Care Services Contract and Project Specialist

Job Description:
Program Specialist V
Under the general supervision of the Care Services Group Manager, performs advanced consultative, and technical assistance work to support the development and implementation of HIV services contracts and projects. Plans, develops, and implements policy and special projects. Provides consultative services and technical assistance to program staff, government agencies, community organizations, and the general public. Serves as liaison for the Care Services Group with the Texas HIV Medication Program (THMP) and the HIV data and informatics team. Contributes to grant applications and progress reports. Develops and updates programmatic guidelines, procedures, and policies. Develops evaluation methods for the program and contractor activities to ensure adherence to guidelines and standards. Contributes to and manages special projects using a team approach to expand and improve client services. This position interprets federal law and guidelines for program application. Speaks with community and professional groups to coordinate and improve services, and to further program goals. Works with limited direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:
50%) Provides administrative, consultative, and advisory duties in program planning, data evaluation, data dashboards, program monitoring, services evaluation, and capacity building for the delivery of federal and state-funded HIV medical and psychosocial services. Provides technical assistance and develops processes for contract monitoring to locally contracted Administrative Agencies (AAs) and direct service providers, and Care group staff. Oversees the negotiations of performance-based objectives and work plans. Conducts evaluation of performance measures and monitoring outcomes using data analysis. Works closely with the data team to develop and support data quality improvement and quality assurance activities. Identifies training needs for contracting entities and develops action plans to improve contractor and program performance. Develops and plans a schedule of program compliance reviews based on quantitative results and assessments (program risk analysis). Reviews and approves recommendations on budget amounts during contractor budget negotiations. Works as part of team with internal DSHS programs to ensure timely contracting processes. Assists in preparing a variety of program documents, including but not limited to, program narratives, budgets, contract and PO requests, program plans, special reports, power points, and grant applications. Works with quality assurance staff to monitor outcomes. Interprets local, state, and federal laws and make appropriate recommendations to administrators of those programs.

(30%) Works as part of a team with diverse knowledge and education. Provides support and day-to-day guidance and resolution. Provides staff with appropriate resources to conduct technical assistance and monitoring to contracting entities in the development of budgets, objectives, and program plans. Acts as the liaison for Ending the HIV Epidemic initiatives. Coordinates the groups data requests and data reports. Coordinates visits to contractors and assists in the tracking of appropriate plans of action/corrective action plans or PDSAs. May review and approve consultant written reports. Develops and implements procedures and work systems to manage heavy workloads with short deadlines. Develops procedures related to work performance. Prepares correspondence to respond to public inquiries and concerns. Oversees investigations for allegations of abuse, neglect, and confidentiality and security incidents related to contracting HIV care and service providers.

(10%) Represents DSHS at meetings and conferences on a statewide and national basis and acts as a liaison within the Department. Collaborates with other HIV/STD unit and section staff, especially THMP, to assist in policy development and collaboration to address cross-group goals. Assists with the overall implementation of effective programs and systems that support the National HIV/AIDS strategy and the State’s Ending the Epidemic Plan. Serves as a liaison for community partnerships to identify and improve medical care and supportive services for persons living with HIV. Leads meetings, develops agendas, and participates in work activities with other departments within DSHS and with local, state, and federal agencies.

(5%) Provides input on job description for posting of positions and participates on screening and interviewing. Assists with new staff orientation, training, and provides performance data towards annual evaluations.

(5%) Special projects as assigned, including but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supportive role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of local, state, and national laws, rules, regulations, and policies relevant to HIV services programs.
Knowledge of budgeting process, grant application writing and reviewing, and administrative oversight of grant funded programs.
Knowledge of Ryan White Program rules and requirements.
Fundamental knowledge of case management and public health principles.
Knowledge of the role of clinical service in the prevention of HIV and HIV transmission.

Skill in communicating with partners, stakeholder groups and in building consensus.
Skill in program monitoring and providing constructive feedback.
Skill in leading meetings and groups to reach common understanding and development of shared goals.
Skill in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Access, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint), Adobe Pro, and web browsers for Windows.
Strong verbal and written skills.

Ability to collect, analyze, and evaluate facts and complex data and to provide meaningful feedback both orally and in writing.
Ability to work effectively with others and to deal tactfully with professional personnel as well as with the public.
Ability to work with local health agencies, community-based organizations, and local planning and services coordination groups.
Ability to develop and measure achievement of established goals and objectives.
Ability to prepare concise and effective correspondence and reports.
Ability to develop policy, procedures, rules, and standards.
Ability to manage a team of high-level administrative and technical staff that must work independently but remain part of a team.
Ability to have professional boundaries and conflict resolution skills.
Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
Ability to make independent judgments and provide guidance to all staff.
Ability to manage multiple projects and direct the work of others.
Ability to travel as needed.

Experience supervising staff members with diverse levels of education and knowledge.
Experience in project management including developing work systems which support increased productivity, quality improvement, and reduction in re-work.
Experience in management, quality assurance, quality management, and team building.
Excellent communication skills necessary to produce effective oral and written communication with a wide range of audiences.

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