Office of Aging Services Coordination, Program Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

1d

About The Position

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)’s Program Specialist position within the Office of Aging Services Coordination (OASC) performs a variety of technical, training, research, planning, policy, and program assessment. OASC’s mission is to support older adults to age and live well by: Assessing the state’s readiness to respond to older adult’s issues, Connecting and coordinating aging services and programs, Raising awareness of aging-related issues and available resources, Creating innovative programs and resources to meet needs, and Building partnerships to enhance and expand existing resources.

The OASC Program Specialist role:

Performs an array of technical, training, research, planning, policy, program assessment, and administrative activities for assigned program(s).

Studies and analyzes operations and problems, prepares reports of findings and recommendations, and prepares justifications for the implementation of procedural or policy changes.

Coordinates and collaborates with program staff in program planning, development, implementation, analysis, and documentation of agency program(s).

Collects, organizes, analyzes, and/or prepares materials in response to requests for program information and reports.

Coordinates and conducts surveys or reviews to determine compliance with requirements, laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Reviews and evaluates information on service delivery system methods, outputs, activities, and trends to identify gaps in resources and recommends and implements improvements to resolve technical problems.

Markets program(s) to community and professional groups to encourage and/or improve interest in the program(s) and to secure support for the program(s).

Ideal candidate has strong analytical and writing skills, a solution focused mindset, awareness of issues and priorities of older adults and passion for working collaboratively to identify and implement system improvements.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree with major coursework in the field relevant to the assignment; Graduate degree may be substituted for the required experience, with at least 2 years’ full-time experience.
• Experience developing, preparing and reviewing high-quality written materials.
• Knowledge of issues, values and priorities of the older adults, such as person-centered practices.
• Knowledge of research techniques
• Knowledge of project management processes and techniques
• Knowledge of state HHS programs.
• Knowledge of state and federal statute, rules, regulations, and guidance relevant to aging related program areas.
• Skill in problem solving and independent decision-making.
• Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance
• Skill in synthesizing complicated and technical information and into concise materials.
• Skill in strong analytical and writing skills.
• Skill in using personal computer application software, specifically spreadsheets or grant/contract development or management software.
• Ability to coordinate the collection, organization, analysis, and development of high-level information.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to independently prioritize time and manage multiple project deadlines.
• Ability to work with people under pressure, negotiate among multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and to establish and maintain effective working relationships to develop solutions.

Nice To Haves

• Work or life experience with the aging community preferred.
• Previous experience working in health and human services preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collects, organizes, and prepares materials relating to OASC initiatives or assignments (30%)
• Maintains awareness and education of issues involving older adults through research, legislative analysis, and professional development. (20%)
• Works collaboratively with HHSC staff, partner agencies and stakeholders; providing technical assistance and support to accomplish initiatives, and resolve inquires (20%)
• Strives to implement aging initiatives with a high level of integrity through data compliance oversight and collaboration with HHSC programs serving older adults. (10%)
• Participates as an active member of agency meetings, briefings, and workgroups related to aging services as delegated (15%)
• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. (5%)

Benefits

• comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
• 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