System of Care Program Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Specialist VI performs advanced (senior-level) consultative, analytical, and programmatic work and reports to the Texas Systems of Care Director within the Children’s Mental Health (CMH) Unit. This position contributes to implementation of statewide children’s mental health priorities by advancing and embedding the System of Care (SOC) framework across the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and through sustained collaboration with memorandum of understanding (MOU) partnering agencies.
The Program Specialist VI plays a critical role in fostering and strengthening cross-agency partnerships among HHSC programs and external child-serving systems including Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD), Texas Department of Family Protective Services (DFPS), Texas Educational Agency (TEA), Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ),Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and community-based partners. Through coordination, alignment of policies and practices, and shared planning efforts, the position promotes and guides the implementation of integrated, family-driven, and youth-guided services for children and youth, particularly those involved in multiple public service systems. The Program Specialist VI works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment and may serve as a lead worker providing guidance, coordination and technical assistance to staff and external partners.

Requirements

• Knowledge of HHSC policies and procedures; project management theories and practices applicable to mental health projects that are complex in scope.
• Skill in project management.
• Skill in problems solving and conflict resolution.
• Skill in developing and implementing communications strategies.
• Skil in manageing multiple and competing priorities.
• Skill in leadership, communication, and public speaking.
• Skill in the use of computer software - Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Skill in developing, writing and editing executive documents and briefings.
• Ability to understand and effectively interpret agency and program rules, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to build coalitions.
• Ability to gather, assemble, correlate and analyze facts.
• Ability to demonstrate strong organizational skills; prioritize workload.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to serve as a lead working providing direction to others.
• Ability to demonstrate strong leadership and interpersonal skills; works well with all levels of staff and maintains effective working relationships.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with external partners, and individuals and groups with diverse needs and priorites.
• Ability to convene large groups.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in public policy, mental health, social work, psychology, counseling or applicable social service degree preferred.
• At least three years' experience coordinating implementation of large scale behavioral health projects.

Nice To Haves

• Lived experience as a parent/caregiver of a child with a mental health challenge preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides advanced leadership, coordination, and technical assistance to support the implementation and sustainability of System of Care principles across HHSC programs and works in collaboration with external partners to embed System of Care values and practices into policies, programs and service delivery approaches.
• Works on cross-agency projects as assigned by the Texas Systems of Care Director. Works with internal and external partners on projects and initiatives that support legislative mandates, agency goals and objectives and key initiatives.
• Coordinates cross-system efforts to improve care coordination and service integration for children and youth involved in multiple systems, including TJJD, DFPS, TEA and other child-serving systems.
• Analyzes proposed and enacted federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations impacting HHSC programs and children’s mental health services; provides consultation and recommendations to ensure alignment and compliance.
• Represents CMH and HHSC on internal and external councils, committees, advisory groups, and work groups focused on systems integration, cross-agency collaboration and children’s behavioral health.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees