[Hiring] Peer Support Program Specialist @Texas Health & Human Services Commission

Role Description

This position serves as a generalist Program Specialist V within the Peer Support and Recovery Section and may be assigned responsibilities across multiple peer support, recovery, behavioral health, workforce development, technical assistance, policy, contract management, and special project portfolios based on agency priorities and organizational needs. Performs advanced consultative services and technical assistance work related to the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of peer support and recovery programs and initiatives within the Peer Support and Recovery (PSR) Section of the Substance Use Programs Department. Work involves supporting program operations and contract activities; monitoring performance measures and deliverables; conducting program reviews and site visits; providing technical assistance to contractors, providers, and stakeholders; researching and analyzing program, policy, and legislative issues; developing reports, briefings, and recommendations; and coordinating activities with internal and external partners. Assists with the implementation of recovery-oriented systems of care and peer support initiatives and serves as a resource on peer support and recovery-related topics. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Coordinates and supports the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of peer support and recovery-oriented programs and initiatives.
• Monitors contract activities and deliverables; conducts site visits, desk reviews, and program assessments; and assists in ensuring compliance with HHSC policies, procedures, contracts, and applicable state and federal requirements.
• Identifies programmatic issues and opportunities for improvement and recommends strategies to enhance service delivery, program performance, and recovery-oriented systems of care.
• Works collaboratively with contractors, providers, stakeholders, and internal staff to support program goals and objectives. (35%)
• Provides advanced consultative services, technical assistance, training, and programmatic support to contractors, providers, local governmental entities, peer organizations, recovery community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships to support program implementation, continuous quality improvement, and alignment with program goals and agency priorities.
• Serves as a resource on peer support, recovery services, workforce development, and behavioral health program activities and assists stakeholders in the implementation of recovery-oriented practices. (25%)
• Participates in and supports cross-functional, cross-agency, and specialized projects related to peer support, recovery services, behavioral health, and workforce development.
• Reviews and analyzes federal and state legislation, regulations, policies, and guidance affecting peer support and recovery services and provides input and recommendations to management.
• Develops, coordinates, and maintains reports, correspondence, presentations, issue summaries, and other programmatic documents to support program operations, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making. (20%)
• Represents the Peer Support and Recovery (PSR) Section, Behavioral Health Services (BHS), and HHSC in meetings, workgroups, stakeholder engagements, conferences, and other professional forums as assigned.
• Responds to information requests and assists with legislative inquiries, briefing materials, and stakeholder communications.
• Participates in strategic planning and program development activities and contributes to the implementation and evaluation of initiatives designed to strengthen peer support services, recovery supports, and recovery-oriented systems of care throughout Texas. (15%)
• Performs other duties as assigned. (5%)

Qualifications

• Knowledge of recovery-oriented systems of care and peer support service delivery.
• Knowledge of behavioral health, substance use, and mental health service systems in Texas.
• Knowledge of evidence-based, promising, and emerging practices related to peer support and recovery services.
• Knowledge of Medicaid-funded behavioral health services and related state programs.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, and policies applicable to behavioral health services.
• Knowledge of contract management, program monitoring, quality improvement, and performance measurement methodologies.
• Knowledge of legislative, rulemaking, and policy development processes.
• Knowledge of principles of public administration, program planning, and organizational management.

Requirements

• Active certification as a Mental Health Peer Specialist, Recovery Support Peer Specialist, Family Partner, or Peer Support Supervisor through the Texas Certification Board.
• Experience in behavioral health, substance use services, peer support services, recovery support services, program administration, contract monitoring, technical assistance, policy development, stakeholder engagement, or related health and human services programs.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time off benefits.
• Numerous opportunities for career advancement.