurate routine and targeted technical assistance and appropriate troubleshooting to internal and external representatives. Consults with contractors to provide assistance related to program management, program implementation, continuity of care, and supporting documentation. Oversees the development and implementation of trainings. (25%)

Coordinates and represents programs in the development of procurement and contracting activities including solicitations such as Needs and Capacity Assessments, Request for Proposals, and Requests for Applications, and solicitation development, planning meetings, and timelines. Ensures programs adhere to applicable contracting requirements, state and federal laws, and agency policy and procedures. Consults with internal agency representatives to ensure program compliance. Provides input on policy issues arising from quality management activities. Assists with the quantitative and qualitative analysis (includes financial analysis) and supporting ongoing research and analysis activities related to Behavioral Health Crisis Services. Escalates issues in a timely manner to Unit Manager and appropriately documents all technical assistance efforts. (20%)

Drafts and coordinates information and communication related to the program including legislative responses and reports, public presentations, correspondence, and memoranda for internal and external representatives. Represents program at meetings, as directed, attends conferences, and briefs leadership. (15%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): 

Knowledge of:

Local, state, and federal laws related to adult behavioral health programs, behavioral health crisis services, and substance use issues and services; recovery, resiliency, engagement and disease management concepts, including Texas Resilience and Recovery (formerly RDM-Resiliency and Disease Management) as it has rolled out in Texas. Basic knowledge of substance use treatment, prevention, and Medicaid programs/services in Texas. Basic knowledge of statistical analysis processes; budget processes; research techniques; training and marketing techniques; and program management processes and techniques.

Skills In:

Effective verbal communication and public speaking, exceptional writing skills, data analysis and reporting, and qualitative interpretation of complex policy issues. Effective facilitation of contractors struggling with implementation of behavioral health crisis services; quickly comprehend complex issues and prioritize activities to meet strict deadlines; identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions to complex policy and implementation.

Ability to:

Gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems; to prepare reports; to develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures; 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; ability to guide and maintain strong relationships with diverse professionals and stakeholders. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Undergraduate degree in public health, psychology/sociology, social work, public affairs, or a related field from an accredited college or university required, masters preferred. Experience in direct provision or management/administration of public mental health services required. Experience using complex data sets and experience managing large systems change initiatives preferred.  Experience with behavioral health rules and the development of contract language, experience managing large systems change initiatives preferred. 

Additional Information: 

The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum allowable by state law. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual Chapter 7.