Program Specialist III

Program Specialist III

Under the direction of the Group Manager for Vision, Hearing and Spinal

Screening, this position is responsible for program administration and the oversight

and monitoring of all Vision, Hearing and Spinal Screening Program activities

within the Health Service Region. Duties include coordinating, planning and

conducting advanced educational programs; coordinating the integration of state

and local health resources required to provide needed care to children with vision

and hearing problems; providing consultation; monitoring services as required; and

performing administrative functions. The position works under general supervision,

with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

45% Conduct annual needs assessments in the region. Plan, develop, and schedule vision and hearing screening workshops and activities in public or private schools and preschools, childcare facilities, and other agencies in the communities.

Conduct training workshops for vision and hearing screeners to individuals and organizations requesting training. Move training and screening equipment that weighs up to 50 pounds. Obtain necessary supplies and equipment for workshops.

Enter workshop, screener and equipment records into the VHSS data entry database. Mail workshop rosters and registration cards to Central Office every month.

20% Monitor and evaluate compliance of schools, preschools and childcare facilities relating to vision, hearing and spinal screening activities and procedures required to meet the agency standards. Conduct both in-person compliance visits and written or verbal correspondence to non-reporting public schools, private schools and childcare licensing facilities.

Follow up on all visits conducted the previous year. Provide information to groups and/or individuals regarding vision, hearing and spinal screening requirements and reporting instructions in schools and childcare facilities. Keep accurate record of facilities contacted and turns in completed report. Review reports and conduct visits to ensure standards are met and to provide technical assistance.

15% Disseminate information to groups and/or individuals regarding vision, hearing and spinal screening requirements in schools and childcare facilities. Promote public awareness of vision and hearing needs and services through special presentations, including to community groups.

Assist facilities with technical support in processing screening results, reports and forms. Collect statistical and other information regarding the availability of vision, hearing and spinal screening services by mail surveys, telephone contacts, personal visitation and review of records.

5% Loan audiometers and eye charts to facilities. Ensure audiometers and their users are properly registered.

Provide audiometers and vision charts for loan and submit to Central Office F05-06832 and AL-16 forms each month. Check audiometer calibration dates/registration cards for compliance at workshops/site visits.

5% Prepare required administrative reports and submit to Central Office in proper time frame. Reports include but are not limited to weekly activity, monthly calendar and activity report, and quarterly reports.

Participate in program planning and writing program goals and objectives. Assist with special projects as assigned and assists in responding to public requests on vision, hearing and spinal screening.

5% Serve as regional liaison for program activities. Coordinate with Regional Public Health Nurse to ensure availability of spinal screening training in the Health Service Region.

5% Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and /or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and /or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require and alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to performance in this position:

Knowledge of methods of developing and supporting community coalitions and other techniques to address public health problems at a community level.

Knowledge of program planning, implementation and evaluation.

Knowledge of child health screening.

Skill in educating groups and/or individuals.

Skill in developing written and electronic materials.

Skill in operating computers and word processing, Excel spreadsheets, and presentation software.

Skill in resolving conflicts by using tact and diplomacy.

Ability to provide technical assistance and training to others

Ability to work independently and prioritize workload assignments to meet deadlines without close supervision.

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, to varied audiences.

Ability to work effectively and productively with people from varying socio-economic groups and cultural backgrounds.

Ability to coordinate and support work-related activities of a variety of individuals and programs.

Ability to analyze and solve problems.

Ability to demonstrate excellent customer service.

Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Safe operation of a state-owned vehicle, rental car or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business. An acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Initial Selection Criteria:

Experience educating groups and/or individuals.

Experience communicating effectively, orally and in writing.

Experience working effectively with people from varying socio-economic groups and cultural backgrounds.

Additional Information:

Requisition # 568349

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.

If employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in any of their official duties, the employee must possess a current valid Texas driver license for the appropriate type of vehicle. Employees/Applicants are responsible for providing a copy of their driver license prior to employment.

Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 42A, YN, 0111, 3A1X1. For more information, see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

MOS Code:

42A, YN, 0111, 3A1X1

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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