Youth Program Specialist

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

6d•$4,523 - $7,254•Hybrid

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. This Program Specialist V (PS V), known functionally as the Youth Program Specialist, will report directly to the Prevention and Educational Program Services (PEPS) Director within the Prevention and Behavioral Health Promotion (PBHP) in the Substance Use Programs of Behavioral Health Services. The Program Specialist V position performs advanced (senior level), consultative services, and technical assistance work related to Prevention and Behavioral Health Promotion services. This position works under limited direction of the PEPS Director, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative, development, and independent judgment. Position will provide comprehensive technical assistance and program oversight for agency-funded prevention and behavioral health promotion service providers. The Program Specialist V will perform advance policy and administration work related to Prevention and Behavioral Health Promotion. This includes but is not limited to identifying how to improve service delivery, opportunities to address mental health needs, and how to shift prevention services beyond school settings. Additionally, this position will assist in information gathering and decision-making related to program infrastructure to ensure continuity of unduplicated services. This position will work with senior-level internal and external stakeholders including Chief Executive Officers, Chief Program Officers, Chief Financial Officers, agency Presidents, and state agency leadership on issues related to substance use and misuse prevention, other primary prevention strategies, and public and behavioral health promotion. Work includes researching and analyzing complex data related to substance use and misuse, behavioral health promotion, identifying best practices, and supporting implementation of evidence-based practices including monitoring fidelity. This position will draft reports for legislators/funders/stakeholders and analyze/respond to legislative inquiries. Position will also provide contract oversight and development, provide and document technical assistance, develop Statements of Work (SOW), and establish related policies, practices, and protocols. Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy. This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business need.

Requirements

Minimum of a four (4) year Degree in education, psychology, public health, social work, or other behavioral health-related field preferred or related areas such as prevention science or addiction studies from an accredited college or university, or foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator, is required.
At least one year providing technical assistance or oversight of a state or federal grant, is required.
Knowledge of primary prevention approaches and public health promotion methods related to substance use and misuse and other behavioral health related issues.
Knowledge of the application of evidence-based practices for primary prevention programs.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws/rules related to the provision of primary prevention services.
Knowledge of Positive Youth Development (PYD), Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF), and Non-Medical Drivers of Health (NMDoH).
Knowledge of effective strategies for serving youth, families, and communities, including individuals that are at an increased risk for substance use disorder development.
Skills in effective verbal and written communication and public speaking.
Skills in facilitation of small to large workgroups.
Skills in identifying and implementing creative solutions to complex problems.
Skills in managing large projects.
Skills in effective time management.
Skills in computer software, including Microsoft Office Suite Programs, various social media platforms, Office 365- SharePoint, web-based platforms such as Skype, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc.
Skills in data collection, analysis, and reporting and qualitative interpretation of policy issues.
Skills in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions to complex policy and implementation issues.
Skills in quickly comprehending complex issues and prioritizing activities to meet strict deadlines.
Ability to develop complex, detailed implementation plans and resources for partners and stakeholders.
Ability to build and maintain strong interpersonal relationships with diverse professionals and stakeholders.
Ability to use research and data applications to inform decisions related to prevention work in Texas.
Ability to conduct training and provide technical assistance to various professionals and stakeholders and lead cross-functional workgroups.
Ability to support the development and oversight of contracts and related practices.
Ability to take initiative to start and complete tasks independently, with limited supervision.
Ability to contribute ideas and solutions to improve processes and outcomes.
Ability to think strategically and holistically while simultaneously being detail-oriented.
Ability to be solution-focused and work well in a team environment.

Nice To Haves

Certification as a Prevention Specialist, is preferred.
At least two experience delivering prevention, behavioral health, or social services in a community setting preferred.
Experience and education may be substituted for one another on an individual basis.

Responsibilities

Provides and documents consultative service, technical assistance, and training to external providers and stakeholders. Duties may include, but are not limited to, researching and supporting implementation of innovative strategies, facilitating meetings and/or workgroups, developing individualized support plans, shifting service settings, and conducting and attending related trainings. Schedules and conducts ongoing statewide conference calls, one on one monthly provider calls, and represents HHSC and Behavioral Health Services and the Substance Use Programs department during internal and external meetings. (40%)
Works collaboratively and supports contract management, quality management, and IT systems staff in the development and oversight of prevention-related services. Reviews, approves, and document grant deliverables including budgets, implementation plans, and other documents associated with contract and performance. Ensure documentation is captured in alignment with BHS and PBHP policy. Responsible for maintaining current knowledge on best practices as it related to prevention and behavioral health promotion with a good understanding of national models such as the Social Ecological Model, related Public Health Models, the Strategic Prevention Framework model, and the Non-Medical Drivers of Health (NMDoH). (25%)
Develops and revises products to support evidence-based practices related to substance use and misuse prevention and behavioral health promotion. This includes, but is not limited to, developing implementation tools, agency memos, FAQ’s, one-pagers, impact reports, and statements of work. Performs advanced policy and administration work related to Behavioral Health Services and Substance Use Programs. (20%)
Represents agency on internal and external committees, workgroups, and projects to ensure that oversight and quality improvement aspects of primary prevention and behavioral health promotion are realistic and effective for individuals in need of services. Participates in legislative activities as required. (10%)
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. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)