ECI Advisory Committee And Outreach Specialist

Program Specialist V

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Office seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of ECI Advisory Committee and Outreach Specialist (Program Specialist V). ECI is driven by its mission to assure that families with young children with developmental delays have the resources and support they need to reach their goals. This position makes a significant contribution to ECI's mission by coordinating meetings and activities of the ECI Advisory Committee; acting as a liaison to other interagency councils, committees, and workgroups; and planning and coordinating public awareness and outreach activities. While the ECI Advisory Committee and Outreach Specialist position is eligible for telework the majority of the time, they must attend ECI Advisory Committee meetings and conferences in person.

The ECI Advisory Committee and Outreach Specialist position is selected by and reports to the Early Childhood Intervention Manager of Policy and Support. The position performs advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work for the ECI program. Work involves planning, developing, and implementing program initiatives and providing consultative services and technical assistance to program staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, ECI grantees, and stakeholders. Duties include working with community and professional stakeholders to coordinate and improve program operations; acting as the liaison to and supporting the work of the ECI Advisory Committee; and researching, analyzing, and evaluating complex program and policy issues and initiatives. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The ECI Advisory Committee and Outreach Specialist must consistently demonstrate the cultural values of courtesy, professionalism, and respect. Essential Job Functions:

ECI Advisory Committee/Interagency Work Groups -- plans, organizes, and conducts or facilitates internal and external meetings/work groups to support ongoing program operations. Duties include coordinating the work of the federally required ECI Advisory Committee, acting as liaison to other councils and advisory committees, and serving on interagency work groups. Works with the ECI Advisory Committee Chair, leadership and ECI state office leadership to plan meetings, including setting quarterly meeting dates, preparing the agenda, helping ECI staff and others prepare for presentations, and coordinating with support staff to arrange for travel, requested accommodations for people with disabilities, and other supports as needed. Participates in interagency meetings on a regular basis, contributes to or assists with workgroup assignments and prepares and submits meeting summaries. (30%)

Public Awareness -- Works with and speaks to community and professional groups, other HHS programs, federal partners, and public stakeholders to identify needs and resolve issues, provide information and offer technical assistance. Develops an annual plan for public presentations (exhibits and conference workshops) in coordination with ECI information specialists, program specialists, training and policy staff. Plans and leads conference planning meetings and prepares and provides oral presentations and written materials, as needed. Identifies stakeholder concerns and facilitates the process with ECI peers to address issues. Participates in the development of technical assistance materials, numbered documents, information alerts or other tools for communication. (30%)

Special Projects -- Provides advanced consultative, technical, project management, and analytical work to plan and implement changes to the program. Develops or contributes to the development of training materials, contract language, rules, guides, policy and procedures. Manages special projects designed to facilitate compliance with program goals and objectives. (25%)

Provides training and technical assistance and guidance to staff (internal and other HHS System programs/departments) in the development and integration of program goals as required by the Individual with Disabilities Education Act, Part C. (10%)

Other duties as assigned (5%) Knowledge Skills Abilities:

• Knowledge of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C requirements.

• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations relevant to ECI.

• Skill in stakeholder relations.

• Skill in communicating complex issues in a clear and concise manner.

• Skill in leading workgroups.

• Skill in communicating with audience members from diverse backgrounds.

• Skill in program planning, development, and implementation.

• Ability to research complex issues.

• Ability to conduct presentations.

• Ability to prepare written materials.

• Ability to plan and handle multiple projects and meet tight timeframes.

• Ability to interpret state and federal regulations.

• Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities.

• Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and facilitate the development and implementation of effective solutions.

• Ability to build effective working relationships and interact with stakeholders. Registration or Licensure Requirements:

N/A Initial Selection Criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in special education, education administration, early intervention, early childhood education, psychology, social services, social work, government, or related field. Four years related work experience may be substituted for the university degree.

• At least one year of work experience interpreting state rules and federal regulations. Preference will be given to applicants with experience interpreting rules and regulations related to education, health care, or social service programs. An advanced degree that provided this experience may be substituted for work experience.

• At least one year of work experience conducting presentations. An advanced degree that provided this experience may be substituted for work experience.

• At least two years of work experience building working relationships and interacting with stakeholders. Preference will be given to applicants with experience in relationship-building with state agencies and programs that serve children and families. An advanced degree that provided this experience may be substituted for work experience.

• At least one year of work experience preparing written materials. Preference will be given to applicants with experience in preparing reports for state agency leadership or legislative audiences.

• Ability to travel 20%.

Additional Information:

Those selected for an interview will be asked to complete an in-basket exercise during the interview process. MOS Code:

There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the responsibilities, and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if they meet the qualifications for this position.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

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