Senior Substance Use Program Evaluator

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Functional Title: Senior Substance Use Program Evaluator
Job Title: Program Management Spec I
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: BHS Substance Use Grant
Posting Number: 20763
Closing Date: 09/27/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services
Salary Range: $5,797.66- $9,508.25
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework: Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 5%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 2611,8058,8060,8848,16KX,32EX,611X,612X,63A,63AX,641X,712X,SEI16

Brief Job Description:

As a member of the Performance Improvement and Evaluation team, this Senior Substance Use Program Evaluator helps lead a team focused on substance use evaluation and performance improvement projects and initiatives within the Behavioral Health Services (BHS) department. This team partners with executive-level staff, subject matter experts, and external stakeholders to develop plans for evaluations and analyses that reflect national standards and best practices. This position manages and coordinates complex behavioral health evaluation and performance improvement initiatives throughout their life cycle by defining project objectives, developing evaluation methodologies, monitoring implementation, measuring program effectiveness and efficiency, identifying opportunities for improvement, and documenting evaluation processes. The position coordinates with executive leadership, subject matter experts, internal divisions, external partners, and other stakeholders to support cross-functional program outcomes and ensure evaluation activities align with agency priorities and strategic objectives.

Responsibilities include establishing methodologies to measure program effectiveness and efficiency; identifying performance gaps and recommending improvements; developing and maintaining evaluation standards, tools, reporting structures, dashboards, and documentation; and communicating project status, risks, outcomes, and recommendations to stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience using data to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of complex programs, policies, and initiatives, particularly those related to public health. They will also be familiar with the state’s substance use service system and requirements, have strong communication and collaboration skills, and the ability to work autonomously with minimal direction and supervision.

The candidate must reside in the Greater Austin, Texas area, or be willing to relocate to the Greater Austin, Texas area. This position is telework-eligible. 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 (EJFs):

Program Evaluation and Data Analytics: Plan and implement complex evaluations and analyses for substance use programs, projects, and policies. Develop evaluation frameworks, performance metrics, utilization measures, and data collection tools to assess program effectiveness and support agency priorities. Coordinate the collection, organization, and analysis of complex data and research to inform evaluations and performance improvement. Interpret applicable policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and standards to ensure evaluations and measures are compliant and meaningful. Provide technical assistance to management, staff, and other stakeholders throughout the evaluation process. (45%)

Performance Monitoring and Utilization Management: Develop methods and tools to measure the efficiency and effectiveness of agency initiatives consistent with program requirements; other applicable rules, policies, and procedures; and the agency’s strategic objectives. Design reports, dashboards and other tools to support routine performance monitoring and utilization management. (20%)

Documentation and Reporting: Develop, maintain, and continuously improve standards, methodologies, templates, documentation, and guidance to promote consistency across projects and support long-term program monitoring. Coordinate the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of materials in response to requests for routine and ad-hoc information and reports. Communicate project status, risks, and performance trends to leadership. (15%)

Stakeholder Engagement and Support: Coordinate communications with internal staff, external partners, providers, and leadership regarding substance use evaluations and analyses. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to translate data into actionable insights to optimize program performance, recommending appropriate changes to programs and processes as necessary. Provide consultative services to program staff regarding evaluation methodologies and performance improvement. (15%)

Other. Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Advanced knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research techniques and their application in program evaluation and improvement.
• Expertise in statistical analysis processes and methodologies.
• Knowledge of program management principles and practices.

Skill in:

• Proficient in identifying and applying metrics or indicators of program performance to ensure continuous improvement.
• Highly skilled in using computers and applicable software for data analysis, report preparation, and program management.
• Strong analytical skills to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret complex data, often coordinating multiple concurrent initiatives.
• Strong report-writing skills for clear and concise communication of findings and recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively convey information and provide guidance to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Skill in developing performance monitoring tools and dashboards.

Ability to:

• Expert ability in developing, evaluating, and interpreting policies and procedures to ensure program compliance and effectiveness.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment when evaluating complex program issues.
• Leadership ability to serve as a lead worker, providing direction and oversight to other staff members.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

At least two years of experience in a field related to public health, substance use programs, or data and evaluation.

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in a relevant in public health, public policy, health administration, behavioral/social sciences, statistics, or a related field.

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 View phone number on aiapply.co. 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.