Senior Program Specialist - Forensic & Jail Diversion

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 57,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid time off

Career advancement

Job summary

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Forensic and Jail Diversion Services unit seeks a Program Specialist VI to support statewide technical assistance initiatives and enhance access to care for justice-involved individuals.

Located in the Behavioral Health Services Division, this role reports to an Associate Director and collaborates with county jails, LMHAs/LBHAs, and criminal justice stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, psychology/sociology, social work, public affairs, or related field. Master’s preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prioritize, and perform technical, training, research, planning, policy, program assessment activities to enhance jail diversion programs.
• Implement evidence-based practices, update guidelines, and develop policy briefs for internal staff and external stakeholders.
• Oversee programs/pilots, assist with external contracts, provide training, and analyze trends in services and expenditures.
• Develop and oversee implementation plans, lead cross-functional workgroups, prepare briefing documents for leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Verbal communication/public speaking

Writing skills

Data analysis/reporting

Facilitation of contractors

Policy interpretation/solutions

Education

Bachelor's in public health/psychology/sociology/social work/public affairs

Master's degree preferred

Job description

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Forensic and Jail Diversion Services unit seeks a Program Specialist VI to support statewide technical assistance initiatives and enhance access to care for justice-involved individuals.

Located in the Behavioral Health Services Division, this role reports to an Associate Director and collaborates with county jails, LMHAs/LBHAs, and criminal justice stakeholders.