Youth Crisis Outreach Teams Program Specialist

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Functional Title: Youth Crisis Outreach Teams Program Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist VI 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: BH Crisis Services 
Posting Number: 7926 
Closing Date: 08/26/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $8,304.83 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 25% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,86P0,88A0,88B0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Performs advanced (senior-level) policy and administration work related to crisis services for children, Youth Crisis Outreach Teams, and the delivery of children's mental health services.  Work involves planning, developing, and implementing major agency program(s) and providing targeted and routine technical assistance to contractors, internal and external stakeholders.  This position works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Work includes facilitating activities to promote effective program design and implementation and increase access to crisis services for children, youth and families through data and trend-driven targeted and routine technical assistance. This position will provide subject matter expertise related to the performance of Texas Resiliency and Recovery (TRR) and mental health projects and initiatives, with particular emphasis on the children’s continuum and delivery of behavioral health crisis services and for children seeking access to crisis assessments in the community. This position will focus on children’s crisis intervention services provided in the community and will work to address continuity of care issues in the behavioral health system.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

This position serves to expand children's mental health crisis services statewide. Tasks include implementation and oversight of the Youth Crisis Outreach Team program, providing targeted and routine technical assistance to providers, providing input on policy issues arising from quality management activities. This position will assist with the procurement, development, oversight and coordination of specific external contracts (including federal grants); provide training and technical assistance to internal staff and external stakeholders, facilitate statewide conference calls, assisting with quantitative and qualitative analysis (includes financial analysis), support ongoing research and analysis activities related to crisis services and interception with behavioral health services, and providing detailed input regarding information systems under development. (30%)

The position is responsible for developing and implementing effective techniques for evaluating agency programs. Duties include development and oversight of complex, detailed implementation plans, facilitation of cross-functional meetings and workgroups, representation of Behavioral Health Services Program Services or the Health and Human Services Commission at public meetings, development of financial spreadsheets, taking a leadership role in internal and external workgroups and conferences, and preparation of slide presentations and program implementation material. Perform related work as assigned. This position will analyze data trends to inform targeted technical assistance and provide effective contract monitoring. Tasks also include monitoring adherence to contract requirements, performance measures and review and tracking expenditures that are in scope of the project requirements. This position will inform technical assistance and escalate concerns to the Children's Mental Health Manager. (30%)

This team member is responsible for developing program policies, procedures, standards, and manuals by program objectives and goals as it relates to mental health services and implementation of crisis services for children and families. This position is responsible for performing a variety of technical, training, research, planning, policy, program assessment, and administrative activities for assigned program(s) related to Youth Crisis Outreach team and children's crisis services, community-based interventions, and Children's Mental Health. (30%)

This position analyzes performance data to help ensure compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules; and recommends corrective action(s) as needed. (10%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of: Children's crisis services, community crisis interventions, Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams, state hospital system, children's mental health, and behavioral health interventions. This position requires knowledge of the role of the Local Mental Health or Behavioral Health Authority and the Texas Resiliency and Recovery Model (TRR) for children and families and interventions available through community-based crisis services.

Skills in: Program performance indicators and qualitative interpretation of complex policy issues. Skills in effective verbal communication and public speaking, exceptional writing skills, data analysis, and reporting.

Ability to: Develop complex, detailed implementation plans; devise solutions to problems related to mental health services for children; and serve as a lead worker providing direction to others. This position may be responsible for the coordination of staff and the delegation of tasks.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Bachelor’s degree in public health, psychology/sociology, social work, public affairs, or a related field. A minimum of two years implementing behavioral health services and programs. 

Additional Information:

Agency salary policy, budget and candidate's qualifications will dictate final salary offer.  This position serves to expand children’s mental health crisis services statewide.

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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.