Community-based Crisis Services Program Specialist Job Listing at Texas Health and Human Services in Austin, TX (Job ID 9305-en_US)

Description

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Community-based Crisis Services Program Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist V 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: BH Crisis Services 
Posting Number: 9305 
Closing Date: 09/30/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 
Salary Range: $5,888.50 - $7,253.83 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 20% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Performs advanced, senior-level coordination, implementation, and technical assistance work related to the provision of statewide Behavioral Health Services specifically in relation to Crisis Services. Work involves program oversight and developing, analyzing, and revising programs. Work also includes facilitating activities to promote effective program design and implementation. This position will focus on community crisis intervention services, crisis stabilization services provided in inpatient facilities, and continuity of care in the behavioral health system. This includes working with Local Mental Health Authorities, State Hospitals, state-funded Crisis Facilities, Private Psychiatric Hospitals, Community Mental Health Hospitals, substance use providers, and other local entities to ensure individual's needs are addressed in the least restrictive environment.

This position will have responsibilities in assisting with the overall administration of programs including serving as the primary programmatic point of contact for internal and external representatives. The position is responsible for acquiring and maintaining state-of-the-art knowledge regarding recovery- oriented services, engagement, and service delivery systems that support persons in need of Behavioral Health Crisis Services.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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

Responsible for assisting with the overall administration of programs focused on Behavioral Health Crisis Services and associated policy. Responsible for the day-to-day management of programs and monitoring program's progress towards meeting performance outcomes and for oversight of program progress. Based on section and unit priorities, this team member will serve as subject matter expert, provide program oversight, and perform highly technical work related to Behavioral Health Crisis Services and other behavioral health programs/areas. (25%)

Participates in the development and implementation of program systems, processes, procedures, and forms to ensure success of programs and overall program improvement. Coordinates with internal and external representatives to develop and implement quality assurance processes, identifies program areas needing change and makes recommendations for improvement. Provides guidance to internal and external representatives regarding program policies, procedures, and best practices. (15%)

Routinely provides timely and accurate technical assistance and appropriate trouble shooting to internal and external representatives. Consults with contractors to provide assistance related to program management, program implementation, continuity of care, and supporting documentation. Oversees the development and implementation of trainings. (25%)

Coordinates and represents programs in the development of procurement and contracting activities including solicitations such as Needs and Capacity Assessments, Request for Proposals, and Requests for Applications, and solicitation development, planning meetings, and timelines. Ensures programs adhere to applicable contracting requirements, state and federal laws, and agency policy and procedures. Consults with internal agency representatives to ensure program compliance. Provides input on policy issues arising from quality management activities. Assists with the quantitative and qualitative analysis (includes financial analysis) and supporting ongoing research and analysis activities related to Behavioral Health Crisis Services. Escalates issues in a timely manner to Unit Manager. (20%)

Drafts and coordinates information and communication related to the program including legislative responses and reports, public presentations, correspondence, and memoranda for internal and external representatives. Represents program at meetings, as directed, attends conferences, and briefs leadership.(15%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

Adult behavioral health programs, behavioral health crisis services, and substance use issues and services; recovery, resiliency, engagement and disease management concepts, including Texas

Resilience and Recovery (formerly RDM-Resiliency and Disease Management) as it has rolled out in Texas. Basic knowledge of substance use treatment, prevention and Medicaid programs/services in Texas.

Skill in:

Effective verbal communication and public speaking, exceptional writing skills, data analysis and reporting, and qualitative interpretation of complex policy issues. Effective facilitation of contractors struggling with implementation of behavioral health crisis services; quickly comprehend complex issues and prioritize activities to meet strict deadlines; identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions to complex policy and implementation.

Ability to:

Develop complex, detailed implementation plans; develop products to support the implementation of evidence-based practices; develop materials for training and technical assistance events; lead cross functional work groups; support contracts related to behavioral health services; develop statewide rules for behavioral health policy; ability to guide and maintain strong relationships with diverse professionals and stakeholders.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A 

Initial Screening Criteria:

Degree Required. Bachelor's Degree in public health, psychology/sociology, social work, public affairs or a related field from a college. Program oversight or contract monitoring in behavioral health or human services experience, including compliance with state or federal requirements. 

Additional Information:

N/A

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor's Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.