Public Health Follow-Up Consultant

Program Specialist IV Agency: Dept of State Health Services. Department: STD Public Health Follow-up. Location: Austin, TX. Job Description The Program Specialist IV is responsible for ensuring organizations that enter into a written agreement with the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to provide HIV, STD and HCV programs deliver services consistent with the needs of the population to be served and are in accordance with State and Federal mandates and program requirements. They ensure compliance through formal site reviews, technical assistance visits, and desktop reviews. They work under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for independent initiative, judgment, and action. Essential Job Functions Evaluates and assesses regional and local health departments’ HIV/STD and DSHS programs that conduct STD disease intervention and HIV prevention activities. Develops and implements effective techniques for evaluating programs. Schedules, plans and conducts on-site desktop and formal program evaluations and technical assistance visits according to procedures. Reviews relevant documentation and observes programmatic activities. Works with program staff at all levels to adequately assess quality service delivery. Assists programs in identifying trends, barriers, and achievement of objectives. Provides technical assistance for addressing programmatic barriers. Assures that evaluations and relevant documents are completed. Submits reports. Performs follow-up site visits. Implements DSHS Sanction Policy when needed. Analyzes corrective action plans to determine if required program improvements have been implemented. Plans, develops, coordinates, implements, delivers and evaluates training programs and technical assistance for DSHS employees, contractors, and public and private health care professionals. Delivers customized courses. Assists in developing and evaluating training statewide. Guides, directs and provides technical assistance to HIV/STD programs by telephone, on-site, or in writing. Communications may include interpreting DSHS and funders’ program standards, administrative and program requirements, policies and guidelines. Observes program staff delivering services and provides feedback. Consults with program supervisors when staff improvement is necessary. Promotes program staff development. Initiates and assists in program development process. Reviews budgets, objectives and work plans. Works with Contract Management Unit, Procurement and Contracting Section. Initiates, reviews and processes budget amendments and Institutional Prior Approval requests. Tracks program expenditures. Works as a member of cross-team workgroups on projects. Develops and revises program policies and procedures. Creates and updates evaluation tools, budget screen tools, and program report forms. Provides technical writing of manuals, guidance, and standards. Analyzes HIV/STD prevention/partner services program data. Serves as liaison with local health departments, community-based organizations, and others. Prepares written responses to inquiries, complaints and grievances. Works on special projects as assigned. Participates in state-level, regional and national professional development, planning and policy development activities. Other duties as assigned including disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP). Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge Of Disease investigation and partner services processes. HIV, STD and HCV prevention programming. Local, state, and federal laws relating to HIV/STD/HCV. Principles of public health and program planning. Public health policies, structure and functions of public health organizations. Grant application and review process. Program evaluation and strategic planning. Customer service philosophy. Cultural competency issues and methodologies. Research methods used in developing assessment tools, curricula and program evaluation. Adult education principles. Audio, visual hardware and software for curricula. Quality assurance and improvement techniques. Skills In Conducting program oversight and evaluation. Developing and maintaining effective working relationships across organizational lines. Clear and effective communication with culturally and professionally diverse audiences. Organizing and writing reports using business English grammar and style. Using internet, MS Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and other computer applications. Problem solving. Monitoring and evaluating programs and interventions. Ability To Work effectively in a team and with interdisciplinary staff. Be resourceful and apply initiative to assigned tasks with limited supervision. Prioritize workload and manage multiple tasks. Take initiative in becoming involved with workgroups. Exercise independent judgment and make recommendations. Develop and maintain effective working relationships. Provide constructive and critical feedback and guidance to programs. Assist in developing, implementing and evaluating policies and procedures. Identify problems and formulate solutions. Analyze and interpret data. Effectively set up training rooms, move tables, chairs, boxes of training materials, and audio visual equipment. Qualifications Initial Screening Criteria: At least three years of experience with HIV/STD prevention, or PHFU services programming, planning, and administration. Experience with program monitoring, compliance, and program evaluation. Additional Information: This position is eligible for hybrid telework. Benefits DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits through the Texas State Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas. Employees may also be eligible for early career pathways. Legal Statements DSHS hiring complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and will provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process. Background checks and other due diligence may be required. E-Verify will be used. Applicants must bring I‑9 documentation on first day of work. Salary Range Monthly: $4,263.16 – $5,521.16. #J-18808-Ljbffr