[Hiring] Substance Use Program Evaluator @TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS

Role Description

As a member of the Performance Improvement and Evaluation (PIE) team, the Substance Use Program Evaluator contributes to special projects and initiatives within the Behavioral Health Services (BHS) department. This position will support initiatives within one or more areas of the substance use and recovery continuum of care, including:

• Prevention
• Intervention
• Treatment
• Recovery for individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions

The PIE team partners with executive-level staff, subject matter experts, and external stakeholders to develop evaluation plans and research projects that reflect national standards and best practices. This position will play a critical role in supporting the performance-driven culture within BHS. This support may include:

• Identifying project objectives and goals
• Assisting in the development of substance use evaluation questions and methodology
• Collecting and analyzing data from internal and external sources
• Documenting program processes and procedures
• Serving as a consultant on issues related to data collection and monitoring
• Supporting the development of needs assessments and evaluation frameworks
• Assisting in responses to legislative and external inquiries/requests
• Maintaining dashboards and other substance use program monitoring tools
• Tracking project improvements and gaps
• Assisting in the development of presentations and written deliverables
• Communicating project status, outcomes, and recommendations to internal and external 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 substance use and/or 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 apply initiative and independent judgment while working under general 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.

Qualifications

• 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 field

Requirements

• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research techniques and their application in program evaluation and improvement
• Knowledge of program management processes and techniques, including performance optimization and compliance
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Skilled in using computers and applicable software for data analysis, report preparation, and program management
• Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts to inform program decisions
• Ability to develop evaluation questions, measures, and data collection approaches
• Ability to document operational policies and procedures

Benefits

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