Program Specialist V Jobs

Program Specialist V position functions as the Residential Treatment Center (RTC) Project Coordinator and directly reports to the Children’s Mental Health (CMH) manager. Performs advanced (senior-level) work planning, developing, and implementing major agency program(s) and providing consultative services and technical assistance to program staff, government agencies, community organizations, or the general public. The position coordinates access to RTC Project services for all children entering this program and waiting for services; maintains on-going conversations with families, Local Mental and Behavioral Health Authorities, Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) authorities and other stakeholders; and organizes meetings and conference calls to facilitate access to RTC Project services. The RTC Project Coordinator works with other CMH team members and oversees tasks related to the RTC Project. This position requires knowledge regarding policy and administration of resiliency and recovery oriented behavioral health programs statewide. The position is responsible for ensuring compliance with legislative requirements, and promotes timely services that are trauma-informed, cultural, and linguistically appropriate.

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


**This position has the ability to work remotely.

Essential Job Functions:
Essential Job Functions: Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
1. Leads the RTC Project’s strategic planning in alignment with the goal of the program: to prevent parental relinquishment and ensure children are obtaining access to appropriate mental health services based on their clinical needs. This includes the development of the referral process, rules, open enrollment, scopes of work, contracts, fidelity tools, RTC Project forms, policies and procedures, frequently asked questions, and policy interpretation memos supporting the program. (25%)
2. Performs a variety of technical assistance, training, research, planning, policy development, program assessment, and administrative activities for the RTC Project. Communicates effectively with stakeholders, contractors, and eligible families with serious emotional disturbances regarding RTC Project services (eligibility, admission, treatment, and discharge) and behavioral health service delivery system services in Texas. This position is responsible for monitoring the provision of services and implementation support to the RTC program contractors and other stakeholders, evaluating outcomes, and analyzing data. (35%)
3. Reviews and monitors utilization of RTC Project services; analyzes operations and problems in order to develop a strategic plan and recommendations. Addresses care issues with the RTC Project contractors as appropriate. Coordinates an interdisciplinary approach to support continuity of care utilizing a trauma-informed system of care framework. (25%)

4. Provides behavioral health program and policy expertise on activities that support the RTC Project. This includes assisting in the review of current and proposed legislation of behavioral health programs and practices aimed at furthering the mission of health and well-being of youth and adolescents statewide. Other duties as assigned. (15%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
1.Knowledge of:

the application of best practices for mental health and substance use programs and services

community mental health services in Texas

Medicaid system in Texas

local, state, and federal laws related to the program area; public administration and management techniques; and program management processes and techniques

basic accounting procedures and methods, and the ability to apply them to difficult or complex transactions

2. Skills in:

effective verbal communication, including the preparation and presentation of complex data analysis

project management with complex projects that cross divisions and agencies

advanced business and technical writing, reporting, and interpretation of complex data related to provider performance

completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail

3. Ability to:

organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing

provide information to providers regarding areas of behavioral health policy in an informative and professional manner

work in collaboration with others to manage multiple deadlines and communicate effectively

develop and evaluate policies and procedures

engage families and high-risk children with multi-system involvement in need of intensive mental health treatment and services

make independent and sound technical judgment and analyze new situations when they are encountered

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
None

Initial Selection Criteria:
Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, social work, sociology, human development, public health, public affairs, or related field from an accredited college or university.
At least two years of experience in the direct provision of behavioral health services. Experience can substitute related field from an accredited college or university.

Additional Information:
Agency salary policy, budget and candidate's qualifications will dictate final salary offer.

MOS Code:
Note: There may be no military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx

Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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.