Program Specialist VI

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.

Brief Job Description:

Under the supervision of the Peer Support and Recovery SU Programs Director, the Program Specialist VI performs consultative and technical tasks related to the development and implementation of HHSC agency activities and functions that pertain to services having to do with peer services, recovery, and lived experience. The Program Specialist VI is part of Peer Support and Recovery, a team of individuals that have subject matter expertise in peer support and recovery-oriented services. Peer Support and Recovery oversees peer-involved and recovery programs and initiatives including:

•  Peer workforce development

•  Technical assistance for peer support services

•  Peer support certification and training contractors

•  Consumer operated service organizations

•  Recovery community organizations

•  Clubhouses

•  Liaison efforts with Medicaid and with other agencies who provide peer services 

Essential Job Functions (EFJs):

40% Oversees the processes to provide assistance, advice and direction to the health and human services agencies to ensure policies, procedures and processes are in compliance with HHSC guidance and legal mandates as they occur. Represents the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in coordinating the development and implementation of HHSC agency activities and functions that improve and enhance collaboration and partnerships between HHSC and external partners such as, Texas academic institutions, medical institutions, professional licensing board boards such as the social work and professional counseling, non-HHS state agencies, and county and local agencies. Interfaces with external partners to coordinate policy development and analysis that involves state health and human services issues pertaining to peer services. Escalates issues to management as appropriate for decision making and or resolution.

25% Assists the PSR SU Programs Director in reviewing changes in legislation affecting the health and human services agencies and coordinates with budget and fiscal departments to determine the impact on agencies. Implements initiatives and projects with external partners that support HHS agencies in achieving their goals and objectives. Provides complex executive and managerial planning, implementation and evaluation of strategies to achieve HHSC priorities, policy development and coordination.

20% Works on cross agency and HHS projects as assigned by the PSR Programs Director related to behavioral health and intellectual disabilities. Reviews proposed federal/state statutes and federal/state regulations that impacts HHS agencies and provides consultation and guidance to ensure compliance. Initiates, develops and ensures the coordination of briefing documents, issue papers, correspondence, bill analyses and memorandums for executive management review and decision-making.

10% Serves on advisory boards as requested. Attends council or committee meetings as needed. Responds to legislative correspondence and requests ensuring coordination with appropriate staff. Represents HHSC on external Councils, Committees or workgroups. Prepares updates to legislative leadership, executive management.

5% Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills Abilities (KSAs):

Public administration and management techniques

The principles of health and human services policy and planning.

The history, values, and core competencies of substance use peer support and recovery programs

The principles of leadership and interaction with various leadership styles

The principles of health and human services policy and planning.

Skill in:

Problem solving and conflict resolution.

Developing and implementing communications strategies

Managing multiple and competing priorities

Leadership, communication, and public speaking

The use of computer software, specifically Windows, Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point, ACESS ·

Developing, writing, and editing executive documents and briefings

Ability to:

Understand and effectively interpret agency and program rules, policies, and procedures. ·

Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Gather, assemble, correlate and analyze facts.

Demonstrate strong organizational skills; prioritize workload.

Work independently with minimal supervision

Demonstrate strong leadership and interpersonal skills; works well with all levels of staff and maintains effective working relationships.

Establish and maintain positive relationships with external partners, and individuals and groups with diverse needs and priorities

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Active Mental Health Peer Specialist, Recovery Support Peer Specialist, Family Partner, or Peer Support Supervisor Certification from Texas Certification Board 

Initial Screening Criteria: 

1. Active certification as a Mental Health Peer Specialist, Recovery Support Peer Specialist, Family Partner, or Peer Support Supervisor through the Texas Certification Board.

2. Documented work experience in substance use/mental health peer services

Additional Information:    

N/A

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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.