Program Specialist 3 - 1763

CENTRAL COUNTIES CENTER FOR MENTAL • Belton, TX

6h • $23 • Onsite

About The Position

This position is a temporary, grant funded position scheduled to end August 31, 2026.
The Employment Navigator performs complex (journey-level) consultative services and technical assistance work. Work involves planning, development, and implementation of initiatives required to assist a job seeker navigate the multiple state and local agencies in order to obtain competitive integrated employment. This position is responsible for assisting with end-to-end employment assistance for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and individuals receiving services for Mental Health (MH) challenges. Navigators will work at sites across the state of Texas to educate, guide, and assist individuals and family members through the process of working with state agencies to obtain employment. Employment Navigators will serve as an advocate/point of contact to facilitate communication and services among individuals, families, HHSC, TWC, TEA, and other organizations, as necessary, to reach employment goals. Works under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Required to meet the criteria in Texas Administrative Code, Title 26 Part1 Ch 368, Subchapter D (RULE §368.406h)
• The service provider agency must ensure that an individual service provider of employment assistance or supported employment:
• Is at least 18 years of age; and
• Has one of the following:
• a bachelor's degree in rehabilitation, business, marketing, or a related human services field, and at least six months of paid or unpaid experience providing services for people with disabilities;
• an associate degree in rehabilitation, business, marketing, or a related human services field, and at least one year of paid or unpaid experience providing services for people with disabilities; or
• a high school diploma or a certificate recognized by a state as the equivalent of a high school diploma, and at least two years of paid or unpaid experience providing services for people with disabilities.
• Knowledge of services provided to people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, local, state, and federal laws related to the program area; public administration and management techniques; statistical analysis processes; budget processes; research techniques; training and marketing techniques; and program management processes and techniques.
• Knowledge of multiple communication techniques to ensure that information is conveyed in terms appropriate to the respective audience.
• Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance and take appropriate action to convey the information into a usable format.
• Skills with creating and maintaining a teamwork environment with other program areas and external partners.
• Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems; to prepare reports; to develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures.
• Ability to prioritize and manage tasks with minimal oversight.
• Ability to establish goals and objectives that support job seeker plans.
• Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to complete timely and accurate documentation within timeframes set by the division.
• Ability to proficiently utilize computer programs and applicable software, e.g., Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to effectively handle potentially aggressive behavior in a positive manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Work behavior must be compatible with Center value statement and Policies and Procedure Manual contributing to an environment of problem solving, building trust, conflict resolution, and customer service.
• Ability to perform tasks effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to plan and schedule work and implement directives without constant supervision.
• Ability to present a professional appearance and conduct when representing the center.
• Ability to work cooperatively and productively with supervisor, individuals, co-workers, and groups of persons at all levels of activity, contributing to a strong spirit of teamwork.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, other agencies and the general public using tact, courtesy and good judgment.
• Must have and maintain a valid drivers’ license with an acceptable driving record.
• Regular attendance and reliability is critical to business operations.

Responsibilities

• Establishes working relationships with current organization as well as state and local governmental agencies or their representatives to obtain referral information used to assist an individual with obtaining competitive integrated employment.
• Works with LIDDA team members to compile a listing of individuals who have shown an interest in competitive integrated employment. This listing has a maximum of 100 job seekers.
• Maintains multi-agency directory of information to ensure that appropriate parties are contacted to provide the appropriate service to the job seeker. This directory is a living document that will require constant updates to ensure the most appropriate contact is listed.
• Maintains job seeker information on activities, goals, contacts, issues and their resolutions to assist with providing assistance in finding competitive integrated employment. Consolidate and correlate information obtained during consultation with job seeker and/or their legal representative to provide accurate referral information and guidance.
• Identify and address commonly identified employment barriers (concerns, conflicts and fears) within the IDD/MH population as it relates to working with multiple state and local government organizations, as required by law.
• Provide information regarding employment resources and how to access services in user friendly terminology.
• Development a final report that provides information on financial sustainability, best practices, barriers, and lessons learned during the duration of the project.
• Coordinates the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of materials (directory, case workbooks, monthly status reports, etc.) as dictated by the project team.
• Ensures compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules; and takes corrective action(s) as needed.
• May speak to governmental groups to coordinate, improve, and stimulate interest in the program and to secure support for program.
• Performs related work as assigned.
• Demonstrate high ethical standards, trustworthiness, and personal integrity. Regular attendance, dependability, and promptness are required for the 8-5 work day or agreed upon hours 100% of the time, to ensure consistency and completeness of program’s processes.
• Professional Development - Successfully complete training required to maintain skill competency and cross training to ensure consistency across program procedures. Complete continuing education as required by professional standards and the Center.
• Occasional travel within the catchment area is required.
• Staff member is expected to maintain their mental and emotional well-being as part of their role. An employee is “mentally fit” when their mental state allows them to perform the essential job duties of their job safely and effectively, which includes being able to concentrate, make decisions, manage stress and maintain focus.

Benefits

• Health
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off - 9.23 hrs per pay period (If less than full-time, accruals per pay period will be pro-rated based on actual hours worked)
• 10 Observed Company Paid Holidays
• 8 Hours Annual Volunteer Time Off
• Retirement Plan w/ 6% Employer Contribution
• Employee Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED