Vision, Hearing, and Spinal Screening Program Manager

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Vision, Hearing, and Spinal Screening Program (VHSS) ensures preschool- and school-aged children receive screenings to identify potential problems for early intervention. The program trains and certifies screeners and screening instructors.

The VHSS manager oversees daily program operations of VHSS; sets goals and objectives; develops and implements policies, procedures, rules, and guidelines while maintaining regulatory compliance; supervises, assigns work to, guides, and evaluates central office and regional staff; collaborates with agency leadership to support broader goals; communicates regularly with director and escalates issues when appropriate; analyzes and implements legislative bills affecting the program; maintains the VHSS budget; develops and renews program contracts; and communicates with and maintains relationships with stakeholders. The manager also seeks and maintains current public health and clinical information to make recommendations to agency leadership regarding VHSS; responds to legislative requests and inquiries; reviews and analyzes data for program planning; and performs all aspects of hiring, training, and disciplinary actions when necessary. The manager works under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of independent judgment.

Requirements

• Knowledge of age-appropriate vision, hearing, and spinal screening techniques and tools.
• Knowledge of public health principles.
• Knowledge of quality assurance principles and practices.
• Knowledge of leadership principles.
• Skill in program/project planning and implementation.
• Skill in managing or supervising staff.
• Skill in training or educating individuals or groups.
• Skill in verbal and written communication.
• Ability to follow and develop policies and procedures.
• Ability to balance long-term planning and day-to-day operations when running a program.
• Ability to think creatively and solve problems.
• Must have at least three years’ work experience in public health, nursing, education, or other relevant field.
• Must have at least two years’ work experience educating or training others.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the day-to-day activities of all VHSS staff members. Sets goals for program staff and evaluates staff performance. Communicate routinely with staff members and mentors and coaches as necessary. Ensure staff follow policies and procedures and inform them of changes. Perform all hiring, training, supervisory, and disciplinary duties for the program in accordance with agency and program policy.
• Maintain an adequate number of certified screeners are available to meet statewide screening needs. Coordinate local training opportunities to certify screeners and non-DSHS (external) instructors. Monitor screeners and external instructors for adherence to program rules. Provide additional training or revoke certificates as appropriate to ensure quality training and screenings.
• Maintain the program website, educational materials, training materials including manuals and presentations, resource lists, and forms so all information is accurate and current. Inform stakeholders of changes as needed and gather stakeholder feedback to inform decision making.
• Plan for accurate and efficient data management systems by working with DSHS IT staff. Ensure data entry by program staff is timely and accurate. Provide technical assistance to schools and daycare centers when submitting electronic data reports. Generate program activity reports upon request. Maintain quality assurance protocols for all data management systems. Review data for screening trends and reporting compliance and use the data to guide program activities and resources. Fulfill open records requests timely and in accordance with agency policy.
• Represent the program in regularly scheduled meetings. Review legislation and provide analysis as a subject matter expert. Coordinate with Section staff in responding to Section and Division assignments. Periodically develop and make presentations to groups and stakeholders. Act as a resource on inquiries from legislators, stakeholders, and others. Represent the program to schools, professional associations, other state agencies, and the general public.
• 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, Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation, and/or serving on the State Medical Operations Center (SMOC) team. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Benefits

• DSHS offers 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: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed