Texas Health and Human Services
Children's Mental Health Planning Specialist
Texas Health and Human Services, Austin, Texas, us, 78716
Children's Mental Health Planning Specialist
Join to apply for the
Children's Mental Health Planning Specialist
role at
Texas Health and Human Services
Date: Jan 9, 2026 Location: AUSTIN, TX
Job Title: Program Specialist VII Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: BHS Mental Health Block Grant Posting Number: 12704 Closing Date: 01/23/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Community and Social Services Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25 Salary Range: $5,797.66 - $7,652.91 Pay Frequency: Monthly Shift: Day Telework: Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 10% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Brief Job Description The Children's Mental Health (CMH) Planning Specialist will perform research, planning, and data analysis to inform program development, improvement, and monitoring of Children's Mental Health Programs. This position provides highly advanced consultative services and implementation for programmatic technical assistance, ongoing management of complex program initiatives, and coordination of risk assessments and compliance activities. Under the supervision of the Director of Children’s Mental Health, the specialist will manage projects, collaborate with departments within Behavioral Health Services, and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including special projects related to policy and rules.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs)
Use professional project management tools to define scope, develop work plans, determine resources, create schedules, review and revise schedules, and evaluate project outcomes (30%).
Provide complex consultative services, coordination, and technical assistance related to billing, contract oversight, and program implementation; work closely with community-based providers and local mental health authorities (25%).
Oversee, plan, direct, and implement program process improvement and continuous improvement efforts; interpret data to identify problems, develop recommendations, and implement approved solutions (25%).
Create and revise solutions for automation of business processes, including web pages and dashboards; provide functional and technical expertise for IT architecture (10%).
Perform other duties as assigned and delegate coordination of the Children’s Mental Health team (10%).
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities (KSAs)
Knowledge of project management practices, tools, techniques, and theories applicable to mid-to-large-sized scope projects.
Knowledge of Texas legislative process and proposed bill analysis.
Knowledge of related state and federal laws, regulations, policies, rules and requirements.
Knowledge of State government organization, administration, management, and operating practices.
Knowledge of state of Texas procurement principles and practices.
Knowledge of computer equipment and software, including Microsoft Office programs.
Knowledge of Children's Mental Health Programs and the Texas Resilience and Recovery Model.
Knowledge of Utilization Management in the public and private delivery system.
Knowledge of process improvement or quality assurance systems.
Knowledge of strategic planning, budget management and human resource management.
Skill in conceptualizing and anticipating issues while applying critical thinking to solve problems.
Skill in performing detailed analysis of proposed legislation including budgets and procurement opportunities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions.
Skill in writing analyses, documentation, proposals, plans, policies, procedures, standards and reports.
Skill in communication and public speaking.
Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.
Ability to exercise flexibility and accommodate shifting priorities.
Ability to work with internal and external staff at varied levels.
Ability to deal tactfully with diverse groups.
Ability to coordinate and facilitate project teams and meetings.
Ability to be organized, resolve risks and issues, with strong communication skills.
Ability to be self-directed and work independently while facilitating cross‑functional teams.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification preferred; may be required within first 12 months of hire.
Initial Screening Criteria Graduation with a Bachelor's Degree in human services or related field is required. Master’s degree in public health, public administration, psychology/sociology, social work, or related field preferred.
ADA Accommodations In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If an interview requires accommodation, please notify the scheduler.
Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility Applicants may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. HHSC uses E‑Verify; bring your I‑9 documentation on the first day of work.
Telework Disclaimer This position may be eligible for telework. All HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies.
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Children's Mental Health Planning Specialist
role at
Texas Health and Human Services
Date: Jan 9, 2026 Location: AUSTIN, TX
Job Title: Program Specialist VII Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: BHS Mental Health Block Grant Posting Number: 12704 Closing Date: 01/23/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Community and Social Services Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25 Salary Range: $5,797.66 - $7,652.91 Pay Frequency: Monthly Shift: Day Telework: Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 10% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Brief Job Description The Children's Mental Health (CMH) Planning Specialist will perform research, planning, and data analysis to inform program development, improvement, and monitoring of Children's Mental Health Programs. This position provides highly advanced consultative services and implementation for programmatic technical assistance, ongoing management of complex program initiatives, and coordination of risk assessments and compliance activities. Under the supervision of the Director of Children’s Mental Health, the specialist will manage projects, collaborate with departments within Behavioral Health Services, and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including special projects related to policy and rules.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs)
Use professional project management tools to define scope, develop work plans, determine resources, create schedules, review and revise schedules, and evaluate project outcomes (30%).
Provide complex consultative services, coordination, and technical assistance related to billing, contract oversight, and program implementation; work closely with community-based providers and local mental health authorities (25%).
Oversee, plan, direct, and implement program process improvement and continuous improvement efforts; interpret data to identify problems, develop recommendations, and implement approved solutions (25%).
Create and revise solutions for automation of business processes, including web pages and dashboards; provide functional and technical expertise for IT architecture (10%).
Perform other duties as assigned and delegate coordination of the Children’s Mental Health team (10%).
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities (KSAs)
Knowledge of project management practices, tools, techniques, and theories applicable to mid-to-large-sized scope projects.
Knowledge of Texas legislative process and proposed bill analysis.
Knowledge of related state and federal laws, regulations, policies, rules and requirements.
Knowledge of State government organization, administration, management, and operating practices.
Knowledge of state of Texas procurement principles and practices.
Knowledge of computer equipment and software, including Microsoft Office programs.
Knowledge of Children's Mental Health Programs and the Texas Resilience and Recovery Model.
Knowledge of Utilization Management in the public and private delivery system.
Knowledge of process improvement or quality assurance systems.
Knowledge of strategic planning, budget management and human resource management.
Skill in conceptualizing and anticipating issues while applying critical thinking to solve problems.
Skill in performing detailed analysis of proposed legislation including budgets and procurement opportunities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions.
Skill in writing analyses, documentation, proposals, plans, policies, procedures, standards and reports.
Skill in communication and public speaking.
Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.
Ability to exercise flexibility and accommodate shifting priorities.
Ability to work with internal and external staff at varied levels.
Ability to deal tactfully with diverse groups.
Ability to coordinate and facilitate project teams and meetings.
Ability to be organized, resolve risks and issues, with strong communication skills.
Ability to be self-directed and work independently while facilitating cross‑functional teams.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification preferred; may be required within first 12 months of hire.
Initial Screening Criteria Graduation with a Bachelor's Degree in human services or related field is required. Master’s degree in public health, public administration, psychology/sociology, social work, or related field preferred.
ADA Accommodations In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If an interview requires accommodation, please notify the scheduler.
Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility Applicants may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. HHSC uses E‑Verify; bring your I‑9 documentation on the first day of work.
Telework Disclaimer This position may be eligible for telework. All HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies.
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