Public Health Follow-Up Consultant

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

12d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Specialist IV is responsible for ensuring organizations that enter into a written agreement with the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to provide HIV, STD and HCV programs deliver services that are consistent with the needs of the population to be served and are in accordance with State and Federal mandates and program requirements. Ensure compliance with these requirements through formal site reviews, technical assistance visits and desktop reviews. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent initiative, judgment and action.

Requirements

• At least three years of experience with HIV/STD prevention, or PHFU services programming, planning, and administration.
• Experience with program monitoring, compliance, and program evaluation.
• Knowledge of Disease investigation and partner services processes.
• Knowledge of HIV, STD and HCV prevention programming
• Knowledge of Local, state, and federal laws relating to HIV/STD/HCV
• Knowledge of Principles of public health and program planning
• Knowledge of Public health policies, structure and functions of public health organizations
• Knowledge of Grant application and review process
• Knowledge of Program evaluation and strategic planning
• Knowledge of Customer service philosophy
• Knowledge of Cultural competency issues and methodologies
• Knowledge of Research methods used in developing assessment tools, curricula and program evaluation
• Knowledge of Adult education principles
• Knowledge of Audio, visual hardware and software needed to produce and deliver curricula
• Knowledge of Quality assurance and improvement techniques
• Skills in Conducting program oversight and evaluation
• Skills in Developing and maintaining effective working relationships across organizational lines
• Skills in Clear and effective communication with culturally and professionally diverse audiences
• Skills in Organizing and writing reports using business English grammar and writing style
• Skills in Using internet, MS Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and other computer applications
• Skills in Problem solving
• Skills in Monitoring and evaluating programs and interventions
• Ability to Work effectively in a team and with interdisciplinary staff
• Ability to Be resourceful and apply initiative to assigned tasks with limited supervision
• Ability to Prioritize workload and manage multiple tasks
• Ability to Take initiative in becoming involved with various workgroups
• Ability to Exercise independent judgment in evaluating situations and making recommendations
• Ability to Develop and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to Provide constructive and critical feedback and guidance to programs
• Ability to Assist in developing, implementing and evaluating policies and procedures
• Ability to Identify problems and formulate solutions
• Ability to Analyze and interpret data
• Ability to Effectively set up training room i.e. move tables, chairs, boxes of training materials, and audio visual equipment.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates and assesses regional and local health departments’ HIV/STD and DSHS programs that conduct STD disease intervention and HIV prevention activities. Develops and implements effective techniques for evaluating programs. Schedules, plans and conducts the on-site desktop and formal program evaluations and technical assistance visits according to procedures. Reviews relevant documentation and observes programmatic activities as they relate to the delivery of effective and efficient services. Works with program staff at all levels to adequately assess quality service delivery. Assists programs in identifying trends, barriers to program implementation and achievement of program objectives. Provides technical assistance for addressing programmatic barriers. Assures that evaluations and relevant documents are completed. Submits reports to agencies according to procedure within required time frame. Performs follow-up site visits to ensure that recommendations are implemented in accordance with program review findings. Implements DSHS Sanction Policy when needed. Analyzes the program corrective action plans to determine if required program improvements have been implemented and result in improved service delivery.
• Plans, develops, coordinates, implements, delivers and evaluates training programs and technical assistance for DSHS employees, contractors, and public and private health care professionals. Delivers customized courses in response to needs identified. Assists in developing and evaluating trainings statewide through direct observation, co-training, constructive feedback and support. Analyzes program performance by reviewing program reports and data and making recommendations for program improvement. Guides, directs and provides technical assistance to HIV/STD programs by telephone, on-site, or in writing. Communications may include interpreting DSHS and funders’ program standards, administrative and program requirements, policies and guidelines. When on-site, the consultant may demonstrate services delivery techniques to program staff in traditional and non-traditional settings. Observes program staff delivering services and provides feedback to staff. Consults with program supervisors when staff improvement is necessary. Promotes program staff development by identifying training needs. Reviews program reports and provides information to program managers about performance and reporting issues.
• Initiates and assists in program development process. Reviews budgets, objectives and work plans submitted by programs. Works with Contract Management Unit to determine appropriateness of equipment requests. Prepares for and assists the Contract Management Section with the contract development process. Communicates with the Procurement and Contracting Section to assure that all documentation is approved and processed correctly. Initiates, reviews and processes budget amendments and Institutional Prior Approval requests. Tracks program expenditures to assure that program funds do not lapse or are overspent.
• Works as a member of cross-team workgroups on projects. Develops and revises program policies and procedures. Creates and updates evaluation tools, budget screen tools, and program report forms. Responsible for the technical writing of manuals, guidance, and standards for all scopes of work. Reviews and analyzes HIV/STD prevention/partner services program data and makes appropriate recommendations to providers. Assures that all required documentation is filed appropriately for access by Unit staff. Serves as liaison with local health departments, community-based organizations, and other contractors and DSHS workgroups. Prepares written responses to inquiries, complaints and grievances. Works on special projects as assigned.
• Participates in state-level, regional and national professional development, planning and policy development activities. Serves as liaison or in a capacity with other internal/external public, private and community local, state and national partners, and others, who share common objectives or benchmarks directed towards improving PHFU outcomes and advancing common policies and resources.
• Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

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
• Education Level: No Education Listed