Program Specialist VII

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.

Under the direction of the State Hospital (SH) Superintendent, the Special Projects Coordinator performs highly responsible and complex duties serving as a key project manager for new initiatives and high-priority projects. Oversees the coordination, planning, initiation and completion of projects and workgroups for the SH. This position is responsible for project implementation and cross-department coordination, managing projects; monitoring the progress and schedule of projects; and communicating with project stakeholders, management, and other relevant parties. The Special Projects Coordinator may facilitate workgroups for the SH and make recommendations for the improvement of operations or services. This position will be responsible for the preparation and coordination of various required reports. This position may represent the SH at meetings and serve on various committees. This position will serve as a legislative liaison during the legislative session and will be required to prepare information in response to legislative inquiries and serve as the single point of contact for the SH. This position will also track implementation of legislative mandates and provide updates to center and state office leadership as necessary. The position will also serve as an Executive Duty Officer on call, on a rotating basis. The position works with minimal supervision with broad latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

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.

Responsible for the coordination, planning, initiation and completion of assigned projects and workgroups for the SH. Ensures that established direction and objectives are being adhered to.

Set project goals, objectives, and deliverables. Track project outcomes and provide reports and updates as appropriate.

Leads or participates in assigned committees/work groups. Facilitates meetings and elevates risks or issues as appropriate. Develops partnerships with staff, stakeholders including consumers and their families, advocacy groups, intellectual and developmental disability authorities, the Legislature, other state and federal agencies, professional associations, and the public.

Prepares and coordinates various reports assigned to the SH including legislative reports and executive briefings.

Communicates or presents information to stakeholders, management, and legislative staff upon request.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Ability to manage project activities; to establish project goals and objectives; to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions; to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues; to demonstrate negotiation and facilitation skills; to identify project risks and gaps; to prepare reports; to communicate effectively; and to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.

Skill in project management monitoring, in addressing changes in scope or timing, and in operating computers and applicable software.

Ability to develop effective partnerships with staff, consumers and their families, advocacy groups, state office, professional associations, and the public.

Ability to organize and present information effectively, both in spoken and written word, and to make presentations and lead committees.

Knowledge of SH operations and services including the Agency's strategic plan, policies, SH standards, programs, and critical issues.

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program areas and of the principles and practices of public administration and management.

Skill in establishing and implementing policies and procedures.

Knowledge or experience in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing effective

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year or university with major course work in psychology, sociology, special education, rehabilitation counseling, or a related human services field and a minimum of six months experience required OR

Associate degree and a minimum of twenty-four months experience required OR

No degree and a minimum of four years of experience required.

Three years of experience in managing projects.

Three years full time experience in human services.

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 individuals. 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.