Senior Advisor Jobs

Do you have an interest in health outcomes for Texans who live in rural communities? Are you excited by unlocking local potential to solve gaps in care in rural communities? (This position can work remotely in Texas)

The Senior Advisor (Program Specialist VII) is selected by and directly reports to the Manager of Rural Mental Health. One major project in Rural Mental Health is the implementation of
SB 454, 87 (R), Texas Legislature, 2021, All Texas Access.

The Senior Advisor represents Rural Mental Health in Behavioral Health Services (BHS) as well
the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in quarterly regional group meetings that are
comprised of local mental health authorities (LMHAS) that are rural-serving (serve at least county with a population of 250,000 or less). The Senior Advisor fosters collaboration among the LMHAs in the regional group and functions as a facilitator in the development and revision of regional group plans to increase capacity for needed services. This position is responsible for assisting the regional group in establishing, defining, and implementing priorities and goals and objectives in the regional plan.
The Senior Advisor Works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Senior Advisor seeks consultation from the Rural Mental Health Manager on major decisions related to plan development.

This position independently gathers qualitative data through interviews, meetings, and surveys with internal and external stakeholders. This position formulates questions and synthesizes the data through coding, sorting, and charting and formulates two to three decision points for leadership. The decision points are framed by this position in terms of what aspects of the qualitative data would be easily understandable and “make sense” to the general public. This position independently formulates hypotheses about public health outcomes and then independently gathers quantitative data through internal and external data sources and curates the data by sorting the data to focus on rural-serving counties.

The position conducts research and meets with national experts about mental health services in rural communities and provide technical assistance to rural-serving LMHAs as well as health care providers in rural Texas. This position coordinates mental health projects across many sectors of rural Texas communities. The Senior Advisor performs oversight and evaluation of budget requests to fund mental health projects in rural Texas. Senior Advisor project manages and works with others across BHS which incorporates establishing overseeing any evaluation activities. This position serves as point of contact for local communities to collaborate on initiatives that increase the well-being of Texans who live in rural communities.

Essential Job Functions:
45% Collaborates on a consistent basis to coordinate policy, legislation and/or projects and initiatives thatimpact rural-serving local mental health authorities (LMHAs), HHSC or mental health services in rural Texascommunities. Provides assistance and advice to the Medicaid, Women's Health, Health and Specialty Care,Office of the State Forensic Director, Mental Health and Substance Use Programs, Office of Mental HealthCoordination, as well as other state agency leadership such as the State Office of Rural Health in theAgriculture Department and designated staff to ensure mental health focused policies, procedures, andprocesses include critical components. Represents Office of Rural Mental Health in coordinating mentalhealth focused activities and functions that foster collaboration and partnerships with external partners suchas, community organizations, philanthropic organizations, medical institutions, other state agencies, countyand local agencies. Escalates issues to the Deputy Associate Commissioner as appropriate for decisionmaking and or resolution.
35% Works on cross agency projects as assigned by the Deputy Associate Commissioner. Interfaces withHHS Programs, and external partners on projects and initiatives that support legislative mandates, agencygoals and objectives and key initiatives. Reviews proposed federal/state statutes and federal/stateregulations that impact HHSC and provides consultation and guidance to ensure compliance. Develops,coordinates, reviews legislative reports, briefing documents, issue papers, correspondence, bill analyses andmemorandums for executive management review and decision-making. Conducts research on assignedinitiatives Develops and compiles feedback from partners via surveys, public forums community meetings. Inthe absence of the Deputy Associate Commissioner is capable of conducting meetings, trainings andbriefings as instructed or needed.
10% Coordinate, participate and ensure appropriate staff support for high level meetings among executivesand external stakeholders as requested. Troubleshoot problems and issues that arise through the Office ofRural Mental Health
5% Reviews state and federal legislation that changes mental health programs and service delivery.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to individuals with children, youth, and adults with mental conditions.
Knowledge of the Texas mental health system.
Knowledge of the mental health system in Texas.
Knowledge of public administration and management techniques
Knowledge of principles of health and human services policy and planning.
Knowledge of the principles of leadership and interaction with various leadership styles
Knowledge and experience of the legislative process
Skill in project management leadership
Skill in problem solving and conflict resolution
Skill in developing and implementing communications strategies
Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities
Skill in leadership, communication and public speaking
Skill in the use of computer software-Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point.
Skill in developing, writing and editing executive documents and briefings
Ability to understand and effectively interpret agency and program rules, policies, and procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate and analyze facts
Ability to demonstrate strong organizational skills; prioritize workload
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Ability to demonstrate strong leadership and interpersonal skills; works well with all levels of staff and maintains effective working relationships with diverse internal and external partners.
Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with external partners, and individuals and groups with diverse needs and priorities.
Ability to convene groups.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
None

Initial Selection Criteria:
Experience in the delivery the mental health services or the administration of mental health services.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in a field relevant to the assignment is preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

Additional Information:

MOS Code:
NA

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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.