SPF-PFS Project Director Job Listing at Texas Health and Human Services in Austin, TX (Job ID 13646-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: SPF-PFS Project Director 
Job Title: Program Specialist VII 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: IHCP-YouthExpan Strat Admin-25 
Posting Number: 13646 
Closing Date: 02/20/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25 
Salary Range: $5,797.66 - $9,508.25 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 10% 
Regular/Temporary: Temporary 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
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 
 
 
 

Job Description: 

The Program Specialist VII, functionally known as the Strategic Prevention Framework−Partnerships for Success (SPF-PFS) Project Director, will report directly will report directly to the Prevention and Educational Program Services (PEPS) Director within the Prevention and Behavioral Health Promotion (PBHP) in the Substance Use Programs of Behavioral Health Services. This position performs highly advanced (senior-level) oversight, consultative services, and technical assistance work related to the SPF-PFS grant. They will serve as the subject matter expert and lead for projects funded by the SPF-PFS grant. 
 
This position will work with senior-level internal and external stakeholders, including community partners, federal funders, and BHS leadership on issues related to substance use prevention, other primary prevention, public health, and behavioral health promotion. The primary focus will be development and implementation of programs to address substance use in underserved communities using the SPF. Work includes researching and analyzing complex data related to behavioral health promotion, identifying best practices, and supporting funded community partners in implementing evidence-based practices, including monitoring fidelity. The position will draft reports for funders, agency leadership and stakeholders. The position will also provide contract oversight, including developing Statements of Work and establishing related policies, practices, and monitoring processes and development contract deliverables. 

Additionally, this position will also engage with non‑HHSC, non‑SAMHSA‑funded grassroots community organizations, providing technical assistance and guidance to help build organizational capacity to pursue federal and state substance use prevention funding opportunities. 
 
Excellent project management and communication skills required. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 
 
This is a temporary, grant-funded position from September 2024 through September 2029, depending on grant funds. 
 
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy. 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 need.   

Essential Job Functions:

EJF 1: Oversees SPF-PFS grantee efforts to address risk factors and promote protective factors relating to substance use in undeserved in communities across the state. Supports contract management and other internal entities in development and oversight of prevention contracts. Monitors contractor performance, provides technical assistance, conducts site visits, and makes recommendations for corrective action and maintains adequate documentation. Ensures that contractor scopes of work, deliverables, and activities are in alignment with overall program goals and priority areas. Maintains knowledge of best practices as it relates to substance use prevention, behavioral health promotion, and understands the need for an integrated approach to service delivery and establishes related policies and practices. Ensures compliance with federal and state regulations and grant requirements including but not limited to a community health improvement plan, program evaluation plan, and regular program impact reports. Completes and submits all reporting to federal, state, and community leaders. (35%) 

EJF 2: Represents SPF-PFS on internal and external committees, workgroups, and projects to ensure streamlined delivery of effective behavioral health promotion strategies. Researches and recommends best-practice strategies for community development, environmental change, social norming, training, outreach, and awareness; and supports providers in implementing these strategies. Provides training and technical assistance and identifies experts in the field who can provide training and support. Builds and maintains effective statewide and national partnerships with stakeholders invested in substance use prevention, especially with other SAMSHA funded grantees across the state of Texas. Coordinates and hosts regularly scheduled meetings with other SAMHSA discretionary grantees across the state of Texas. Additionally, provides outreach and technical assistance to grassroots organizations outside the HHSC/SAMHSA funding portfolio to support their capacity to pursue federal and state substance use prevention grants. (30%) 

EJF 3: Collects, tracks, and utilizes data on substance use prevention, other primary prevention and behavioral health promotion including monitoring and assessing effectiveness and reach of community-based development, policy and awareness strategies. Determines trends, needs, opportunities, develops creative solutions and identifies strategies for improvement. Develops and revises tools and resources to support effective implementation of prevention services. Participates in vision and strategic planning development to ensure sustainability and implementation of community and societal prevention strategies throughout Texas. (20%) 

EJF 4: Performs advanced policy and administration work related to behavioral health services. Conducts training and provides guidance to staff and external partners including agency executives and contracted partners on effective methods for substance use prevention, other primary prevention, public and behavioral health promotion. (10%) 

EJF 5: Participates in related department operational processes as assigned. (5%) 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:  

Must hold a certification as a Prevention Specialist or obtain within 18 months of employment. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

Knowledge of: 

• Prevention and behavioral health promotion, CLAS Standards, Non-Medical Drivers of Health, Trauma-informed Care, Social Ecological Model, positive youth development and the Strategic Prevention Framework; 

• Best-practice/evidence-based program implementation including information about how to track and monitor fidelity; 

• Local, state, and federal laws/rules related to the provision of substance misuse prevention services, public health and behavioral health; 

• The Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration funding parameters;  

• Effective strategic planning processes, including developing community needs assessments and improvement plans; and 

• Conducting action oriented plans and assessments to identify prioroty issues and implement appropriator strategies such as Community Health Improvement Plans or Community Needs Assessments. 

Skills in: 

• Effective verbal and written communication and public speaking; 

• Successfully taking a project from conceptualization through completion/evaluation; 

• Facilitation of large workgroups; 

• Identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions to complex policy, program and implementation issues; 

• Data analysis and reporting and qualitative interpretation of policy issues; 

• Quick comprehension of complex issues and ability to prioritize activities to meet strict deadlines; effective organization, planning and management of projects; and 

• Computer software, including Microsoft Office suite programs, Office 365/SharePoint, social media platforms and web-based communications platforms such as Teams and Zoom 

Ability to: 

• Develop complex, detailed implementation plans and reports for a variety of audiences; 

• Apply content expertise and theoretical models into practice; 

• Build and maintain strong interpersonal relationships with diverse professionals and stakeholders; 

• Use data to inform decisions and research/apply findings to program implementation; 

• Lead training, technical assistance, and cross-functional workgroups; 

• Support the development and oversight of contracts; 

• Think strategically and manage multiple projects, competitive priorities, and complete deliverables by deadline;  

• Be solution-focused and work well in a team environment;  

• Organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing; and 

• Be self motivated and take the initiative to plan and manage large multi-faceted projects. 

Initial Screening Criteria: 

A minimum of a bachelor's degree in related field is required. A degree in prevention science, public health, social work, psychology, sociology, health education, addiction studies or other behavioral health-related field from an accredited college or university, or foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator. 
 
A minimum of three years of project or grant management or program development experience is required; experience managing/leading prevention, behavioral health or public health initiatives preferred. 
 
At least one year of prior state or government experience  related to public health, behavioral health, or program management preferred.  

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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.