Texas.gov - State of Texas Official Website
Social Services Program Specialist
Texas.gov - State of Texas Official Website, Brenham, Texas, United States, 77633
Overview
Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.
Job Details
Functional Title:
Social Services Program Specialist
Job Title:
Program Spclst II Social Svcs
Agency:
Health & Human Services Comm
Department:
Childress - Social Work
Posting Number:
9875
Closing Date:
10/20/2025
Posting Audience:
Internal and External
Occupational Category:
Healthcare Support
Salary Group:
TEXAS-B-18
Salary Range:
$3,793.41-$5,921.25
Pay Frequency:
Monthly
Shift:
Day
Telework:
Not Eligible for Telework
Travel:
Up to 5%
Regular/Temporary:
Regular
Full Time/Part Time:
Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:
Nonexempt
Facility Location:
Brenham State Supported Living Center
Job Location City:
BRENHAM
Job Location Address:
4001 S HWY 36
Other Locations:
Brief Job Description Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence.
The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers
If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!
Responsibilities The Social Services Program Specialist performs moderately complex social services work and technical assistance to assist interdisciplinary team (IDT) members, SSLC leadership, residents and families/guardians/Legally Authorized Representatives (LARs) access and navigate programs and services related to the SSLC. Serves as a liaison to guardians, family members and LARs for routine or non-routine notifications. Assists the assigned social worker and/or admissions staff by gathering, performing reviews, documenting information and preparing assigned reports. Provides technical assistance and administrative support to, and collaborates with, the transition specialist to coordinate community referrals. Gathers or develops training materials to provide group education to improve and enhance self-advocacy skills. Assists in the design of, and conducts, individual and group training and/or supports residents within a group meeting. Monitors, reviews and evaluates compliance with policies. Performs administrative investigations in coordination with other departments. Assists in the completion of the rights and decision-making assessment, as assigned. Assists in preparing and evaluating requests made relating to residents' trust funds. Provides an array of technical assistance related to topics including admissions, transfers, end-of-life issues and guardianship. Encourages interest in, and awareness of, the SSLC program and activities through organizing, marketing and coordinating special events, such as family-related events, provider fairs and tours. Works under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs)
Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.
Serves as a liaison to guardians, family members and LARs for routine or non-routine notifications such as abuse and neglect allegations, obtaining consent/approval for treatment, special events and/or religious ceremonies. Assists in addressing challenging situations with families and residents, resolves complaints, and informs leadership of any identified trends. Coordinates and attends meetings with families and the IDT to address specific concerns as assigned. Participates in and presents information at residence and family meetings. Assists in the design of, and conducts, individual and group training on assigned topics.
Assists in admitting processes by performing and documenting a comprehensive review of case information on new admissions and other times as appropriate. Communicates with families/guardians and the resident to prepare social histories and contact information sheets. Gathers background information to assess support systems, and identify psychosocial, economic and physical needs. Provides the social history to the designated social worker or other credentialed staff for review and signature.
Provides support to and collaborates with the transition specialist to coordinate community referrals such as contacting the LAR to attend referral meetings, attending referral meetings, site visits to group homes and vocational services, and following up on identified issues. Provides technical assistance and administrative support to assist in community referrals (e.g., obtaining ID card, original social security card and birth certificate) and preparing administrative memos for trial visits and permanent placements. Serves as a back-up for the post-move monitor, as assigned.
Assists in training to explore and promote rights, voting, citizenship, and self-advocacy; gathers baseline information on resident knowledge of rights; develops materials for group education to improve self-advocacy skills; supports group meetings to evaluate rights and capacity assessments.
Monitors and evaluates compliance with policies; performs administrative investigations in coordination with incident management; reviews and revises policies as assigned; assists in completing rights and decision-making assessments.
Assists with residents’ trust fund requests to maintain balances and authorize expenditures; works with family and staff to address personal needs and purchases through vendors.
Provides technical assistance related to admissions, transfers, transitions, discharges, and furloughs to ensure access to SSLC services; assists local authorities with admission to SSLCs; trains SSLC staff for transfers; supports ongoing court processes; assists families and IDT with end-of-life issues; coordinates guardianship paperwork renewal; performs related administrative work.
Encourages interest in the SSLC program and activities; assists in organizing and marketing events; communicates weather/impact notifications; coordinates provider fairs; provides facility tours and community speaking engagements as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
Knowledge of Texas Administrative Code, HHSC policies and procedures related to State Supported Living Centers and the Department of Justice Settlement Agreement.
Knowledge of client protections and human rights for ICF-IID; marketing techniques; program performance measures.
Skills in using computers (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel) and in facilitating meetings and group/individual trainings.
Ability to navigate programs and services, analyze facts, collaborate on solutions, and communicate effectively with staff, IDT, residents, and families/guardians/LARs.
Ability to analyze root causes, develop plans of correction, assess needs, and prepare reports.
Registrations, Licensure or Certifications None
Initial Screening Criteria
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and one year of relevant social services experience OR
High school diploma or equivalent; five years of relevant social services experience; one year of experience with people with IDD preferred.
One (1) year of experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is preferred.
Additional Information
Applicants must pass fingerprint background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including CANRS, Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and LEIE.
Males 18–25 must be registered with Selective Service.
All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.
Flexibility in work hours; may require overtime, weekends and holidays.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered.
Review Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.
Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:
Active-duty military personnel are encouraged to apply if qualified.
ADA Accommodations HHSC/DSHS agencies provide reasonable accommodation during hiring. If you need assistance with online application or interview accommodations, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747.
Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility Applicants may be required to pass background checks; HHSC uses E-Verify and you must bring I-9 documentation on first day.
Telework Disclaimer This position may be eligible for telework. Telework is subject to state and agency policies and supervisor discretion.
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Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.
Job Details
Functional Title:
Social Services Program Specialist
Job Title:
Program Spclst II Social Svcs
Agency:
Health & Human Services Comm
Department:
Childress - Social Work
Posting Number:
9875
Closing Date:
10/20/2025
Posting Audience:
Internal and External
Occupational Category:
Healthcare Support
Salary Group:
TEXAS-B-18
Salary Range:
$3,793.41-$5,921.25
Pay Frequency:
Monthly
Shift:
Day
Telework:
Not Eligible for Telework
Travel:
Up to 5%
Regular/Temporary:
Regular
Full Time/Part Time:
Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:
Nonexempt
Facility Location:
Brenham State Supported Living Center
Job Location City:
BRENHAM
Job Location Address:
4001 S HWY 36
Other Locations:
Brief Job Description Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence.
The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers
If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!
Responsibilities The Social Services Program Specialist performs moderately complex social services work and technical assistance to assist interdisciplinary team (IDT) members, SSLC leadership, residents and families/guardians/Legally Authorized Representatives (LARs) access and navigate programs and services related to the SSLC. Serves as a liaison to guardians, family members and LARs for routine or non-routine notifications. Assists the assigned social worker and/or admissions staff by gathering, performing reviews, documenting information and preparing assigned reports. Provides technical assistance and administrative support to, and collaborates with, the transition specialist to coordinate community referrals. Gathers or develops training materials to provide group education to improve and enhance self-advocacy skills. Assists in the design of, and conducts, individual and group training and/or supports residents within a group meeting. Monitors, reviews and evaluates compliance with policies. Performs administrative investigations in coordination with other departments. Assists in the completion of the rights and decision-making assessment, as assigned. Assists in preparing and evaluating requests made relating to residents' trust funds. Provides an array of technical assistance related to topics including admissions, transfers, end-of-life issues and guardianship. Encourages interest in, and awareness of, the SSLC program and activities through organizing, marketing and coordinating special events, such as family-related events, provider fairs and tours. Works under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs)
Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.
Serves as a liaison to guardians, family members and LARs for routine or non-routine notifications such as abuse and neglect allegations, obtaining consent/approval for treatment, special events and/or religious ceremonies. Assists in addressing challenging situations with families and residents, resolves complaints, and informs leadership of any identified trends. Coordinates and attends meetings with families and the IDT to address specific concerns as assigned. Participates in and presents information at residence and family meetings. Assists in the design of, and conducts, individual and group training on assigned topics.
Assists in admitting processes by performing and documenting a comprehensive review of case information on new admissions and other times as appropriate. Communicates with families/guardians and the resident to prepare social histories and contact information sheets. Gathers background information to assess support systems, and identify psychosocial, economic and physical needs. Provides the social history to the designated social worker or other credentialed staff for review and signature.
Provides support to and collaborates with the transition specialist to coordinate community referrals such as contacting the LAR to attend referral meetings, attending referral meetings, site visits to group homes and vocational services, and following up on identified issues. Provides technical assistance and administrative support to assist in community referrals (e.g., obtaining ID card, original social security card and birth certificate) and preparing administrative memos for trial visits and permanent placements. Serves as a back-up for the post-move monitor, as assigned.
Assists in training to explore and promote rights, voting, citizenship, and self-advocacy; gathers baseline information on resident knowledge of rights; develops materials for group education to improve self-advocacy skills; supports group meetings to evaluate rights and capacity assessments.
Monitors and evaluates compliance with policies; performs administrative investigations in coordination with incident management; reviews and revises policies as assigned; assists in completing rights and decision-making assessments.
Assists with residents’ trust fund requests to maintain balances and authorize expenditures; works with family and staff to address personal needs and purchases through vendors.
Provides technical assistance related to admissions, transfers, transitions, discharges, and furloughs to ensure access to SSLC services; assists local authorities with admission to SSLCs; trains SSLC staff for transfers; supports ongoing court processes; assists families and IDT with end-of-life issues; coordinates guardianship paperwork renewal; performs related administrative work.
Encourages interest in the SSLC program and activities; assists in organizing and marketing events; communicates weather/impact notifications; coordinates provider fairs; provides facility tours and community speaking engagements as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
Knowledge of Texas Administrative Code, HHSC policies and procedures related to State Supported Living Centers and the Department of Justice Settlement Agreement.
Knowledge of client protections and human rights for ICF-IID; marketing techniques; program performance measures.
Skills in using computers (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel) and in facilitating meetings and group/individual trainings.
Ability to navigate programs and services, analyze facts, collaborate on solutions, and communicate effectively with staff, IDT, residents, and families/guardians/LARs.
Ability to analyze root causes, develop plans of correction, assess needs, and prepare reports.
Registrations, Licensure or Certifications None
Initial Screening Criteria
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and one year of relevant social services experience OR
High school diploma or equivalent; five years of relevant social services experience; one year of experience with people with IDD preferred.
One (1) year of experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is preferred.
Additional Information
Applicants must pass fingerprint background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including CANRS, Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and LEIE.
Males 18–25 must be registered with Selective Service.
All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.
Flexibility in work hours; may require overtime, weekends and holidays.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered.
Review Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.
Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:
Active-duty military personnel are encouraged to apply if qualified.
ADA Accommodations HHSC/DSHS agencies provide reasonable accommodation during hiring. If you need assistance with online application or interview accommodations, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747.
Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility Applicants may be required to pass background checks; HHSC uses E-Verify and you must bring I-9 documentation on first day.
Telework Disclaimer This position may be eligible for telework. Telework is subject to state and agency policies and supervisor discretion.
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