Special Projects Coordinator

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

1d•$5,798 - $9,508•Onsite

About The Position

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage. Under the direction of the State Hospital (SH) Superintendent, the Special Projects Coordinator performs highly responsible and complex duties serving as a key project manager for new initiatives and high-priority projects. Oversees the coordination, planning, initiation and completion of projects and workgroups for the SH. This position is responsible for project implementation and cross-department coordination, managing projects; monitoring the progress and schedule of projects; and communicating with project stakeholders, management, and other relevant parties. The Special Projects Coordinator may facilitate workgroups for the SH and make recommendations for the improvement of operations or services. This position will be responsible for the preparation and coordination of various required reports. This position may represent the SH at meetings and serve on various committees. This position will serve as a legislative liaison during the legislative session and will be required to prepare information in response to legislative inquiries and serve as the single point of contact for the SH. This position will also track implementation of legislative mandates and provide updates to center and state office leadership as necessary. The position will also serve as an Executive Duty Officer on call, on a rotating basis. The position works with minimal supervision with broad latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs 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 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.

Requirements

Ability to manage project activities; to establish project goals and objectives; to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions; to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues; to demonstrate negotiation and facilitation skills; to identify project risks and gaps; to prepare reports; to communicate effectively; and to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.
Skill in project management monitoring, in addressing changes in scope or timing, and in operating computers and applicable software.
Ability to develop effective partnerships with staff, consumers and their families, advocacy groups, state office, professional associations, and the public.
Ability to organize and present information effectively, both in spoken and written word, and to make presentations and lead committees.
Knowledge of SH operations and services including the Agency's strategic plan, policies, SH standards, programs, and critical issues.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program areas and of the principles and practices of public administration and management.
Skill in establishing and implementing policies and procedures.
Knowledge or experience in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing effective solutions.
Graduation from an accredited four-year or university with major course work in psychology, sociology, special education, rehabilitation counseling, or a related human services field and a minimum of six months experience required.
OR Associate degree and a minimum of twenty-four months experience required.
OR No degree and a minimum of four years of experience required.
Three years of experience in managing projects.
Three years’ full-time experience in human services.

Nice To Haves

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Responsibilities

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Responsible for the coordination, planning, initiation and completion of assigned projects and workgroups for the SH. Ensures that established direction and objectives are being adhered to.
Set project goals, objectives, and deliverables. Track project outcomes and provide reports and updates as appropriate.
Leads or participates in assigned committees/work groups. Facilitates meetings and elevates risks or issues as appropriate. Develops partnerships with staff, stakeholders including consumers and their families, advocacy groups, intellectual and developmental disability authorities, the Legislature, other state and federal agencies, professional associations, and the public.
Prepares and coordinates various reports assigned to the SH including legislative reports and executive briefings.
Communicates or presents information to stakeholders, management, and legislative staff upon request.
Performs 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 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.