ILS Technical Assistance Specialist

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Description

The Independent Living Services (ILS) Program Specialist IV reports to the ILS Program Director. Performs highly complex (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work in the Independent Living Services (ILS) program. Work involves collaborating with state contract management staff to support contracted service providers’ implementation of contract and program requirements for the ILS Purchased Services and Base/Operational Grant contracts. The ILS Program Specialist IV provides technical assistance and training to contracted entities, program staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, and the general public. Provides routine contacts and follow up with contractors regarding provision of services funded by the contracts. Evaluates problems and questions to provide technical assistance that resolves programmatic or service delivery issues. Collaborates with others to provide training to service providers and staff. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions

EJF 1. Gathers and analyzes data from a variety of sources including the ILS Data Reporting System (DRS), compliance monitoring reports and contacts with assigned service providers to identify trends, gaps in service delivery and assess service provider training needs. Utilizes data gathered to collaborate with the training team to develop and conduct individualized training to contracted entities to resolve issues identified. (25%)

EJF 2. Evaluates problems and questions from contracted entities to resolve programmatic issues and provides ongoing technical assistance in the areas of performance and compliance, service delivery, assessing consumer needs, provision of goods and services, quality assurance programs and issues related to the ILS Data Reporting System. Conducts monthly/bi-monthly/quarterly meetings with assigned Purchased Services and Base/Operational Grant service providers and prepares/distributes meeting summary. Documents all aspects of the provision of technical assistance. (30%)

EJF 3. Collaborates with compliance specialists for the review and evaluation of contractor service delivery methods, activities, contract performance, purchase of consumer services and trends to identify recommendations and facilitate development of contract provider program improvement plans. Attends various meetings with Compliance Specialists and other ILS staff to support the needs of assigned Centers for Independent Living. Identifies needs for training support to CILs. (10%)

EJF 4. Provides advice and consultation to contracted entities, compliance specialists, training team and other HHSC programs and departments by interpreting policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and standards related to the ILS program. Maintains knowledge of all applicable information and makes recommendations for policy or standards revisions. (10%)

EJF 5. Reviews contracted provider prior approval packet submissions to ensure programmatic requirements for the purchase of the good or service are met. Collaborates with the ILS Services Specialist to recommend needed documentation, approval or denial of use of ILS contract funds. (15%)

EJF 6. Attends webinars, training or conferences related to independent living services, community resources or training techniques. Evaluates the information for inclusion in ILS Program trainings or sharing training resources with service providers. (5%)

EJF 7. Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

N/A

KSAs

Knowledge:

Working knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to Independent Living Services (ILS).

Basic knowledge of contract administration, management or monitoring practices.

General knowledge of performance management and oversight best practices based on identified measures.

Considerable knowledge of independent living services for individuals with general disabilities or specialization in the field of blindness or deaf blindness.

Skills:

Skill in oral and written communication.

Skill in providing technical assistance related to services for people with disabilities.

Abilities:

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts.

Ability to devise solutions to problems and facilitate support at the local level.

Ability to analyze policies and rules.

Ability to conduct training effectively.

Ability to communicate and foster relationships with contracted entities, staff, community agencies and the public effectively.

Ability to independently plan, organize, prioritize and manage multiple work assignments.

Initial Selection Criteria

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with focus in the area of social services, counseling, psychology, social work, sociology or related field. Four years of relevant work experience analyzing policy and providing technical assistance may be substituted for education.
At least two years full-time experience working with a program that provides services to people with disabilities.

At least two years work experience providing technical assistance related to services for people with disabilities.

At least two years work experience conducting training or presentations.

Ability to travel 15%, including overnight.

Additional Information

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 need.

The selected candidate for this position will be required to travel to Austin or other locations for in-person meetings.

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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.