HIV Capacity Building Consultant

Job Description:
Program Specialist IV
The HIV Capacity Building Consultant (Program Specialist IV), under the direction of the HIV Prevention Manager, works with minimal supervision and considerable latitude for the exercise of independent initiative, judgment, and action. The consultant collaborates closely with the capacity building coordinator to conceptualize, develop, plan, revise, and implement curricula based on adult learning theory. Uses various presentation platforms to conduct meetings, trainings, and seminars. Creates reports, memorandum, correspondence, teaching aids, and other written documents. Plans, promotes, implements, and delivers customized training when needs assessment determines training is necessary. Provides capacity-building consultive services and contract monitoring of organizations funded to provide HIV/STD/HCV prevention services. Is responsible for ensuring that organizations who enter into a written agreement with the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to provide HIV, STD and HCV programs deliver services that are consistent with the needs of the population to be served and are in accordance with State and Federal mandates and program requirements. Ensure compliance with these requirements through formal site reviews, technical assistance visits and desktop reviews. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent initiative, judgment and action.

Administers and oversees HIV/STD/HCV prevention services, included all High-Impact Prevention strategies and multiple widely-varied evidence based interventions. Program Specialist performs advanced consultative services and technical assistance work. Plan and direct the development, implementation and evaluation of HIV/STD/HCV programs provided by state and federal funded agencies. Works in collaboration with DSHS HIV/STD Regional Coordinators/Program Managers. Collaborate closely with other Branches and Units within the DSHS to develop and compose programmatic guidelines and standards. Program Specialist IV performs the technical writing of standards, guidelines, technical assistance bulletins, policies and procedures, which are distributed internally and externally. Program Specialist IV develops methods to evaluate the activities of organizations to ensure adherence to federal and state guidelines and standards. Program Specialist IV review and provide technical guidance on programmatic quality assurance plans. Performs advanced consultative services including but not limited to capacity development and technical assistance. Essential Job Functions:
EJF 1: (50%) Capacity Building/Training
Assists with planning, development, coordination, implementation, delivery and evaluation of capacity building/training programs and technical assistance for DSHS employees, contractors, and public and private health care professionals. Assists with the development of curricula based on adult learning theory. Develops, revises and provides training/educational materials and support to programs. Assists in developing and evaluating trainings statewide through direct observation, co-training, constructive feedback and support. Delivers and provides coordination support for customized courses and/or training webinars in response to needs identified by supervisors, regional staff, local health department staff, community planning groups, and/or other DSHS programs including, but not limited to: courses addressing the needs of special client populations, HIV/STD/HCV testing counselors, clinicians, case managers, advocates, navigators, outreach workers, and intervention staff.

EJF 2: (20%) Program Administration and Technical Assistance
Program Specialist IV (PS IV) are assigned, but not limited to, 2 HIV Prevention contracts. These contracts can be within any of the scopes of work funded by the HIV Prevention Group. Documents contact with assigned programs and conducts at a minimum quarterly calls with these programs. Documents these calls as monitoring events on technical assistance report forms and upload this into the appropriate team’s channel following the groups internal processes.

Provides technical assistance to address programmatic barriers. Guides, directs, and provides technical assistance to HIV/STD program by telephone, on-site, and in writing. Technical assistance may include interpreting DSHS program standards, administrative and program requirements, policies.

Prepares for and assist the HIV Prevention Team Lead with the contract development process. Negotiates contract renewals with funded HIV/STD programs by reviewing the required documentation and ensuring the performance measures are aligned with the programs budget. Collects necessary documentation as required by the Contracts Management Unit for the renewal of contracts within the specified time frames.

Reviews monthly billing information for all assigned programs in conjunction with the contracts management unit. Addresses any concerns regarding the monthly billing with the programs and ensure that the expenditures are allowable and at target expenditure levels. Initiates, reviews, and processes budget amendments and prior approval request.

Serves as the liaison between local health department, community-based organizations, and other contractors and the Department of State Health Services. May also serve as a liaison with state and national organization related to HIV/STD/HC prevention and services. Communicates with the Procurement and Contraction Section, the Office of Inspector General and the Information Systems Branch to assure that all documentation is approved and processed correctly.

EJF 3: (10%) Program Monitoring
PS IV develop and implement effective techniques for evaluating funded programs. Takes the lead in scheduling, planning, and conducting the on-site formal program evaluations and proves onsite technical assistance according to policies and procedures. Conducts on-site and desktop program evaluations using standardized program tools. Evaluates compliance with scopes of work, programs requirements, and Program Operating Procedures and Standards. Reviews relevant documentation and observes programmatic activities as they relate to the delivery of effective and efficient HIV prevention services. Works with program staff at all levels to adequately assess quality service delivery, which may include direct observation of HCV/STD/HIV prevention activities.

When on-site, may demonstrate service delivery techniques to program staff in traditional and non-tradition settings (e.g., bars, parks, housing project, rest stops). Observes program staff delivering services and provides feedback to staff. Consults with program supervisor when staff improvement is necessary. Promotes program staff development by identifying training needs. Assists in identifying additional resources for the programs.

Completes evaluation tools and written narrative information indicating program compliance or non-compliance, observation, findings, and required corrective action plans. Assures that site visit evaluation and relevant document are completed. Complete risk assessment tool based on site visit and other relevant information to assure programs are assessed according to risk. Perform follow up site visit to assure that recommendations are implement in accordance with program review findings. Implements DSHS Sanction Policy when needed and performs the necessary follow up activities. Analyzes the programs response to corrective action plan to determine if required program improvement have been implemented and result in improvement in service delivery. Assures that site visits are formally closed out according to procedures.

EJF 4: (10%) Data Analysis and Reporting
PS IV assist program in identifying trends (e.g., infection trends, community assessment, trends in identified population such as drug administration, sexual trends, trends in access to care), barriers to program implementation and achievement of program objectives.

Works with the data analytics team to review program performance by reviewing program report and data and making recommendations. Reviews and analyzes prevention program data and make appropriate recommendation to programs.

Review Progress Reports for accuracy and thoroughness. Works with program if edits need to be made and ensure all dateline are met. Ensure program deliverable forms are completed and submitted to the Contracts Management Unit.

EJF 5 (10%): Other Duties
PS IV works as a member of cross-team work groups on projects related to HIV/STD/HCV program that includes, developing program objectives, reviewing grant applications. Participates in Request for Applications and Request for Proposals processes. Develops and revises program policies and procedures. Creates and updates evaluation tools, budget screening tools, and program report forms. Responsible for technical writing of manuals, guidance, and standards for all scopes of work.

Responds to any Legislative Inquires as assigned and within the given timelines.

Prepares written responses to inquiries, complaints, and grievances. Conducts investigation of complains or allegation, writing special reports and providing necessary technical assistance and follow up. Works on special projects as assigned, including but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in supporting role to meet the agencies obligation for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. Knowledge Skills Abilities:
• Knowledge of adult education principles
• Knowledge of general marketing concepts, community engagement, and social media
• Knowledge of community-based health and social services programming for persons with HIV disease, such as Ryan White programming.
• Knowledge of HIV, STD and HCV prevention programming.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws relating to HIV/STD/HCV (e.g., names reporting, partner notification).
• Knowledge of grant application and review process.
• Knowledge of customer service philosophy, displaying ability to provide customer friendly services to agencies and the public.
• Skills in developing and implementing training curriculum
• Skills in presenting community health information and group facilitation,
• Skills in clear and effective oral and written communication with culturally and professionally diverse audiences.
• Skills in organizing and writing reports using business English grammar and a professional/business writing style.
• Skills in conducting program oversight and evaluation.
• Skills in using internet, MS Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and other computer applications.
• Skills in developing and maintaining effective working relationships across organizational lines.
• Ability to effectively set up training room i.e. move tables, chairs, boxes of training materials, and audio visual equipment.
• Ability to work effectively in a team within the Branch and with interdisciplinary staff.
• Ability to be resourceful and apply initiative to assigned tasks with limited supervision.
• Ability to prioritize workload and manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to take initiative in becoming involved with various work groups.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in evaluating situations and making recommendations.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with local health agencies, community-based organizations, and local planning and services coordination groups.
• Ability to provide constructive and critical feedback and guidance to programs.
• Ability to assist in developing policies and procedures.
• Ability to identify problems and formulate solutions by developing/implementing logical, effective and realistic solutions.

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