Job Description:
Under the supervision of the Quality Assurance Unit (QAU) Quality Improvement Special Projects Manager, performs highly advanced consultative, coordinative, and project management work providing high-level advice by interpreting policies, procedures, rules, regulations and standards related to programs/projects/grants. Develops recommendations for programmatic/project issues relating to implementation, improvements, and/or change in funding. Plans, develops, manages, and monitors continuous quality improvement (CQI) projects for the QAU Unit. Develops program guidelines, policies, procedures, work plans, budgets, and timelines for achieving program goals. Evaluates and prioritizes activities and coordinates and facilitates the development of processes with stakeholders and DSHS staff. Provides customer and legislative requested data, statistical analyses, and written reports in response to inquiries and requests. Oversees, organizes, and performs complex data and statistical analyses, and prepares reports and action memorandums. Maintains and improves overall customer satisfaction of Unit programs through effective communication. Composes and assists with the submission of grant applications and may assist with other grant activities including the preparation and evaluation of program/project budget requests. Identifies and prioritizes business needs, ensuring alignment with Unit operations/activities. Serves as the Unit contact and coordinator for Continuity of Operations activities. Assists with the oversight of the daily operations and activities of the Unit. Develops and maintains positive working relationships. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Job Functions:
This position is funded via a federal grant. Grant period as follows: 07/01/2023 through 06/30/2028 (5 years). Employment for this position will end at that time.
EJF 1. (40%) Coordinates quality improvement projects for the Unit. Provides high-level advice and counsel by interpreting policies, procedures, rules, regulations and standards related to program/projects. Develops guidelines and timeframes, prepares and evaluates budgets, tracks tasks, ensures milestones are completed within established timeframes, and reports progress to QI Special Projects Manager and as requested to Unit and department management and committees. Develops recommendations for programmatic/project issues related to the implementation, improvement, and/or change in funding. Oversees the effectiveness of programs and projects; identifies, develops, and implements effective techniques to evaluate Unit programs and projects to ensure quality services and alignment with Unit operations/activities. Actively obtains information from stakeholders required for Unit programs and projects. Reports outcome measures of projects to the QI Special Projects Manager. Identifies areas of noncompliance, deficiencies, and quality issues with programs and determines solutions.
EJF 2. (25%) Serves as the QA Unit lead for QAU projects and provides applicable direction to staff and customers. Consults with internal and external customers to resolve problems, identify training needs, and discuss program effectiveness. Provides high level advice and technical assistance for internal and external customers. Consults with public and private agencies, vendors, and contractors involved with projects/programs to resolve problems, identify business needs, and improve effectiveness and customer satisfaction. Works with project/program managers and lead staff to identify and resolve technical issues; builds and maintains positive working relationships with staff and IT vendors. Develops relative policies, procedures, budgets, and work plans to support business needs, and trains staff as needed. Develops documentation on reports and process methodologies; creates efficiencies in data collection and data extraction where opportunities occur. Consults with management and customers to prioritize needs. Presents information and data to staff and may present at local and national meetings.
EJF 3. (15%) Collects, compiles, and creates written reports of requested information and data in response to legislative, external, and internal inquiries and requests. Oversees and performs complex data extraction, statistical analyses, and report preparation of projects and grant activities to support Unit programs and other customers, including data extraction for quality control purposes and meetings.
EFJ 4. (15%) Plans, implements, and oversees other Branch, Unit, and DSHS collaborative activities in support of the Newborn Screening Unit as required. Responsibilities include attaining DSHS goals and meeting objectives, supporting agency-wide strategic plans, developing, approving, and monitoring schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving DSHS goals. Composes and assists with the submission of grant applications. Develops timelines for deliverables defined in grants, oversees grant deliverable compliance, and reports grant activities. Provides information to assist in responding to legislative requests, open records requests, and other external inquiries and requests. Ensures activities and assignments are completed in a timely manner.
EJF 5. (5%) Other duties as assigned may 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 an alternative shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge and understanding of the roles of public health.
Knowledge of email, word processing, project management, spreadsheet and database programs such as MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Project, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and Access.
Knowledge of project management concepts.
Knowledge of statistical analysis processes and budget processes.
Skill in effective customer service practices.
Skill in synthesizing and analyzing complex information for a variety of purposes.
Skill in problem solving and conflict resolution.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in time management, planning, and managing projects.
Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance and the use of applicable software.
Ability to prepare reports, to develop and evaluate policies and procedures, and to plan for follow-up action.
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, analyze data, and devise solutions to problems.
Ability to present complex information to a variety of audiences.
Ability to facilitate meetings and projects and work effectively with teams.
Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with managers, co-workers, and partners.
Ability to adapt to a changing work environment.
Registration or Licensure Requirements:
None.
Initial Selection Criteria:
Two years of experience coordinating grant activities or two years of experience with leading projects, required.
Experience coordinating/leading Quality Improvement projects, preferred.
Federal grant experience preferred.
Public health or laboratory experience, preferred.
High-level customer service experience, preferred.
Education: Associates, Bachelors, Masters, or Doctorate degree from an accredited institution in a scientific field preferred but not required.
Additional Information:
Work Schedule: Must be able to work holidays. Must be able to work hours other than 8am - 5pm.
Transportation: Employee must provide transportation. If an employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in the performance of their official duties, the employee must possess a current valid Texas driver's license for the appropriate type of vehicle. Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business, applicants will have their driving records checked through the Department of Public Safety and applicants must have a valid Class C Texas driver's license or equivalent license from another state.
Immunizations: Compliance with DSHS Laboratory Exposure Control Plan required: vaccine requirements are consistent with current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations and other national guidelines for employee groups based upon job duties and tasks.
Telework: Partial telework is available for discussion.
Funding: This position is funded via a federal grant. The grant period of performance is as follows: 07/01/2023 through 06/30/2028 (5 years). Employment for this position will end at that time.
NOTE: When completing your application, include details about your job experience as it relates to the essential functions, knowledge/skills/abilities, and screening information provided on this Position Description. Please note the requisition number on all faxed information. Additional tips on completing the application are available on-line at under "About DSHS - Jobs". Requisition #621489. Location: 1100 W 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756, Laboratory.
MOS Code:
Note: There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at
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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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