Senior Program Specialist, Jail Diversion & Forensic

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC) in Austin is seeking a Program Specialist VI to support statewide technical assistance initiatives within the Forensic and Jail Diversion Services unit. The role reports to an Associate Director and works across adult, crisis, and forensic mental health services divisions to enhance access to care for justice-involved individuals.

Responsibilities include policy development, contract oversight, training, and coordination with county jails, LMHAs/LBHAs,

Qualifications

• Degree required: Bachelor's in public health, psychology/sociology, social work, public affairs or related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Experience with forensic/jail diversion or large systems change preferred.
• Strong writing and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and perform technical, planning and policy activities to enhance jail diversion programs.
• Apply evidence-based practices and develop policy language.
• Oversee programs/pilots, coordinate contracts and provide training.
• Develop implementation plans and lead cross-functional workgroups.
• Ensure compliance with state/federal grant rules and reporting.

Skills

Verbal communication

Public speaking

Writing skills

Data analysis

Policy interpretation

Facilitation

Problem solving

Education

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

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC) in Austin is seeking a Program Specialist VI to support statewide technical assistance initiatives within the Forensic and Jail Diversion Services unit. The role reports to an Associate Director and works across adult, crisis, and forensic mental health services divisions to enhance access to care for justice-involved individuals.

Responsibilities include policy development, contract oversight, training, and coordination with county jails, LMHAs/LBHAs,