Continuity of Services Coordinator

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

6d

About The Position

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.

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 eleven psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. 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.
Reporting to the Chief Medical Officer, the Continuity of Services Coordinator provides advanced/senior level guidance to HSCS executives, stakeholders and partners of HSCS regarding complex and significantly technical situations. Work includes Developing policies, procedures, and guidelines that ensure the state hospital system's capacity management operates in a well-coordinated and efficient manner, utilizing good prioritization with an emphasis on meeting the needs of the most complex/high need patients, improving the effectiveness of Texas state hospitals through highly technical and high-profile collaborative efforts with internal and external stakeholders, and working in partnership with state hospital staff. This position provides oversight of the coordination of the forensic and civil waitlists, complex admissions, discharges and transfers of state hospital individuals, guidance and coordination across systems (courts, jails, local mental health authorities, local behavioral health authorities, local intellectual and developmental disabilities authorities, private providers, state supported living centers, and other state agencies) to ensure that HSCS operates in a manner consistent with its values and mission, and oversees and evaluates the implementation and effectiveness of initiatives related to statewide continuity of care. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
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.
Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include 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.

Requirements

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to inpatient psychiatric facilities, forensic commitments, and civil commitments.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices and standards for community-based care for persons with mental health diagnoses, and principles of effective management and efficient continuity of care.
• Skill in negotiating with a wide variety of stakeholders to establish plans, and evaluate options that align with agency mission and values.
• Skills in identifying needs and overseeing the development of resources for internal and external stakeholders regarding the state hospital continuity of care processes.
• Ability to direct and organize the work of professionals across systems and within the Texas state hospitals.
• Ability to establish goals and objectives; to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to make immediate decisions about complex situations impacting the continuity of care of individuals.
• Ability to prepare summaries and reports; to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; and to supervise the work of others.
• Degree from an accredited college or university is required.
• At least three (3) years of progressively responsible management experience in a system or residential facility providing healthcare or mental health services.
• At least two (2) years’ experience in policy development.
• 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.
• Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in social work, human services, or related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Works in collaboration with stakeholders to develop and establish efficient admissions, transfers, and discharge methods for the most complex individuals in the state hospital system. Develops policies and procedures to maximize capacity and meet the needs of populations served. Provides data informed input on issues affecting the Texas state hospitals. Provides continuous monitoring of timelines, reviewing deadlines and projected admission or transfer dates as needed to avoid crisis situations. Gathers documentation in response to legislative and media requests (25%)
• Provides guidance and direction to state hospital leadership on how to address admissions and discharge-related issues and formulates strategic plans of action to remedy challenges. Exercises sound judgement in determining and recommending placement options to meet individual and hospital needs. Responsible for facilitating long and short-term planning for continuity of care meetings to discuss issues and trends identified through state hospital data and stakeholder feedback in order to identify, develop, and implement more effective admissions and discharge practices . Utilizes leadership and team building skills to support continuous quality improvement. (25%)
• Regularly represents HSCS at meetings and workgroups with Texas Civil Commitment Office, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and Department of Family and Protective Services on complex and highly technical issues or admissions. Provides state hospital system oversight across division meetings or workgroups, and other engagements as needed. Develops and provides technical assistance and guidance as needed to a variety of state agency staff, contractors and stakeholders across Texas. (15%).
• Supervises the work of the Continuity of Services team. Monitors assignments and effectiveness to facilitate admissions, discharges, and placement on waiting lists. Performs oversight of team members duties, activities, and priorities. Develops, models, and maintains a positive culture and high standards for team. Approves schedules, assignments, and ensures high quality work from team members. Ensures that policies related to travel, leave, training and other essential staff responsibilities are adhered to. (15%)
• Serves as Interstate Compact Coordinator and facilitates individual transfers to and from Texas state hospitals. Serves as liaison with Office of Forensic Services and Coordination and Behavioral Health Services to support resolutions to complex issues and cases and advance the mental health continuum of care. Evaluates effectiveness of processes related to capacity management. Makes recommendations to improve performance. Ensures changes related to continuity of care required by new legislation, rules, or administrative laws are implemented. (10%)
• Develops policies, procedures, and guidelines related to capacity management. Serves as Chair of the Capacity Management Governing Body Committee. Assists in the development of long-range strategic/business plans for HSCS related to continuity of care and the Texas state hospitals. (10%)
• 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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees