Program Services Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence. The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you! The Program Services Specialist (PSS) plans, prioritizes and performs highly advanced consultative services and provides technical assistance in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of programs and services across the SSLCs. Work involves complex on-site assessment of center organization and processes related to Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP) services, Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), assessment, service planning, service implementation and coordination of available resources. Works closely with the State Office QIDP and Programs Coordinator and other discipline leads in a collaborative fashion, to develop and provide recommendations to SSLCs regarding service planning and implementation processes, and monitors agreed upon changes to process. Conducts routine monitoring of QIDP, IDTs, the planning process and active treatment, and uses the information to develop recommendations for initiatives and training. Designs and develops training materials and provides training to all levels of center staff to a variety of groups sizes, including large groups. Routinely collects, organizes, and analyzes information to identify trends and develop plans to resolve operational issues. Conducts organizational and administrative statewide QIDP and IDT related tasks. Reviews and analyzes compliance reports and develops responses with the appropriate State Office discipline lead. Assists with the completion of compliance reviews and quality review team visits. Performs other related duties as assigned. This role requires flexibility and highly skilled time management, including the ability to simultaneously manage high priority projects and unexpected tasks that need immediate attention.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability (ICF/IID) standards.
• Knowledge of program planning for individuals with intellectual disabilities
• Skill in interviewing, assessment, planning, evaluation, mediation and consultation skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively train staff in small and large groups at various levels.
• Ability to collect, organize and analyze information to identify trends.
• Ability to work professionally with residents, staff, and family members.
• Ability to simultaneously manage high priority projects and unexpected tasks that need immediate attention.
• Computer skills adequate to communicate effectively in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, and ability learn similar proprietary software unique to ICF/ID facilities.
• Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date, is required. Applicants with an out-of-state driver’s license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in psychology, sociology, social work, special education, rehabilitation counseling, or a related human services field such as therapeutic studies (e.g., music, art, occupational, physical therapy), recreation, or a combination of equivalent subject matter.
• Three (3) years of work experience in services and programs for persons with intellectual disabilities.
• Experience in preparing concise reports, presentations, plans, analyses, correspondence and other complex documents.
• Experience in developing and conducting staff training.
• Experience with Person-Centered Thinking (PCT) training and implementation.

Responsibilities

• Participates in quality review team visits and state office compliance reviews, which includes on-site evaluation of active treatment and program implementation, documentation review related to QIDP services and IDTs, and development of recommendations for improvement to the facility.
• Conducts routine monitoring of QIDP, IDT, planning process and active treatment related documentation for all centers, including review of center audits, timeliness data, and compilation of trend information, and uses the information to develop recommendations for initiatives and training.
• Plans, prioritizes, and provides highly complex consultation and technical assistance and makes recommendations to the SSLCs to ensure effective and consistent program evaluation and monitoring across the SSLCs.  Analyzes resources and provides complex technical assistance to develop aids and tools to supplement or replace current resources.
• Identifies, develops and delivers training, on-site and via webinar and video conferencing, regarding QIDP services, IDTs, assessment, service planning and service implementation, to a variety of groups sizes, including large groups.
• Reviews compliance reports related to service planning and implementation and works collaboratively with the appropriate state office discipline lead to develop responses. Prepares and presents activity and status reports, verbally and in writing.
• Assists with providing support to facility QIDP coordinators and educators for the Department of Justice (DOJ) settlement agreement visits by providing instructional materials, offering guidance and attending meetings, observations, and interviews.
• Conducts routine organizational and administrative statewide QIDP and IDT related tasks such as maintaining contact lists, managing QIDP SharePoint files, creating monthly conference call agendas and minutes, and creating review schedules.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

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