Program Administrator

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The Program Administrator will be responsible for planning, assigning, and supervising the work of direct delivery and supervisory staff in Residential Child Care Regulation for EastTex District. This work will entail providing training and performance feedback to supervisors; monitoring quality assurance reports; identifying issues; implementing action plans and providing direction for further evaluation and follow up; staffing and approving personnel actions; and prioritizing and coordinating program activities in conjunction with Child Care Regulation leadership. The position will ensure appropriate use of staffing resources based on workload and case load data; establish goals and objectives for district performance; evaluate budget requests and assist in monitoring budget expenditures; oversee special investigations and share in licensing decisions regarding revocation, injunctions and administrative penalties; may conduct high profile administrative reviews for the program; will represent the agency at hearings, trials and depositions; will represent the agency in working with local boards, community organizations, and legislative representatives and their staff.

The units are responsible for monitoring residential facilities, child placing agencies, foster homes, and adoptive homes to determine compliance with licensing standards, administrative rules, and the law. They are also responsible for investigating standard and law violations in residential facilities and homes. The position must ensure that staff members are evaluating risk to children and taking appropriate licensing actions including corrective actions and adverse actions. The position must utilize good management practices including quality assurance reports, case reviews, and other management systems to ensure work is done timely, accurately, and promotes good practice. The position will be responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of staff and providing regular status reports to management staff. The position must appropriately handle sensitive and confidential information. The position must work with supervisors and unit staff to encourage and support each unit member’s professional development. The position may manage the program in the absence of the director for a limited period of time. The position may present at conferences, provider meetings, and other outside groups. The position must be able to work independently with minimal supervision and demonstrate independent judgment and initiative.

The position interacts routinely with licensing staff, field staff; child protective services staff, residential contract staff, management staff, and other HHSC staff. The position interacts routinely with other state agency staff, staff of regulated operations, elected officials, legal personnel, provider organizations, the provider community, and the general public.

Essential Job Functions:
Manages and develops the performance of supervisors who report directly to the position and those that are assigned to the position’s area of responsibility. Evaluates performance through case readings, quality assurance and other statistical reports, observation of staff, and recommends appropriate action in areas in need of improvement. Selects, manages, evaluates, and develops staff through review of performance data, conferences, training, and performance reviews. Attends CCR supervisor meetings, staff meetings, and other meetings and conferences to assist in planning, coordinating, supervising, and administering the CCR program. (35%)

Responsible and accountable for ensuring supervisors and their employees have completed case management actions, processed decisions, and recommended enforcement actions when necessary, in accordance with the LPPH, HRC, and TAC to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of children in care. (35%)

Interprets and advises CCR staff, other HHSC staff, agency and facility staff, elected officials, legal personnel, provider organizations, and the general public regarding program policies and procedures. (10%)

Responsible and accountable for ensuring supervisors participate in community engagement activities. In addition, the employee participated in activities to inform the public and stakeholders about the program. (10%)

Maintains and grows current knowledge of child development, regulatory practices, health and safety, applicable law and rule, and related fields that support the mission of CCR through continuing education. (5%)

Serves on committees and attends meetings, both internal and external, at the direction of CCR Leadership. Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations and support a quality program. (5%)

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: N/A

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge and/or experience in child care regulation, child protective services, child placing activities, residential child care, or closely related fields.
Skill and experience at utilizing and promoting effective management practices.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships both internally and externally.
Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
Ability to use independent judgment and work independently.
Ability to plan, direct, and assign responsibilities and supervises the work of others in a large geographic area.
Proficiency in using basic computer programs for electronic mail, Internet, and word processing.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines.

Initial Screening Criteria:
A four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Two years of experience in child care regulation, residential child care, or closely related child care experience.
Two years of experience in supervision or management.

Additional Information: Must be able to work outside of regularly schedule hours as needed. Must be able to travel, sometimes overnight.

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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