Program Specialist V

Job Description :

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks highly qualified candidates to fill the Resource Specialist (Program Specialist V) position within the Access and Eligibility Services (AES), 2-1-1 Texas Information and Referral Network (2-1-1 TIRN).

AES is driven by its mission to connect Texans to people, services and supports by helping individuals and families in need of food, medical care, cash assistance and other social services.

2-1-1 TIRN connects Texans to services by providing information and referral to community and governmental resources online at texas.

org and by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The ideal candidate will thrive in an environment that emphasizes : a passion for service, innovation through new ideas, customer-first thinking, consistent and reliable service provision, embracing our differences as a source of strength, accomplishing more through partnership, and learning for continuous improvement.

This position reports to Program Supervisor, who is supported by the 2-1-1 Texas Database Administrator.

The 2-1-1 Texas Resource Specialist provides broad programmatic support, research, reporting analysis, and project management for initiatives and projects focused on improving the quality of 2-1-1 Texas resource data and expanding how Information & Referral services are delivered using technology.

Responsibilities include project management; conducting and interpreting reports and research; preparing implementation proposals;

identifying and documenting best practices; and establishing quality assurance and performance measurement tools. This position will also work with program staff to engage internal and external stakeholders and partners to enhance community access. Essential Job Functions :

Evaluates the work of contracted 2-1-1 Texas Resource Managers and provides guidance, technical assistance, and training as needed.

Work includes developing and updating operational policies, procedures, standards and manuals, including the 2-1-1 Texas Resource Manager's Style Guide;

assisting with the development and implementation of effective techniques for evaluating the work of Resource Managers; and planning for and facilitating regular Resource Managers meetings and other program activities in accordance with program objectives and goals. (30%)

Plans, implements, and monitors 2-1-1 Texas technology and database-related projects and initiatives. Work includes ensuring timely completion of all project-based deadlines, researching, and developing policy and program recommendations relating to the implementation, improvement, and / or expansion of Information & Referral services delivery. (30%)

Collects, organizes, analyzes, and prepares material in response to requests for information and reports involving 2-1-1 Texas data.

Work includes preparing briefings, reports, presentations and other communications for stakeholders illustrating 2-1-1 Texas client data trends and other relevant information;

and produces other mandated reports in accordance with contractual and legislative requirements. (25%)

Consults with contracted 2-1-1 Texas Resource Managers and provider agencies that are listed in the 2-1-1 Texas statewide database to improve information clarity, resolve problems, identify public training needs, and ensure compliance with 2-1-1 Texas standards. (10%)

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned, including but 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. Performs other duties as assigned.

5%) Knowledge Skills Abilities :

• Skill in performing research using various research techniques; skill in analyzing and evaluating complex program and policy issues;
• ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts and prepare reports; skill in developing creative and workable solutions to complex problems and policy issues;
• strong short-term and long-term project planning and organizational skills; ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments among contracted and non-contracted staff;
• ability to perform work with a high degree of attention to detail; ability to develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures;
• ability to work independently and operate effectively within established guidelines and timeframes; skill in project management;
• ability to lead project teams, work with multiple stakeholders, and provide oversight to contracted vendors; skill in effective written and oral communication, including the ability to make public presentations, write technical information in an understandable format, and produce sophisticated research reports;
• ability to work cooperatively as a team member in a fast-paced, deadline-orientated environment; skill in establishing and managing program performance requirements;
• ability to evaluate and make recommendations for program improvements; ability to train others and prioritize staff work;

knowledge of the 2-1-1 Texas program; and ability to exercise judgment and work independently with minimal supervision.