Program Specialist III

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:

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Program Specialist III will serve as the Primary Requestor to facilitate purchases for the facility. Enters Requisitions in CAPPS Financials according to Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS) guidelines. Completes training, as required.

Processes, maintains, and reviews all medical equipment maintenance records including work orders, projects, and material requisitions (electronic and paper-based) for completeness and accuracy. Ensures all required documentation is present/scanned in each record and that records are maintained in the proper format.

Conducts Internal Quality assurance audits for support service functions and administrative activities.  

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Provides departments with documentation for new contract development to ensure scope of work is detailed and through. Aid in monitoring financial status standard operating contracts and help facilitate a requisition for additional funds if appropriate. 

Oversees the facility requisitions and serves as the Primary Requestor for the facility.  

Function as a facility requester and Pro-Card holder with complete documentation and tracking records.

Complete travel related forms for scheduling travel and for reimbursement for the facility in conjunction with the Regional Business Office.

Coordinates and facilitates internal audits for facility services as deemed by facility leadership and prepares corresponding reports.

Complies with all CTD mandatory training requirements and participates in ongoing training to maintain and develop skills.

Complies with Commissioner’s Rules and observes safety practices. Observes and follows departmental rules and applicable standards with 100% compliance.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of state and federal laws for individuals with mental health issues rules, regulations, policy and procedures related to State Hospital.
• Knowledge of emergency procedures and emergency equipment, i.e., CPR., and ability to assess and care for residents and/or staff members in emergency situations. 
• Knowledge of the contracting process and submitting requisitions.
• Skill in analyzing problems, formulating and implementing plans of corrections, and to successfully lead change.
• Skills in the use of computer/software.
• Skill in time management and prioritization.
• Ability to communicate effectively to groups and individuals.
• Ability to achieve and maintain collaborative relationships.
• Ability to analyze and develop policies, procedures, and reports.
• Ability to evaluate services, identify concerns/trends and develop meaningful plans for improvement.
• Ability to instruct, train, and provide guidance to others.
• Ability to utilize SharePoint and other programs that are utilized by the State Hospital.
• Ability to evaluate contract documentation and recommend action.
• Ability to draft and edit correspondence, reports, memorandums, and contract documents.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, schedules, projects, and/or reports.
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to work independently and manage projects.
• Ability to perform as a MIMS Requester

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Graduation from a standard high school or equivalent.
• Experience using computer equipment/software applications such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, and/or Excel.
• Certified Texas Contract Manager Certification, preferred.

Additional Information:

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with persons served. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

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.