School Health Special Projects Coordinato

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Community Health Worker and School Health Branch Manager , implements major projects of the School Health Program. Leads the School Health Champion Award contract process in coordination with the Contract Management Section. Collaborates with external and internal stakeholders on training and resource materials, school health program activities, evaluations, and grants. Participates in legislative-related school health activities, including agency rules and bill analysis related to school health. Serves as the liaison with professional organizations. Assists in the creation, review, and revision of publications, website content, and other resources.  Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Knowledge of school district organization and administration; factors influencing school-community relationships.
• Knowledge of current concepts of public health, school health, and child health.
• Knowledge of program development, evaluation and design.
• Knowledge of Texas Administrative Code and rule revision process.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws that relate to school health.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Skill in program implementation and project management.
• Skill in working with contractors, and internal and external stakeholders.
• Skill in use of computer relating equipment, including Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent to include word processing, spreadsheet, database, or presentation software programs.
• Ability to work collaboratively with related programs within the Texas Department of State Health Services and other agencies to promote children’s health and school health programming.
• Ability to organize, coordinate, and evaluate school-based health center activities and programs, including development of policies, guidelines and procedures.
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize program goals and work effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to ensure compliance with state contract provisions and to identify problems and develop solutions.
• Ability to plan, coordinate and administer quality control program activities.
• Ability to organize and present information to groups though public speaking engagements, including webinars.
• Ability to understand, analyze and resolve problems.
• Ability to prepare concise reports that direct, implement and evaluate program activities
• At least one (1) year of experience working in a school health-related position.
• Experience with technical writing, such reports, state regulation, grants, website content, and professional development resources.
• Experience working with stakeholders and partners from a variety of backgrounds in education or public health.

Responsibilities

• Leads the School Health Champion Award contract process and negotiations in coordination with the Contract Management Section. As outlined in agency processes, activities include developing the contract solicitation, assisting in coordination and communication with stakeholders, development of review procedures, establishment and training of review teams and negotiating contracts as outlined in agency policy.
• Develops training and resource materials using evidence-based best practices for school health stakeholders. Coordinates and participates in training efforts for contractors and other stakeholders including conference calls, webinars, and in-person trainings. Prepares and reviews health education materials, teaching aids and reports. May present at meetings, conferences, or workshops.
• Works closely with the Community Health Worker and School Health Branch Manager on assigned rule development and review projects. Responds to legislative inquiries according to DSHS policy and guidance. Conducts bill analyses and cost estimates for proposed legislation. Creates plans to implement new legislation, conducts implementation, and monitors and reports out on progress. Stays abreast of rules and legislation that may impact school health activities but are not under the purview of the School Health Program.
• Maintains a working knowledge of school health issues and evidence-based practices. Serves as liaison to state and national school health organizations. Participates in developing strategic plans and activities of the school health program with input from stakeholder groups including regional Education Service Centers, Texas Education Agency, Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas Action for Healthy Kids and others. Solicits support and participation of stakeholder groups in project development and grant applications.
• Participates in continuous quality improvement to support school health programs and activities. Maintains a working knowledge of school health issues and evidence-based practices. Collaborates with Chronic Disease Epidemiology Branch to produce evaluations, assessments, and data reports as needed and to respond to inquiries. Works in partnership with the School Health Program Coordinator and Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Section grant development teams in the development, implementation, analysis, and documentation of school health programs and activities.
• Participates in ongoing School Health Program activities, including evaluating applicants for advisory committees, assisting with advisory committee initiatives and activities.
• Other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Benefits

• DSHS offers 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
• Education Level: No Education Listed