Program Specialist IV
Under the general direction of the Manager for the Diabetes and School Health Branch in the Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Section within the Community Health Improvement Division, performs highly complex consultative, educational, and technical assistance work. Assists the Diabetes Program Team Lead in planning, developing, implementing and evaluating community-based diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) and Diabetes Prevention Programs (DPP) in high-risk areas of the state. Coordinates and monitors activities of local health departments and community-based organizations. Develops and implements effective techniques for evaluating DSMES and DPP services in order to determine overall program effectiveness. Develops resource materials using evidence-based best practices and coordinates program-wide training efforts for contractors and other stakeholders. Participates in continuous quality improvement to support community-based DSMES and DPP efforts and maintains a working knowledge of diabetes standards and evidence-based practices. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for use of initiative and independent judgement.
Essential Job Functions:
Provides advanced, complex consultative services and technical assistance to community-based diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) and Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) contractors. Develops programmatic language for solicitations and contracts in collaboration with the Diabetes Program Team Lead and contract management staff. Implements and communicates agency policies, procedures, and performance standards to program contractors. Reviews, negotiates, and monitors contractor budgets, expenditures, and performance in accordance with agency policies. Coordinates and conducts on-site reviews to determine contractor compliance with certification requirements, laws, regulations, policies and procedures. Provides evidence-based recommendations to contractors and state agency staff on methods and procedures for program improvement. Provides technical assistance and training for contractors and state agency staff. (40%)
Develops and implements effective techniques for evaluating DSMES and DPP services in order to determine overall effectiveness, identify opportunities for process improvement, and ascertain whether program resources were leveraged appropriately. Works with program evaluation staff to analyze contractor quantitative and qualitative data relative to their specific programs. Consults with public and private agencies to identify training needs and discuss program effectiveness. Monitor and evaluate contractors' performance to determine trends and resolve deficiencies. (20%)
Develops DSMES and DPP resource materials using evidence-based practices for contractors and other stakeholders. Identifies and communicates opportunities with contractors for funding and educational support. Prepares and reviews health education materials, teaching aids and reports. May conduct training and/or present at conferences or workshops. Participates in the development, coordination and implementation of contractor in-person trainings, webinars, and conference calls. Provides contractor updates to the Diabetes Program Team Lead quarterly for presentations and reports to the Texas Diabetes Council and state legislature. (20%)
Participates in continuous quality improvement to support community-based DSMES and DPP efforts. Maintains a working knowledge of and provides guidance to contractors on the National Standards for DSMES. Participates in state engagement calls for the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES)-accredited DSMES, American Diabetes Association (ADA)-recognized DSMES, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-recognized lifestyle change/diabetes prevention programs. Monitors and updates the list of ADCES-accredited and ADA-recognized DSMES programs in Texas. Participates in state-level planning and development for DSMES and DPP activities which may involve assisting with grant applications or proposals for other resources. (15%)
Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a
supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery of Continuity of
Operations (COOP) activation. Such participating may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. To perform these job duties, this position may require working the extra hours needed to meet defined deadlines and support the agency’s mission critical reporting requirements. (5%)
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of diabetes and/or chronic disease evidence-based practices and strategies for disease self-management education and support.
Knowledge of program planning, implementation and evaluation methods.
Knowledge of current social and economic problems, community inter-relationships, public health practices, and adult education methods.
Knowledge of local, state and federal laws related to diabetes.
Skill in programmatic assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation.
Skill in planning, organizing, developing, implementing and managing multiple projects and activities.
Skill in communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
Skill in group process and facilitation.
Skill in identifying measures or indicators for program performance.
Skill in working with minority populations at high risk of developing diabetes.
Skill in problem solving and project management.
Skill in developing and reviewing contract solicitations and making final recommendation decisions.
Skill in use of computer related equipment, including the use of Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent to include word processing, spreadsheet, database, or presentation software programs.
Ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team and with outside groups.
Ability to solve problems and coordinate activities.
Ability to plan, develop, and implement community-based programs with a population-based perspective.
Ability to provide technical assistance, consultation, and training for staff, contractors and other stakeholders.
Ability to establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships and to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and in making recommendations.
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate and analyze facts, and prepare reports.
Ability to abide by Department of State Health Services Universal Expectations, Guiding Principles, Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct.
Registration or Licensure Requirements:
None.
Initial Selection Criteria:
A bachelors degree or higher degree in public health, health education, health promotion, nutrition, dietetics, or a related field required. At least one (1) year of experience working in a public health, clinical, or health education-related position required. Professional experience with diabetes, chronic disease prevention/management and/or public health preferred. Contract experience preferred.
Additional Information:
Requisition # 608440
Information on application must clearly state how applicant meets initial selection criteria in the summary of experience section of the application. Agency salary policy, budget and candidate’s qualifications will dictate final salary offer. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. An in-basket exercise will be required at time of interview. Telework may be available for this position.
MOS Code:
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: OS, 611X, OSS, 8U000, 16GX, YN, 612X, PERS, 60C0, YNS, 641X, 63G0, 712X, 86M0, 86P0, 88A0, 88B0. 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 Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/compensationsystem/jobdescriptions
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
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.
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