Planner - Health and Human Services

Travis County•Austin, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Travis County Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking a full-time Planner to join their mission-driven team. This role focuses on serving the community by addressing needs through investments and services, aiming to maximize quality of life by protecting vulnerable populations, investing in social and economic well-being, building community understanding, and promoting healthy living. The position offers outstanding benefits, including hybrid work opportunities, generous paid time off, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, access to a free health clinic for employees and dependents, and a robust retirement plan. HHS Planners conduct professional research and planning for various County and community projects, working collaboratively within a small team. The environment encourages both autonomy and teamwork, requiring planners to balance individual initiative with consultative practices. Support for skill development is provided through work assignments and opportunities for formal training and professional development. Planners typically possess a generalist skill set and contribute to projects across the Division's work plan, which may include investment planning, contract management, youth services, data analysis, and performance measurement. Specific opportunities will be discussed during the interview process. The Division's work encompasses social service investment planning, contract oversight, community planning group support, research, data analysis, writing, and presentations to enhance the service delivery system for human services in Travis County.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Planning, Business Administration, Public Policy/Administration, Government, Criminal Justice, Sociology, or a directly related field AND four (4) years increasingly responsible experience with strategic planning, programming planning, research, project management, policy research and/or program development; OR, Master’s degree in Social Work, Planning, Public Policy/Administration, Government, Criminal justice, Sociology, or other social sciences; AND two (2) years relevant experience with program planning, strategic planning, research, project management, policy research and/or program development; OR, Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.
Knowledge of human service systems and programs.
Knowledge of governmental agencies and relevant policies (local, state, and federal).
Knowledge of principles of community planning.
Knowledge of primary research methods (interviews, focus groups, surveys, etc.).
Knowledge of secondary research methods (literature reviews, use of online sources, etc.).
Knowledge of performance measurements.
Knowledge of human service investment systems (assessing and scoping portfolios, implementing procurement processes, contract management, etc.).
Knowledge of logic models.
Knowledge of population characteristics and community conditions pertaining to health and human services.
Knowledge of computer equipment and software, to include Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint; knowledge of databases, statistical packages, GIS, and design software can be applied.
Knowledge of grammar, punctuation, and writing style for reports and professional communications.
May be required to develop knowledge of and adhere to federal and state laws requiring the confidential handling of certain health information.
Skill in program planning, developing and implementation.
Skill in data analysis.
Skill in contract management and investment system planning.
Skill in policy research/policy analysis.
Skill in writing reports, briefs, and other documents.
Skill in developing and making presentations.
Skill in planning and facilitating meetings and groups.
Skill in managing projects for self and teams (including developing work plans, coordinating tasks and timelines, etc.).
Skill in both verbal and written communication.
Ability to manage time well, perform multiple tasks, and organize diverse activities.
Ability to apply the knowledge and skills above to reach sound conclusions and make recommendations.
Ability to apply flexibility and initiative to new assignments.
Ability to work autonomously with moderate supervision and seek guidance/consultation when needed.
Ability to work collaboratively with peers and teams.
Ability to represent Travis County professionally in community work.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with department, County, and community staff.
Ability to communicate and work with diverse stakeholders, including clients, staff, partner agencies, contractors/vendors, elected officials, and the public.
Ability to consider different viewpoints.

Nice To Haves

Experience with social services/health and human services (may include work, volunteer, and/or life experience)
Experience in one or more of the following: data analysis, contract management, investment system planning, community planning, performance measurement and evaluation

Responsibilities

Perform primary and secondary research.
Conduct data mining, analysis, and/or visualization.
Provide technical assistance and consultation in research and data.
Perform legislative and policy analysis.
Write reports and other documents.
Make presentations before peers, the public, and/or elected officials.
Participate in collaborative group processes.
Provide planning support for community and task groups, including developing community plans.
Provide strategic planning support for the HHS department, divisions, and programs.
Facilitate meetings and groups.
Engage in program planning, design, and development.
Conduct process reviews and program evaluations.
Design and conduct surveys and focus groups.
Manage performance measurement.
Provide programmatic and performance oversight of social service contracts.
Manage social services contracts.
Engage in investment planning, including community assessment, scoping, planning, and implementing competitive processes for social services investments, and evaluating proposals and negotiating contracts.
Implement tasks for assigned projects according to project timelines, potentially serving as project manager.
Ensure work reflects community planning principles and other relevant professional standards.
Interpret and apply policies and procedures and applicable Federal, State, and Local laws, codes, rules, and regulations.
Represent the County in a range of settings.
Work in partnership with community representatives or groups, departments, and outside agencies.
Use computer applications and management information systems.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.