Maternal and Child Health Unit Coordinator

Brief Job Description: 

The Unit Coordinator (Program Specialist VI) works under the direction of the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Unit Director.  This position performs highly advanced (senior level) consultative services, technical assistance, analysis activities, and oversight of multiple operational aspects of the Maternal and Child Health Unit. This work includes, but is not limited to extensive knowledge of rules and rule making process, regulations, managing the planning, development, and coordination and implementation of maternal and child health initiatives (women’s and maternal health, perinatal and infant health, child and adolescent health, and children and youth with special health care needs) along with conducting research and analysis, and oversight and evaluation of strategic plans and initiatives including efforts surrounding health equity and health in all policies. This position may represent the Unit and the Unit Director on agency-wide committees. This position will coordinate with the MCH Section and Division for Community Health Improvement (Division) on legislative analyses, bill tracking and implementation as well as provide oversight for Unit and/or Section workgroups and councils.  The staff shall prepare reports, presentations, briefings and other documents for the Unit, Section, Medical Director, and/or the Assistant Commissioner for the Division.  This position will serve as a team lead on projects and/or initiatives and shall provide support for the Title V MCH Block Grant as well as on other quality improvement initiatives to improve program operations. The incumbent works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.     

Essential Job Functions (EJFs): 

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

Provides guidance to programs within the Unit on policy, planning and administrative operations of the Department. Facilitates and coordinates the flow of program and administrative assignments and composes/edits final responses. Works closely with staff to coordinate operational assignments. Maintains continuous communication and coordination with Directors/Managers through the distribution of memoranda and by conducting meetings as needed. Establishes short-term, mid-term and long-term goals and objectives, policies, procedures and standards for the Unit. Works closely with Directors/Managers and staff to assure strategic and operational plans and reports are submitted timely and accurately. Makes data and information available to decision makers to assist them with policy decisions and resource allocations. Oversees the compliance/response to external audits and investigations (State Auditors, Governmental Accounting Office, Federal agencies, etc.). Oversees memoranda, correspondence, productivity reports and studies (compliance/response to House/Senate Bills, Riders, etc.) within the Unit in consultation with the Section, Division, and/or the Government Affairs Unit. Represents the Unit and/or Unit Director on executive and senior-level workgroups and committees.   (30%)  
  
Facilitates alignment and coordination of Unit functions toward strategic goals and objectives, develops priorities and standards for achieving goals and directs evaluation activities. Oversees special projects using a public health prevention framework where health policy is incorporated and evaluated in program activities and initiatives.  Facilitates appropriate Unit involvement with inter- and intra-agency activities related to health policy priorities and the implementation of health service systems for programs within MCH Unit. Identifies opportunities for the Unit to further strategic goals and makes recommendations to improve the overall relationship between Section/DSHS and legislative leadership.  (25%) 
  
Coordinates Unit activities related to legislative and appropriations issues. Coordinates with the Section and/or Division on legislative analysis, tracking and activities for the Section. Works with programs to develop bill analysis and cost estimates, revise legislation, and to monitor compliance with legislative mandates. Communicates with department staff, stakeholders, legislators, advocates and others on legislation affecting the Section. Participates directly in activities related to appropriations issues, rulemaking associated with key legislation, interim studies or project work teams, and outreach activities designed to improve the overall relationship between Unit/Section/DSHS and legislative leadership. (20%) 

Conducts complex research and analysis of MCH and related topics; examines proposed legislation, laws, rules, regulations, or policies that impact or potentially impact the agency or initiatives. Consults with public stakeholders, interest groups (both state and national level) and HHS enterprise staff to strategically plan program services and discuss program effectiveness. Supports program and staff needs based on emerging practice standards and national and state level activities. Guides staff to initiate, sponsor, manage or participate in projects to maximize the success of multiple and diverse projects and participate in planning and convening meetings or conferences.   (20%) 

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 the principles and practices of public health administration and management.   

Knowledge of federal and state health and human services policy and legislation and the organization of federal, state, and local health programs.   

Knowledge of governmental budgeting processes and procedures.   

Knowledge of the service needs of uninsured women, infants, children and adolescents, including children with special health care needs.   

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

Knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to grants, report writing, research and budgeting processes.   

Knowledge of concepts and applications of continuous quality improvement.   

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

Knowledge of Texas legislative and appropriations process.   

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 that works to ensure health equity and health policy is incorporated and evaluated in program activities and initiatives.    

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

Ability to develop health policy issues and products.   

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.   

Ability to speak and write effectively, clearly, and concisely on a variety of complex subjects related to the program.   

Ability to plan, organize and complete multiple activities in a timely fashion.   

Ability to handle a wide range of tasks in an effective manner along with planning, organizing, and completing multiple tasks and activities in a timely fashion.   

Ability to interpret guidelines, policies, procedures, and regulations on a State and/or National level. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: 

N/A 

Initial Screening Criteria: 

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in an area related to public health, health policy, or maternal and child health. Master’s degree preferred.   

At least two years' full-time work experience in a public health setting, preferably with a maternal and child health perspective.   

Experience leading and managing projects.      

Experience developing, writing, and presenting reports and communications.  

Experience in program planning, development, administration and evaluation.  

Additional Information: 

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