Program Specialist IV

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Austin, TX

10d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Field Services Manager, leads statewide efforts to improve vital records registration in Texas. The role requires specialized knowledge of vital statistics statutes, rules, security policies, program software, and public health initiatives related to collecting demographic and statistical data on vital records. It provides senior-level monitoring and oversight of vital statistics providers, including local registrars and birth facilities, to ensure compliance and timely registration and issuance. The position conducts provider surveys and reviews, takes corrective action when needed, and serves as a key contact for consultative and technical assistance to stakeholders. It also runs Excel reports to track and report vital statistics information.

The position leads statewide trainings, workshops, and conferences; communicates legislative and policy changes; provides consultative services and statute interpretation; and oversees program reference materials, website content, newsletters, publications, and correspondence. It coordinates provider certification and online training programs, develops curricula and presentation methods, and manages related marketing, speakers, sponsorships, continuing education units, and evaluations.

The role manages special projects and work plans to improve Vital Statistics program services and operations, applying project management, continuous improvement, performance measures, surveys, statistical analysis, and stakeholder workgroups. It analyzes legislation and fiscal impacts and develops recommendations for policy and program improvements. Work is performed with minimal supervision and considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment. The position is onsite in Austin, Texas, and may require travel up to 20%.

Requirements

• Experience interpreting statutes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Experience with public speaking.
• Experience with Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of vital statistics program policies, regulations, and rules.
• Knowledge of public health perspectives related to vital records registration.
• Skill in monitoring providers for compliance.
• Skill in analyzing and evaluating complex program and policy issues.
• Skill in implementing continuous improvement methodologies and project management.
• Skill in using performance measures, surveys, and statistical data analysis.
• Skill in effective oral and written communication and public speaking to large, diverse groups.
• Skill in using computers and related equipment, vital registration software, and Microsoft Office applications, including email, word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.
• Skill in website programming and design.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, work under pressure, negotiate among multiple parties, and resolve conflicts.
• Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to interpret statutes and guidelines for stakeholders and the public.
• Ability to analyze legislation, conduct fiscal impact analysis, and develop recommendations for policy and program improvements.
• Ability to develop work plans, coordinate administrative assignments, and meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to lead workgroups, projects, and meetings.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university is preferred; education and experience may be substituted for one another year for year.
• Criminal background check is required.
• Daily onsite attendance is required.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and oversee vital statistics providers for compliance with laws, service level agreements, performance measures, policies, and procedures related to timely vital records registration and issuance.
• Conduct provider surveys and reviews to standardize statutory and contractual requirements and improve data quality reporting; take corrective action as needed.
• Provide consultative and technical assistance and information to stakeholders on vital statistics initiatives.
• Lead statewide trainings, workshops, conferences, and presentations on program services and legislative or policy changes.
• Provide consultative services and interpret statutes for stakeholders and the general public; participate in workgroups and committees as a policy expert.
• Oversee program reference materials, handbooks, forms, brochures, website information, newsletters, external publication articles, and official correspondence.
• Develop and coordinate provider certification programs and online training; create curricula and training methods, coordinate marketing, speakers, sponsorships and CEUs, and compile evaluations and reports.
• Manage special projects and work plans to improve Vital Statistics program services and operations using project management and continuous improvement methods, performance measures, surveys, statistical analysis, and stakeholder workgroups.
• Analyze legislation and fiscal impacts and develop recommendations for policy and program improvements related to legislative initiatives.
• Promote accurate, timely, and secure vital statistics data collection to support public health research and surveillance.
• Run Excel reports to report and track vital statistics information.
• Attend work on a regular and predictable schedule and perform other assigned duties.
• Participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities as needed; this may require an alternate shift or location and extra hours to meet deadlines and reporting requirements.

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