Opioid Prevention Services Program Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

8d•$5,099 - $8,305•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Texas Targeted Opioid Response (TTOR) Associate Director, the Opioid Prevention Services Program Specialist performs highly advanced (senior level) consultative services and technical assistance work for the TTOR program. Responsibilities involve planning, developing, and implementing major agency program(s) and providing consultative services and technical assistance to Behavioral Health Services program and contract staff, governmental agencies, public universities, community organizations, and stakeholders operating in the opioid prevention, intervention, treatment, and/or recovery field. The Opioid Prevention Services Program Specialist works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business need.

Requirements

A four-year degree from an accredited college or university in prevention science, social work, public health, sociology, psychology, health education, or a related field
At least three years of experience in substance use prevention or in public/behavioral health prevention
Advanced knowledge of: Medications for opioid use disorder; Federal and state statute and rules pertaining to substance use disorder treatment and MOUD; Opioid misuse prevention; Overdose prevention; Recovery support; Public health; Behavioral health continuum of care; Strategic prevention framework.
Advanced skills in: Effective verbal and written communication; Public speaking; Data analysis and interpreting policy; Effective technical assistance facilitation; Quickly comprehending complicated issues and prioritizing to meet strict deadlines; Solving complex problems.
Advanced ability to: Develop detailed implementation plans; Implement evidence-based practices; Develop materials for training and Technical Assistance events; Lead cross functional work groups; Support contracts related to behavioral health services; Develop statewide rules for behavioral health policy; Build and maintain strong relationships with diverse professionals; Take initiative to meet goals.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in prevention science, social work, public health, sociology, psychology, health education, or a related field
Prevention Specialist Certification

Responsibilities

Serves as a senior-level subject matter expert (SME) in the assigned program area. Provides highly advanced consultation and technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders, such as government agencies, public universities, and opioid service providers. Monitors emerging trends, research, and policy developments to ensure program alignment with evidence-based practices. Supports the development of program guidance.
Supports the planning and implementation of opioid response programs. Participates in the development of scopes of work and funding recommendations and collaborates with contract managers to support procurement and contract execution. Establishes program goals and objectives, develops implementation schedules, and recommends program priorities in accordance with TTOR federal grant requirements. Consults with stakeholders to identify and resolve implementation challenges. Provides ongoing support and technical assistance to contracted programs to ensure fidelity to program models, compliance with grant and contract requirements, and continuous quality improvement.
Provides oversight of program operations to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, agency policies, and contractual obligations. Reviews program performance data and financial reports to identify risks and opportunities for improvement. Utilizes project management tools to track progress and support implementation. Escalates complex issues to leadership for resolution as needed.
Coordinates the collection, analysis, and reporting of TTOR performance measure data and administrative reports to assess program effectiveness and inform decision-making. Implements appropriate changes to improve the performance and quality of contracted programs based on data insights. Assists the State Opioid Evaluator and internal teams in applying effective evaluation techniques and provides guidance to staff on developing and integrating new methods, programs, and procedures to enhance programmatic implementation.
Responds to state, federal, legislative, grant, and media requests/inquiries through the development of reports and communication plans ensuring coordination with appropriate staff. Escalates issues to management as appropriate for decision making and/or resolution. Develops briefing documents, issue papers, correspondence, bill analyses and memorandums for executive management review and decision-making. Represents HHSC and the TTOR at meetings and speaks to community and professional groups to promote program awareness, encourage collaboration, and support long-term sustainability.
Performs other duties as assigned to support program operations and agency priorities. Engages in cross-training to ensure continuity of operations and serves as a back-up SME as needed.