Program Specialist VII

Job Description:
Under the direction of the Training Manager V, the Program Specialist VII is responsible for highly advanced (senior-level) curriculum development, strategic planning, design, and implementation of training programs within the Health Care Regulation’s (HCR) registration and learning management system. The position supports and plans training for all levels of HCR staff who conduct state and federal surveys, inspections, investigations, and other regulatory activities in acute-care programs, including hospitals, limited services rural hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, the hospital at home program, ambulatory surgical centers, birthing centers, end-stage renal disease facilities, freestanding emergency medical care facilities, crisis stabilization units, narcotic treatment clinics, special care facilities, certificate of public advantage, and chemical dependency treatment facilities; and of professional licensees including licensed chemical dependency counselors and licensed sexual offender treatment providers.

The Program Specialist VII will assist the Training Manager V with overseeing the planning, coordination, development, design, and scheduling of all training, professional development, workshops, and design of HCR’s registration system (Genius) and learning management system (Blackboard). This position will be the Blackboard and Genius administrator, technical developer, and point of contact for HCR, Regulatory Services Division, and outside contractors. This position is responsible for building the structure of both Blackboard and Genius and teaching others to develop and work in Blackboard. This position will maintain and optimize the Genius and Blackboard systems, to ensure seamless and effective learning experiences for all HCR staff. This position will provide technical assistance to other developers and regional leadership regarding staff training progress, performance, and data.

The Program Specialist VII will also oversee new and existing projects that involve collaboration with all staff and units within HCR such as licensing, policies and rules, compliance, and architecture unit. This position will require extensive knowledge in Genius, Blackboard, and technical development and design.

The Program Specialist VII work involves identifying and analyzing training needs; designing, developing, and implementing new and custom training programs, courses, workshops, curricula, materials, and competency assessments. This position will provide technical assistance to other developers on design methods. This position will be responsible for learning, identifying, and streamlining federal, state, and program standards and training requirements; seeking and coordinating external training opportunities for HCR staff; collaborating with the policies and rules unit to track, plan, and devise solutions to implement legislation, statutes, rules, and policy and procedures; managing training projects; collaborating and coordinating with leadership, licensing, enforcement, compliance, and external partners; participating and providing input in the policy and rule-making process; and participating in workgroups to address statewide initiatives and improvement activities.

The Program Specialist VII thoroughly understands various successful development, training, and teaching methods in the regulatory, inspection, or investigation field to ensure the health and safety of Texans receiving services from licensed providers.

This position works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

This position can be housed statewide.

Essential Job Functions:
EJ1 Technical Leadership and Support. Provides technical leadership and support for Health Care Regulation’s Genius and Blackboard systems. Serves as the subject matter expert and maintains seamless and efficient Genius and Blackboard systems. Guides and supports other developers with technical learning of development within Blackboard. (25%)

EJ2 Curriculum Development. Oversees training and curriculum development projects. Based on identified training needs, determines appropriate training and development interventions; independently develops and designs curricula utilizing instructional design model (ADDIE); develops learning objectives, course outlines, knowledge assessments, training aids, manuals, policies, procedures, and other materials and products in plain and accessible language. Oversees and compiles data, writes reports, and participates in solving training problems. Develops engaging and interactive learning management system resources that enhance instructional functions, leveraging the full potential of the Blackboard system. Researches, designs, develops, conducts, evaluates, and reviews eLearning (web-based, webinars, computer-based trainings using effective web-based techniques. Utilizes subject matter experts to create timely and accurate educational materials using various software tools such as Word, PowerPoint, SoftChalk, and others. (25%)

EJ3 Collaboration. Collaborates with leadership, training, QA, licensing, enforcement, compliance, and external partners to successfully build effective relationships to resolve training needs and initiatives. Collaborates with the policies and rules unit to track, plan, and devise solutions for implementing legislation, statutes, rules, and policies. Participates and provides input in the policy and rule-making process and contributes to developing and enhancing regulatory standards. Participates in workgroups addressing statewide initiatives and improvement activities. Participates and provides input in the policy and rule-making process, contributing to developing and strengthening regulatory standards. (20%)

EJ4 Project Management. Oversees new and existing projects that involve collaboration with all staff and units within HCR such as licensing, policies and rules, compliance, and architecture unit. Maintains project tracking of HCR training initiatives. Manages training projects and assignments in a timely and orderly manner and adheres to quality standards. (15%)

EJ5 Regulatory Compliance and Technical Support. Maintains knowledge of federal, state, program standards, and updates. Identifies and streamlines processes accordingly. Performs related work as assigned and attends work on a regular and predictable schedule. (10%)

EJ6 Training Effectiveness. Develops methods and metrics for assessing and evaluating self and team effectiveness, including course and instructor evaluations, and recommends modifications and improvements as appropriate. Continuously assesses learner retention and satisfaction rates. Uses creativity and innovation to transfer knowledge and engage learners successfully. (5%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of learning management and learning content management system with knowledge specific to Blackboard.

Knowledge of registration system specific to Genius.

Knowledge of federal, state, and program standards and training requirements within a regulatory, investigations, or protective services program.

Knowledge of legislation implementation, including researching, understanding, and transferring knowledge of statutes, rules, policies, and procedures.

Knowledge of quality and successful investigation practices.

Strong understanding of modern training methods.

Knowledge of advanced instructional design and curriculum development methods.

Knowledge of adult learning principles, practices, and techniques.

Knowledge of group processes, group dynamics, and interpersonal relations.

Knowledge of how information technology software and products impact course development.

Skill in designing, developing, and implementing advanced training programs, courses, workshops, and competency assessments for clinical and non-clinical staff.

Skill in evaluating learner retention and satisfaction rates to assess the effectiveness of training programs and make data-driven improvements.

Skill in using learning management systems, particularly experience in using Blackboard Learn.

Skill in using registration system, with experience in Genius.

Strong oral and written communication skills.

Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.

Skill using a laptop, Microsoft Office applications, Kahoot, Blackboard, various presenter platforms, Microsoft Teams, and applicable software.

Strong ability to communicate in person effectively, in front of small or large audiences and all levels of staff.

Ability to write scripts, statewide communication, curriculum, or instructions using active voice and plain language.

Ability to provide on-the-job training and technical assistance, ensuring practical application and skill development among staff.

Ability to identify, analyze, and streamline processes.

Ability to manage multiple training projects concurrently, ensuring timely completion and adherence to quality standards.

Ability to assess training needs and performance.

Ability to analyze information and solve problems.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Ability to demonstrate initiative and leadership skills.

Ability to multitask and prioritize workloads.

Ability to work with various personalities and learning styles.

Ability to participate and provide valuable input in process improvement activities.

Ability to work under minimal supervision, exercising considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment in decision-making.

Ability to think independently and critically use a creative and innovative thought process.

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