Forensic and Jail Diversion Services Specialist

About the role

The Forensic and Jail Diversion Services (FJDS) Specialist reports to the Director of FJDS and performs highly advanced, senior-level coordination, implementation, and technical assistance work related to FJDS programs and activities. The FJDS Specialist works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position directly assists the FJDS Director and Associate Directors in the daily activities and operations of the FJDS unit and works alongside the FJDS Director to establish and implement department goals, objectives, and activities for FJDS consistent with the Behavioral Health Services division and Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) strategic plans and the Statewide Behavioral Health Strategic Plan.

Responsibilities

• Leads the oversight of processes to support assistance, guidance, and direction to the FJDS Director and Associate Directors, ensuring that procedures and operations of the FJDS area adhere to HHSC policy, guidance, and legal mandates.
• Develops and implements techniques for tracking and evaluating FJDS program services, activities, and business functions.
• Identifies need for increased efficiencies and suggests improvements to existing processes.
• Assists with the development and implementation of FJDS goals, objectives, and activities to align with the larger agency's mission.
• Handles sensitive situations and materials, using sound judgment to carry out the FJDS Director's directives and plans.
• Engages with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate policy development and analysis on state mental health services matters.
• Proactively addresses and escalates issues to the FJDS Director for timely decision-making and resolution.
• Acts as the FJDS representative, as assigned, in the coordination of BHS-wide initiatives.
• Makes assignments, provides direction, and reviews work products in preparation for FJDS Director and Associate Directors' approval.
• Oversees the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of materials in response to requests for program information.
• Prepares and reviews high-quality letters, memoranda, analyses, reports, presentations, agendas, and other executive documents.
• Collaborates with other organizational areas within Mental Health Programs (MHP), BHS and HHSC.
• Supports the FJDS Director and Associate Directors in reviewing state or federal guidance/ statutes that affect mental health services, collaborating with contracts and fiscal departments to assess impacts.
• Reviews correspondence and ensures compliance with program policies and procedures, recommending changes or corrective action as needed.
• Assists with developing program procedures, standards, and manuals; assists with providing guidance to staff in the development and integration of new methods and provides training to FJDS staff on policies and procedures when directed;
• Identifies and recommends process improvement activities to streamline operations.
• Collaborates with other organizational areas within Mental Health Programs (MHP), BHS and HHSC.
• Works closely with FJDS staff to develop or coordinate the timely collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of a wide range of written documents in response to external requests for program information with extreme attention to detail and adherence to published agency guides.
• Responsible for reviewing and coordinating web updates and ensuring quality and consistency across FJDS content.
• Prepares written updates, summaries, and other documents as assigned.
• Develops materials in preparation for or in follow-up to workgroups and meetings conducted with internal and external stakeholders.
• As directed, represents the agency at business meetings, conferences, and seminars or on boards, panels, and committees.
• Provides oral presentations, and written materials, as appropriate.
• Acts as liaison to other program staff and other agencies concerning FJDS programs and initiatives.

Requirements

Initial Screening Criteria: Degree Required- Bachelor's degree in public health, psychology/sociology, social work, public affairs, or a related field from an accredited college or university. Master's degree is preferred. Experience within the forensic and jail diversion system is preferred. Experience using complex data sets and experience managing large systems change initiatives is preferred. Experience in direct provision or management/administration of public mental health services is preferred. Experience with behavioral health rules and the development of contract language and experience managing large systems change initiatives is preferred.

Qualifications

Knowledge: Forensic services, jail diversion services, behavioral health crisis services, adult mental health programs, and substance use issues and services; recovery, resiliency, engagement and service delivery, including Texas Resilience and Recovery as it has rolled out in Texas. Basic knowledge of the criminal justice system, substance use treatment, prevention, and Medicaid programs/services in Texas. Skill: Effective verbal communication and public speaking, exceptional writing skills, data analysis and reporting, and qualitative interpretation of complex policy issues. Effective facilitation of contractors struggling with implementation of behavioral health service; quickly comprehend complex issues and prioritize activities to meet strict deadlines; identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions to complex policy and implementation. Ability: To develop complex, detailed implementation plans; lead team projects and delegate tasks appropriate to accomplish team objectives; develop products to support the implementation of evidence-based practices; develop materials for training and TA events; lead cross functional work groups; support contracts related to behavioral health services, crisis, forensic, and jail diversion programs; develop statewide rules for program policy; ability to guide and maintain strong relationships with diverse professionals and stakeholders.