Program Specialist IV

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

11d • $4,263 - $5,333 • Hybrid

About The Position

Under minimal supervision and direction of the Texas Primary Care Office (TPCO) manager, the Program Specialist IV performs advanced consultative and technical work related to Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) and Medically Underserved Area (MUA) designations. Work involves collection, compilation, analysis and interpretation of workforce, demographic and healthcare data used for planning, developing and implementing strategies to improve access to primary healthcare providers of primary, mental and dental healthcare. Following federally developed methodologies, protocols and guidance for the designation of HPSAs and MUAs, submits designation data to Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Prepares maps, charts and tables that show areas considered or designation as HPSAs or MUAs. Responds to designation questions from internal and external customers, including health professionals, legislators and media. Assists TPCO Manager with the preparation of annual data and performance measure reports to federal agency. Works with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Knowledge of federal criteria and methodology relating to the designation of HPSAs and MUAs.
• Knowledge of health workforce registries and other population data sources used for measuring access to health care professionals and health care services.
• Knowledge of barriers to and issues surrounding access to primary care for underserved populations.
• Skill in collection, compilation, analysis and interpretation of workforce or population data.
• Skill at interpreting complex guidelines, rules, and policies and relating information to others.
• Skill in making public presentations to groups and individuals with varied background, education, and interests using presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Skill in linking data from different sources and coordinates for address.
• Skill in using software to make pivot tables, preparing maps, charts and tables.
• Ability to establish priorities and plan workflows to meet short and long term deadlines.
• Ability to use project management skills to assure that milestones are reached in a timely manner.
• Ability to use computer to enter data, track and assess information, and prepare written communications, presentations, and data analysis.
• Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, interpret and analyze data.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to plan, organize, schedule and monitor completion of assigned projects.
• Ability to assess and manage priorities.
• Ability to use data and mapping software, electronic mail and the Internet.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university required.
• Experience creating workflow processes and process documentation, that are consistent with program eligibility rules and criteria, is required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel is required.
• Experience working with and communicating with external stakeholders is required.

Nice To Haves

• Major course work in social sciences or public health preferred.
• Experience with data collection, including online research, data validation and analysis is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for collection, compilation, analysis and interpretation of healthcare workforce data. Data is used to update shortage and underserved area designations submitted to Health Resources and Services Administration in accordance with federal criteria and established deadlines.
• Works with federal and state staff on data fields, data definitions, reports, audits and functionality for the online Shortage Designation Management System (SDMS).
• Analyzes business processes to identify opportunities and develop strategies for designation process improvement.
• Communicates with manager, staff, communities, media outlets, legislative and congressional staff, as well as federal project officer/designation analyst, director, staff and contractors to identify, define and analyze data, business/system requirements, define scope, develop project schedules and resolve issues.
• Prepares and conducts presentations using Microsoft Office software, including Word and PowerPoint to inform stakeholders about Shortage Designation and measuring access to healthcare services.
• Prepares maps, charts and tables that show areas considered for or designated as HPSAs or MUAs. Also prepares maps, charts and tables showing locations of health care facilities and illustrating whether barriers to access are present in the area.
• Assists the TPCO Manager with the preparation of annual performance measure data transmissions and narrative reports to HRSA.
• Prepares reports for external program staff and organizations (legislature, local governments, safety net-related organizations, community organizations, and the general public) upon request using health professional data from SDMS and other sources.
• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned may include actively participating and/or serving in a supportive role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery of COOP activation.

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