Public Health and Prevention Specialist V

Under the supervision of the Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Manager IV, the Public Health and Behavioral Health Integration & Coordination Specialist will oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of regional-based education and training programs that ensure that behavioral health is consistently considered and incorporated into regional activities related to health promotion, health service delivery, and emergency responses. In their focus on public health practice, this position will ensure that DSHS Public Health Regional (PHR) staff are trained on the detection of behavioral health concerns and the referral of clients to behavioral health treatment. In their focus on Public Health Disaster Response, this position will lead the development of clear PHR processes, guidelines and procedures that establish the role of behavioral health as part of a public health and medical response to disasters. Activities to ensure the integration of behavioral health principles into disaster preparedness, response, and recovery include: the incorporation of behavioral health into disaster response assessments and services and the incorporation of behavioral health principles into disaster response education and training. This position will coordinate as a liaison with the Texas Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Network. This position will exercise independent professional training judgment and expertise in assessing and developing training plans to meet regional staff needs; determine the best evaluation techniques to ascertain the effectiveness of presentation content and formats; and work under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Member of the Incident Command Structure in response to public health emergencies. Must comply with HHS, DSHS, Texas Department of Public Safety applicable policies/procedures/standards.  Essential Job Functions:

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

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT/IMPLEMENTATION: Oversees, plans, and evaluates public health education activities and develops goals and objectives for behavioral health education in public health settings. Consults with public and private agencies that have interest in addressing behavioral health in public health settings to identify opportunities, identifies training needs, and discusses public health program effectiveness. Coordinates with staff serving as liaisons with state agencies and DSHS programs to explain the programs, regulations, and laws related to behavioral health in public health settings. Collaborates with others to assess current regional practice and determine need for improved statewide consistency for those practices. Leads the development of PHR processes and guidelines that establish the role of behavioral health as part of a public health and medical response to disasters. Ensures the integration of behavioral health principles into disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, including the incorporation of behavioral health into disaster response assessments and services and the incorporation of behavioral health principles into disaster response education and training. Contributes to the development, writing, interpretation, and implementation of public health preparedness and response guidelines, processes, and plans by providing insight on behavioral health in public health settings. (45%)

TRAINING DEVELOPMENT/IMPLEMENTATION: Participates in the development and implementation of new and existing training programs and initiatives and delivers training. Develops program and training processes, guidelines, procedures and manuals and reviews course curriculum and other educational materials for regional staff in the field, on-site in state facilities and virtual online training. Works with regional managers in the coordination, execution and tracking of training and program activities for the region. Collaborates with DSHS and HHSC Divisions, programs and stakeholders to deliver presentations. Assists with design, development and implementation of new technology training and presentation initiatives. Works with RLHO Office of the Associate Commissioner (OAC) to incorporate behavioral health consideration into RLHO clinical operation. (25%)

PROGRAM MONITORING/EVALUATION: Oversees the completion and monitoring of procedures and the analysis of data for the planning and coordination of behavioral health education in public health settings. Provides statistical analysis and research for evaluating the effectiveness of regional training programs in increasing behavioral health awareness across public health. Evaluates the effectiveness and impact of public health training related to behavioral health in public health settings. Analyzes health statistics and trends related to behavioral health in public health settings. Oversees the development and implementation of techniques for evaluating behavioral health referrals from public health settings. (15%)

PROGRAM REPORTING: Conducts progress reports and studies in addition to the collection, organization, analysis and preparation of materials in response to requests for program information and reports. Conducts program evaluation through surveys, evaluations and monitoring activities. May provide input into public health program budget requests related to the integration of behavioral health education in public health and behavioral health treatment referrals. May analyze behavioral health legislation to determine the impact on public health policies and programs; and may identify issues related to the implementation, improvement, and change in funding levels. (10%)

REGIONAL SUPPORT and DISASTER RESPONSE/RECOVERY: Participates in regional assignments/duties/special initiatives. Being required to work other than normal business hours in order to respond to public health emergencies. May require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response/recovery/Continuity of Operations activation- requires completion of Incident Command System 100,200, 700 and 800 courses. Maintains compliance with DSHS Policy, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and Standards, and a current valid Texas Driver's License. Maintains compliance with DSHS Immunization Policy: required serologic evidence of immunity to, or documented evidence of vaccination against measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), Tdap, and annual vaccination against influenza (and hepatitis B if applicable). (5%)

 Knowledge Skills Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE OF: Local, state, and federal laws related to public health, emergency preparedness, behavioral health, public health administration, or management. Program planning and implementation. Program analysis. Education/adult learning theory and practice. Training and marketing techniques. Program management processes and techniques. Mental and behavioral health conditions and emotional components of physical illness. Rehabilitation methods and behavioral health case management principles and practices. Community resources on local, state and federal levels. Essential public health services, policies, functions, missions, and objectives. Federal and state disaster behavioral health planning, response and recovery programs. Public health preparedness activities and programs. Preparedness, planning and mitigation as it relates to the disaster life cycle. National Incident Management System and Incident Command System Knowledge of Federal Emergency Management Agency, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and Texas Division of Emergency Management as it relates to disaster behavioral health planning, response, and recovery.

SKILL IN: Analyzing and evaluating complex program policy and operations issues. Identifying problems, evaluating alternatives and implementing solutions. Managing multiple and competing priorities. Working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups. Assessing learning needs of and training adult learners on technical concepts and systems. Developing and evaluating policies and procedures, to assess risk and develop contingency plans; and to make recommendations and decisions. Problem solving and independent decision making.

ABILITY TO: Effectively communicate complex information to a variety of individuals or groups. Maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders using tact and diplomacy. Work well and effectively in a team environment. Develop goals and objectives. Develop creative and innovative solutions. Research, analyze and implement rules, policies, procedures and curricula. Interpret and apply federal and state laws, regulations, policies, rules and requirements in health and human services. Conduct formal presentations. Provide own personal transportation.

 Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License or equivalent license from another state.

Current, unrestricted license in advanced or clinical practice issued by the appropriate state of Texas licensing board (LMSC-AP, LCSW, LPC, LMFT).

 Initial Selection Criteria:

Current, unrestricted license in advanced or clinical practice issued by the appropriate state of Texas licensing board (LMSW-AP, LCSW, LPC, LMFT).

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in social services, public health, or a related field is required. Master’s degree in public health (MPH), social work or counseling preferred.

Documented at least 3-years of work experience in advance practice or clinical social work, counseling, public health or related field.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

 Additional Information:

Requisition Number 506434

This is a temporary position and expected to last up to June 30, 2023. There is no guarantee this position will be extended beyond what is indicated in this job posting. Upon hire, the selected candidate will be required to sign a Temporary Employment Agreement indicating awareness that the employment status of the position is temporary.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application but may be provided as supplemental materials. All fields on the application must be filled-in completely. Applicants must provide information relevant to the required experience for this position in the job history sections of the application. -or- Information on application must clearly state how applicant meets initial selection criteria in the summary of experience section of the application.

Prior to beginning employment, employees/applicants who indicate they hold a degree from an institution of higher education must provide an original college transcript indicating they earned a Bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree from a U.S. college or university or foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form. Note: Must be legally authorized to work in the US without sponsorship.

In compliance with DSHS Immunization Policy, you must provide documented serologic evidence of immunity to, or documented evidence of vaccination against measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), Tdap, Hepatitis B, influenza and rabies.

Employee must provide transportation. If an employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in performance of their official duties, the employee must possess a current valid Texas Driver License for the appropriate type vehicle.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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.

Note: There may be no military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx .

 MOS Code:

68S; 68Z; 60C; HM; 230X; HS; MED; SEI12; NAP11; 4BOX1; 4EOX1; 43EX; 43HX  HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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.