Clinical Program Specialist

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

(30%) Represents and acts on behalf of the TODA manager to provide guidance on policy, planning, and administrative operations of the grant. Facilitates and coordinates the flow of program / administrative assignments and composes responses. Works closely with TODA and Unit staff to coordinate assignments both internally and with external partners. Maintains continuous communication and coordination with TODA, contracted partners, and HHSC staff. Consults with public and private agencies involved in the programs to resolve problems, identify training needs, and discuss program effectiveness. Drafts short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals and objectives, policies, procedures, and standards for TODA. Works closely with the TODA manager to meet grant responsibilities and submit reports in a timely, accurate manner. Makes data and information available to decision makers to assist them with policy decisions and resource allocations. Analyzes the application of and variations within programs to develop action plans for improving or initiating new programs.   

(25%) Facilitates alignment and coordination of TODA activities toward strategic goals and objectives, develops priorities for achieving goals, and participates in evaluation activities. Develops program policies, procedures, standards, and manuals in accordance with program objectives and goals. Facilitates appropriate TODA involvement with inter- and intra-agency activities related to grant priorities. Analyzes legislation to develop recommendations for policy in programmatic issues relating to the implementation, improvement, and/or expansion or reduction of program funding. Identifies opportunities for the program to further strategic goals. Analyzes performance data to help ensure compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules; and recommend corrective action(s) as needed. Presents TODA programming, successes, and opportunities to partner at conferences and other public meetings.  

(20%) Coordinates TODA activities related to tracking and activities. Communicates with program staff, unit staff, stakeholders, advocates, and others on TODA activities. Participates in activities related to program issues, possible rulemaking with key legislation, interim studies or project work teams, and activities designed to improve the TODA deliverables. 

(20%) Conducts research and analysis of unintentional and undetermined drug poisoning related topics; examines proposed regulations or policies that impact or potentially impact TODA or the agency. Consults with public stakeholders, interest groups (both state and national level), and HHS enterprise staff as directed by the TODA manager. Supports program and staff needs based on emerging national and state level activities. Guides staff to initiate, sponsor, manage, or participate in projects to maximize the success of TODA and participates in planning and convening meetings or conferences. Prepares reports, presentations, briefings, and other documents for the Unit, Section, Medical Director, and/or the Division Deputy Commissioner.  

(5%) 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. To perform these job duties, this position may require working extra hours needed to meet defined deadlines and support the agency’s mission critical reporting requirements.  

List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to performance in this position: 

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the program area; public administration techniques; training and marketing techniques; and program management processes and techniques. 

Knowledge of management techniques; statistical analysis processes; budget processes; and research techniques. 

Knowledge of the principles and practices of public health administration and management.  

Knowledge of governmental budgeting processes and procedures.  

Knowledge of the service needs of persons who experience drug poisoning.  

Knowledge of the array of planning and evaluation methods used in state government.  

Knowledge of grants, report writing, research, and budgeting processes.  

Knowledge of concepts and applications for continuous quality improvement.  

Knowledge of the major functions of public health, health care reform initiatives, and health care policy development.  

Knowledge of clinical operations and evidence-based, data driven clinical best practices for substance use prevention and treatment. 

Knowledge of state and federal programs, laws, policies, rules, and procedures impacting the implementation of substance use and behavioral health treatment and resources.

Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance and in the use of a computer and applicable software  

Skill in conducting planning activities including developing goals and objectives for strategic planning and evaluation.  

Skill in organizing and presenting complex information to a variety of diverse stakeholders.  

Skill in managing and prioritizing multiple and competing work activities.  

Skill in quality improvement implementation for program evaluation. 

Skill in meeting facilitation.  

Skill in using a public health prevention framework and ensuring it is incorporated and evaluated in program activities and initiatives.   

Skill in developing and evaluating administrative policies, procedures, and protocols.  

Skill in facilitating training sessions and programming in clinical settings. 

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems; to market programs; to prepare reports; to develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures; and to communicate effectively. 

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in public health, health education, or a relevant field. Master’s degree preferred.  

Experience working in public health, drug poisoning prevention, health care administration, injury prevention, or health care policy.  

Experience in contract or grant support, management, or monitoring. Experience in project reporting, presentation, or developing educational or training materials. 

Experience in public speaking. 

“IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION PRIOR TO SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION:  

Information on the application and resume must clearly state how the applicant meets initial selection criteria in the Summary of Experience section in order to be interviewed.  

Applicants must provide information relevant to the required experience for this position. Answer all questions and completely summarize your experience including technical and managerial responsibilities and any special training, skills and qualifications for each position you have held in the employment history section of application.   

All fields on the application must be filled-in completely. This includes, but is not limited to, previous salary, previous supervisor, and reason for leaving previous position.  

Applicants selected for an interview will be required to complete an in-basket exercise. 

Agency salary policy, budget and candidate’s qualifications will dictate final salary offer. 

This position is not eligible for full-time telework within the state of Texas. This position is required to be in office at the Austin campus on a hybrid schedule.