Child and Adolescent Health Program Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

4d • $4,020 - $5,178 • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Child and Adolescent Health Group Manager, the Program Specialist III performs complex public health work with the Child Health Coordinator, Adolescent Health Coordinator, and Help Me Grow Coordinator. Work includes, but is not limited to, coordination of strategic planning, project implementation, reporting requirements, and evaluation of programmatic efforts. Increases collaboration and expands program reach of Title V child and adolescent health initiatives through consultation with internal and external partners, including Maternal and Child Health Unit and other Department of State Health Services (DSHS) staff, other governmental agencies, community organizations, and families. Responsible for monitoring contractors’ scopes of work, providing technical assistance, and monitoring contractor performance. Works with DSHS staff, contractors, and other stakeholders to review and evaluate program impacts and gaps. Creates reports, briefings, fact sheets, summaries, presentations, and other deliverables as requested. The position requires tact, diplomacy, and planning to accomplish assignments independently. Works under general supervision of the group manager with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in a relevant field preferred.
• Experience working in public health, maternal and child health, and/or health care policy.
• Experience in developing, monitoring, and managing contracts or grants.
• Experience in developing educational and training materials and presentations.
• Knowledge of program planning, implementation, evaluation, monitoring, and management;
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices and strategies related to child and adolescent health;
• Knowledge of partnership development and coalition-building strategies;
• Knowledge of health disparities;
• Knowledge of clinical operations and quality improvement performance measures;
• Knowledge of contract development and management;
• Knowledge of community needs assessment process;
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development.
• Skill in programmatic assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation;
• Skill in gathering and analyzing data for program decisions and writing reports;
• Skill in contract development, monitoring, and oversight;
• Skill in the preparation of grant applications;
• Skill in group processes and facilitation.
• Ability to lead and work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team and with outside groups;
• Ability to work independently without close supervision;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing;
• Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts and devise solutions to operational problems;
• Ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders based on shared priorities in relation to child and adolescent health;
• Ability to facilitate groups with divergent opinions;
• Ability to solve problems, coordinate activities, and set priorities;
• Ability to plan and conduct productive meetings.

Responsibilities

• Assists with the programmatic work of the Help Me Grow Texas Coordinator, Child Health Coordinator, Adolescent Health Coordinator to support the planning, development, implementation, and strategic direction of program activities related to Title V Block Grant’s Child and Adolescent domains, including coordination of daily and long-term activities, implementation of program activities, meeting all reporting requirements, and evaluation of programmatic activities and impacts.
• Participates in ongoing Title V activities, such as completing sections of the Block Grant Application and the five-year needs assessment related to children and adolescents.
• Responds to legislative and ad-hoc requests for information.
• Maintains effective relationships with program contractors, coordinating external partner activities, conveying accurate agency and programmatic information, and providing technical assistance.
• Monitors contractors’ performance and invoice submission.
• Leads contractor check-ins and participates in regular meetings with assigned DSHS contract manager(s).
• Completes all required reports, continuation applications, and other funding requirements for contractors or grants.
• Coordinates with other Unit areas to develop and implement standardized contract monitoring policies and procedures.
• Conducts and disseminates contractor trend analysis.
• Assists in the development of request for proposals/applications and/or grant applications for program initiatives.
• Creates reports, briefings, fact sheets, summaries, presentations, and other information sources as requested.
• Determines training needs and develops resource materials for contractors, staff and other stakeholders.
• Develops responses to requests for information or assistance from the public, stakeholders, and contractors.
• Actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery, Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation, and/or serving on the State Medical Operations Center (SMOC) team.

Benefits

• insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level