Child and Adolescent Health Program Specialist

Essential Job Functions (EJFs): 

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and perform other duties as assigned.   

 Assists with the programmatic work of the Help Me Grow Texas Coordinator, Child Health Coordinator, Adolescent Health Coordinator to support the planning, development, implementation, and strategic direction of program activities related to Title V Block Grant’s Child and Adolescent domains, including coordination of daily and long-term activities, implementation of program activities, meeting all reporting requirements, and evaluation of programmatic activities and impacts. Participates in ongoing Title V activities, such as completing sections of the Block Grant Application and the five-year needs assessment related to children and adolescents. Responds to legislative and ad-hoc requests for information. (45%) 

 Maintains effective relationships with program contractors, coordinating external partner activities, conveying accurate agency and programmatic information, and providing technical assistance. Monitors contractors’ performance and invoice submission. Leads contractor check-ins and participates in regular meetings with assigned DSHS contract manager(s). Completes all required reports, continuation applications, and other funding requirements for contractors or grants. Coordinates with other Unit areas to develop and implement standardized contract monitoring policies and procedures. Conducts and disseminates contractor trend analysis. Assists in the development of request for proposals/applications and/or grant applications for program initiatives. (35%) 

Creates reports, briefings, fact sheets, summaries, presentations, and other information sources as requested. Determines training needs and develops resource materials for contractors, staff and other stakeholders. Develops responses to requests for information or assistance from the public, stakeholders, and contractors. (15%) 

 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. (5%) 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): 

Knowledge of program planning, implementation, evaluation, monitoring, and management;  

Knowledge of evidence-based practices and strategies related to child and adolescent health;  

Knowledge of partnership development and coalition-building strategies;  

Knowledge of health disparities;  

Knowledge of clinical operations and quality improvement performance measures;  

Knowledge of contract development and management;  

Knowledge of community needs assessment process; and  

Knowledge of child and adolescent development.  

Skill in programmatic assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation;  

Skill in gathering and analyzing data for program decisions and writing reports;  

Skill in contract development, monitoring, and oversight;  

Skill in the preparation of grant applications; and  

Skill in group processes and facilitation.  

Ability to lead and work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team and with outside groups;  

Ability to work independently without close supervision;  

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing;  

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts and devise solutions to operational problems;  

Ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders based on shared priorities in relation to child and adolescent health;  

Ability to facilitate groups with divergent opinions;  

Ability to solve problems, coordinate activities, and set priorities; and  

Ability to plan and conduct productive meetings. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: 

None

Initial Screening Criteria: 

Required: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in a relevant field preferred.  

Required: Experience working in public health, maternal and child health, and/or health care policy.  

Required: Experience in developing, monitoring, and managing contracts or grants. 

Required: Experience in developing educational and training materials and presentations. 

Additional Information: 

This position is eligible for telework, which will be determined by agency and division telework policies. The employee will be required to come into the office, as directed, to fulfill essential job functions. DSHS will provide computer, related equipment, and basic office supplies. Selected applicants must have a home office location free from distraction, the ability to provide personal home internet service, and the ability to ensure confidentiality in the workplace.