Program Specialist I, School Health

This is a fully grant-funded position. Employment is contingent on annual grant funding.

Classification: Administrative/Professional

Exemption Status/Test: Exempt/Administrative

Job Grade: 4

Department: Office of Emergency Management and School Safety

Reports To: Coordinator

Job Goal:

Provide leadership, technical assistance, support services, and manage a grant program in the area of school health services that support the ESC's core purpose and strategic goals.

Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited four-year college or university

• Licensed to practice in Texas as a registered nurse

Experience

• Three years of experience as a school nurse, including systems leadership

• Experience in developing and presenting professional development

Special Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of state and federal rules, regulations, and policies related to school health services

• Skill in interpreting law, policy, and procedures

• Skill in working in collaborative team-based environments

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

• Exemplary attention to detail

• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to plan and prioritize

• Thrives in a fast-paced environment and can learn quickly and assimilate many details

• Proficient with computers to include desktop management, file management, working in a network environment, and using Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and Outlook

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of program materials and information

• Self-motivated to ensure high levels of quality, professionalism, and effectiveness

Preferred Qualifications

• Grant management experience

• Community health experience

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practices (DNP)

• Supervisory experience

• Experience conducting Safety and Security Audits from TxSSC

• Experience with and knowledge of the Multi-hazard Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) from TxSSC

Major Responsibilities:

• Implement and manage a regional school health grant through the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to establish, expand, train, and sustain the public health workforce at regional school districts.

• Support districts in hiring, training, and/or retaining registered nurses or licensed vocational nurses, specifically to support regional and Local Education Agency (LEA) prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery initiatives.

• Develop, present, and facilitate effective professional development or school health programs.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and procurement policies and procedures.

• Communicate with district officials within the Region 4 area.

• Provide professional development, technical assistance, support services, and participate in special project activities in the areas of Emergency Management and School Safety that support Region 4's core purpose and strategic goals.

• Provide technical assistance and customized services to regional school districts.

• Engage in professional development to maintain knowledge and skills in the area of school health services.

• Keep current with state and federal rules, regulations, and policies related to school health services.

• Provide leadership in planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating professional development, and services in the area of school health services.

• Lead School Health Leadership Networks.

• Participate in developing communication networks between Region 4 and customer personnel.

• Conduct school safety audits, including but not limited to Intruder Detection Audits, based on standards set by TEA.

• Input audit checklist data into an electronic template in a timely manner.

• Review all audit reports for completion and accuracy and provide them to the Coordinator upon request.

• Ensure all yearly audit schedules and TEA/Region 4 reports are complete and accurate.

• Communicate and collaborate with the Texas School Safety Center, as needed.

• Provide technical assistance and services as specified by any applicable federal or state grants that fund this position.

Supervision/Personnel Management

None

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/ Mental Demands:

Frequent use of standard office equipment; prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting; repetitive hand motions (keyboarding and use of mouse); occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 20 pounds); may work prolonged and irregular hours; occasional statewide travel; work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under pressure.