Special Projects Coordinator

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

13d•$5,798 - $9,508•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Projects Coordinator works under the direction of the State Hospital Superintendent and serves as a project manager for new initiatives and high-priority projects. The role coordinates, plans, initiates, and completes State Hospital projects and workgroups; oversees implementation and coordination across departments; monitors project progress and schedules; and communicates with stakeholders, management, and other relevant parties. The position may facilitate workgroups, recommend operational or service improvements, represent the State Hospital at meetings, serve on committees, and prepare and coordinate required reports. During legislative sessions, the Coordinator serves as a legislative liaison and the State Hospital’s single point of contact for legislative inquiries, prepares responsive information, tracks implementation of legislative mandates, and updates center and state-office leadership. The position also serves as an Executive Duty Officer on a rotating on-call basis and works with minimal supervision, using initiative and independent judgment. The role may support agency disaster response or recovery and Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation, which may require an alternate shift pattern or work location. Flexibility in hours, overtime, or extended hours may be required. The position is based at Austin State Hospital in Austin, Texas, and is not eligible for telework according to the posting’s job details.

Requirements

Meet one of the following education and experience pathways: an accredited four-year degree with major coursework in psychology, sociology, special education, rehabilitation counseling, or a related human services field, plus at least six months of experience; an associate degree plus at least 24 months of experience; or no degree plus at least four years of experience.
At least three years of experience managing projects.
At least three years of full-time experience in human services.
Ability to manage project activities; establish goals and objectives; exercise sound judgment; analyze complex information and develop plans; negotiate and facilitate; identify project risks and gaps; prepare reports; communicate effectively; and plan, assign, and/or supervise others’ work.
Skill in project management monitoring, addressing changes in project scope or timing, and using computers and applicable software.
Ability to develop effective partnerships with staff, consumers and families, advocacy groups, state office, professional associations, and the public.
Ability to organize and present information effectively in writing and orally, make presentations, and lead committees.
Knowledge of State Hospital operations and services, including the agency strategic plan, policies, standards, programs, and critical issues.
Knowledge of relevant local, state, and federal laws and regulations and of public administration and management principles and practices.
Skill in establishing and implementing policies and procedures.
Knowledge or experience identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing effective solutions.
Pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and applicable registry checks.
Comply with HHSC immunization policy and State Hospital operating procedures related to immunizations.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old for employment at a state-operated facility.

Responsibilities

Coordinate, plan, initiate, and complete assigned State Hospital projects and workgroups, ensuring established direction and objectives are followed.
Set project goals, objectives, and deliverables; track outcomes, schedules, risks, and issues; and provide reports and updates.
Lead or participate in committees and workgroups, facilitate meetings, and elevate risks or issues as appropriate.
Develop partnerships with staff, consumers and their families, advocacy groups, intellectual and developmental disability authorities, the Legislature, state and federal agencies, professional associations, and the public.
Prepare and coordinate reports assigned to the State Hospital, including legislative reports and executive briefings.
Communicate or present information to stakeholders, management, and legislative staff upon request.
Serve as legislative liaison and single point of contact for the State Hospital during legislative sessions; respond to legislative inquiries and track implementation of legislative mandates.
Represent the State Hospital at meetings and serve on committees as needed.
Make recommendations to improve operations or services.
Serve as an Executive Duty Officer on call on a rotating basis.
Participate in or support disaster response or recovery and Continuity of Operations activation as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.