Program Specialist VII

Job Description :

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives?

Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of each other, teamwork, and inclusivity?

HSCS is dedicated to building a diverse community atmosphere where employees feel valued, supported, and accepted while providing specialized care for Texans in need.

If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interest you, we welcome your application for the position below.

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.

Essential Job Functions :

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.

Knowledge Skills Abilities :

• 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, stat 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.