State Hospital Program Coordinator

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 Director of Programs for the State Hospitals (SH), the Program Specialist performs highly complex duties serving as a key player for new initiatives and high-priority projects. Utilizing evidence-based approaches, this position is responsible for working closely with the Director of Programs to initiate, plan, develop and implement programs related to patient care and staff development; monitor the progress of programs; and communicate with leadership, and other relevant partners. The Program Specialist may facilitate workgroups for the SHs and make recommendations for the improvement of operations or services to the Director of Programs. This position will be responsible for the preparation and coordination of reports. This position may serve on various committees or workgroups including Governing Body. This position may be required to prepare information in response to legislative inquiries. This position will track implementation of legislative mandates and provide updates to the Director of Programs as necessary. The position works under the supervision and guidance of the Director of Programs.

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 initiating, coordinating, planning, and completing assigned projects and workgroups, ensuring all aspects of the process align with organizational goals and objectives. This includes developing detailed project plans, setting timelines, assigning responsibilities, and monitoring progress to ensure successful execution. Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to align efforts, overcome challenges, and achieve desired outcomes within established deadlines.

Assists in the establishment of clear, measurable, and strategic program goals and objectives for the Texas State Hospitals in collaboration with the Director of Programs. Ensures that these objectives are consistent with the mission of improving patient outcomes and enhancing the delivery of therapeutic services. Engages in data-driven decision-making to create actionable and sustainable frameworks for program success.

Develops comprehensive strategies to help facilities implement programs that align with defined priorities and performance standards. Guides teams in adopting evidence-based practices to ensure programs effectively address patient needs and achieve intended goals. Provides ongoing support and training to facility staff to maintain high standards of care and service delivery.

Participates in the critical evaluation of proposals for new programs and services, ensuring alignment with institutional objectives and patient needs. Analyzes feasibility, resource requirements, and potential impacts of proposed initiatives, offering constructive feedback and recommendations to refine and enhance program proposals.

Utilizes creativity and innovation to develop new ideas, techniques, and approaches for programs and services. Designs initiatives that provide patients with opportunities to maximize their independence, enhance their abilities, and support their recovery journey. Considers individualized patient needs and incorporates adaptive solutions to create effective therapeutic interventions.

Ensures programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of individual patients while also addressing common challenges faced by specific patient populations. Develops evidence-based interventions that support holistic recovery and promote emotional, physical, and social well-being. Regularly evaluates the effectiveness of these programs and adapts them to evolving patient needs.

Coordinates program-oriented quality assurance activities to ensure assessed programs meet the expectations established and continue to serve the patients to meet objectives. Planning, developing, coordinating, and evaluating quality enhancement initiatives related to behavioral health and skill acquisition.

Actively participates in assigned committees and workgroups to contribute expertise and insights to organizational initiatives. Attends meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and opportunities for improvement, elevating risks or issues as necessary. Builds strong partnerships with staff, professional associations, and stakeholders to foster collaboration and support for program objectives.

Analyzes the performance of behavioral health services and other levels of care using statistical studies and performance evaluation reports. Identifies trends, strengths, and areas for improvement, providing actionable recommendations to the Director of Programs. Supports an environment of continuous improvement by promoting data-driven decisions and evidence-based practices.

Assists in developing and updating program policies, procedures, standards, and manuals to align with evolving program goals and objectives. Ensures documentation is clear, comprehensive, and reflective of best practices, fostering consistency and compliance across all facilities and programs.

Evaluates the effectiveness of existing programs, procedures, and processes to ensure they achieve desired outcomes. Conducts thorough analyses of program applications and variations, identifying opportunities for enhancement. Develops detailed action plans to improve existing programs or introduce innovative initiatives that address unmet needs.

Markets programs to stakeholders, including staff, patients, and external partners, to foster interest, engagement, and support. Uses tailored communication strategies to highlight the benefits and successes of programs, encouraging wider adoption and commitment to program objectives. Actively seeks stakeholder feedback to inform future program development and improvement efforts.

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):

Ability to research and implement evidence-based programs; establish program goals and objectives; 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; and to communicate effectively.

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

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

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

Skills in program management monitoring, in addressing changes in scope or timing, and in operating computers and applicable software.

Skill in establishing and implementing policies and procedures.

Skill in analyzing and evaluating complex work programs and policy issues.

Skill in building collaborative relationships, proposing and initiating transformational change in partnership with various parts of the behavioral health system.

Skill in effective verbal and written communication and public speaking practices appropriate for audiences ranging from executives, community leaders to program staff and patients.

Skill in helping teams manage multiple and competing priorities in a fast-paced and complex environment.

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

Ability to establish effective working relationships with staff at all levels of organizations, agencies, and providers.

Ability to conduct research and engage in analyzing, reporting, and interpreting complex behavioral health data sets for various audiences and present analysis to executives, program management and other stakeholders.

Ability to implement organizational vision to improve services provided.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Valid Texas driver’s license.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Three years of full-time experience in human services required.

Two years of experience in implementing evidence-based programs and managing projects required.

Two years of experience in developing and implementing programs in a residential facility, hospital or inpatient care setting serving persons with psychiatric challenges required.

One year experience in policy development and data analysis required.

Bachelor’s degree majoring in psychology, social work, nursing, rehabilitation, public health, public administration healthcare administration, hospital administration, business administration, law, special education or related areas required.

Master’s Degree or higher 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 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