Program Specialist VI

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Functional Title : Program Specialist VI

Job Title : Program Specialist VI

Agency : Health & Human Services Comm

Department : Crisis JAIL DIV & FORENSIC

Posting Number : 1753

Closing Date : 01 / 13 / 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

Shift : Day

Additional Shift : Days (First)

Telework : Part-Time

Travel : Up to 20%

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

Texas Health and Human Services Commission's (HHSC) Diversion and In-reach Services team within the Forensic and Jail Diversion Services (FJDS) Unit, seeks a Program Specialist VI, to expand and enhance statewide technical assistance initiatives. The Program Specialist VI reports to the Manager of FJDS. This position is located in the Adult, Crisis, and Forensic Mental Health Services Division, Behavioral Health Services Department.

This position performs highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance related to the provision of statewide forensic and diversion activities and programs for individuals with serious mental illness, including the provision of mental health services that involve outpatient and residential crisis services for justice-involved individuals. Work involves planning, developing, and implementing major agency programs in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders such as county jails and state hospitals. This position works to address access to care and continuity of care issues through collaboration with Local Mental Health Authorities, Local Behavioral Health Authorities, the criminal justice system, and other local entities to ensure people's needs are addressed in the least restrictive environment.

This position may provide direction to other program staff overseeing diversion and in-reach services and forensic programs, with a focus on programs and initiatives funded through the Mental Health Grant for Justice Involved Individuals. This position will have responsibilities related to the design and implementation of evidence-based practices; research and development of statewide or pilot programming in conjunction with evidence-based best practices; revision of statewide guidelines and performance contract language; creating policy interpretation documents; development of legislative appropriations requests; drafting prompt responses to requests for information, and serving as a public speaker or division representative with stakeholder organizations, inter or intra agency task groups, and other organizations or agencies as requested.

This position requires strong analytical and writing skills and must maintain state-of-the-art knowledge regarding recovery-oriented services and engagement, in addition to service delivery systems that support people found incompetent to stand trial. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs related work as assigned.

Essential Job Functions :

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

This team member will plan, prioritize, and perform a variety of technical, training, research, planning, policy, program assessment, and administrative assistance and activities related to access to care for justice-involved individuals that enhance the continuum of diversion and competency restoration programs. This team member will serve as a subject matter expert on forensic and jail diversion services. (30%)

This team member will implement evidence-based practices, revise statewide guidelines and performance contract language, create policy interpretation briefing documents, and analyze program specific legislation. The position will participate in the development of rules, policies, and regulations and contracts related to crisis, forensic and jail diversions services. This position will analyze complex policy implementation issues and create various documents and spreadsheets to provide education to internal staff and external stakeholders (30%)

Tasks include oversight of specific programs / pilots, providing input on policy issues arising from quality management activities; assisting with the procurement, development, oversight and coordination of specific external contracts (including federal grants); providing training and technical assistance to internal staff and external stakeholders, facilitating statewide conference calls, assisting with quantitative and qualitative analysis that includes identifying trends related to program services and expenditures (includes financial analysis), supporting ongoing research and analysis activities related to forensics, jail diversion and enhanced behavioral health services, and provide detailed input regarding information systems and reporting guidelines. Ensures programs adhere to applicable state and federal grant and contracting requirements, including expenditures, and agency policy and procedures. (20%)

Duties include development and oversight of complex, detailed implementation plans, facilitation of cross-functional meetings and workgroups, representation of Behavioral Health Services or HHSC at public meetings, development of financial spreadsheets, taking a leadership role in internal and external workgroups and conferences and briefs leadership, and preparation of briefing documents, tables, meeting agendas, slide presentations or talking points for leadership presentations or public testimony. Documents and escalates issues in a timely manner to Unit Manager. (20%)

Registration or Licensure Requirements : No licensure requirements. Mental health professional licensure is preferred.

Knowledge in :

Forensic services, jail diversion services, behavioral health crisis services, adult mental health programs, and substance use issues and services; recovery, resiliency, engagement and service delivery, including Texas Resilience and Recovery (formerly RDM-Resiliency and Disease Management) as it has rolled out in Texas. Basic knowledge of criminal justice system, substance use treatment, prevention, and Medicaid programs / services in Texas.

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 service; 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 :

Develop complex, detailed implementation plans; develop products to support the implementation of evidence-based practices; develop materials for training and TA events; lead cross functional work groups; support contracts related to behavioral health services, crisis, forensic, and jail diversion programs; develop statewide rules for program policy; ability to guide and maintain strong relationships with diverse professionals and stakeholders.

Initial Screening Criteria

Degree Required. Bachelor's degree in public health, psychology / sociology, social work, public affairs, or a related field from an accredited college or university. Master's degree is preferred.

Experience within the forensic and jail diversion system is preferred.

Experience using complex data sets and experience managing large systems change initiatives is preferred.

Experience in direct provision or management / administration of public mental health services is preferred.

Experience with behavioral health rules and the development of contract language, experience managing large systems change initiatives is preferred.

Additional Information

This position is telework eligible. Per HHS agency policy, individuals hired for this position that live within 50 miles of the HHS North Austin Complex (NAC) at 4601 W Guadalupe St., Austin, TX 78751 will be required to work in office at least one time per week.

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.

Disclaimer : Salary typically falls in the medium tange of posting.

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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 [redacted]. 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

Salary : $5,099 - $8,305