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Functional Title: Program Specialist I
Job Title: Program Specialist I
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Admissions/Placement Unit
Posting Number: 19131
Closing Date: 07/31/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Personal Care and Services
Salary Range: $3,581.33 - $5,372.41
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-17
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
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: Mexia State Supported Living Center
Job Location City: MEXIA
Job Location Address: 540 CHAPEL DRIVE
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS
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!
The Placement Coordinator (PC) works under the general supervision of the Admission/ Placement Coordinator. Performs routine consultative services and technical assistance work related to individuals moving from State Supported Living Centers to community settings. The PC is responsible for facilitating the Community Living Discharge Planning (CLDP) process and developing the transition plan. Serves as a resource to interdisciplinary team members, community providers and Local Authority staff and provides expertise in the area of the community transition process. Assists with admissions, transfers, discharges, and other duties as assigned. May train others. Works under moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Other duties may be required which are reasonably related to the essential or marginal functions of the position.
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.
Consults with the facility Qualified Intellectual Disability Professionals and other interdisciplinary team members regarding the identification of needed supports and services for individuals referred for community transition. Provides expertise in the area of community transition; serving as a liaison to staff, community organizations, or the general public to assist in explaining program specifics and requirements.
Participates in and serves as a resource to the interdisciplinary team members in planning meetings related to community referrals, transition planning meetings, etc. Ensures the timely and thorough completion of required documentation within specified timelines.
Assists in scheduling and ensuring needed in-services are provided to potential providers prior to individuals visiting community homes for trial visits and community transition.
Reviews discipline transition assessments (medical, behavioral health, dental, vocational, etc.) and develops a draft transition plan for distribution to the individual, LAR, other interdisciplinary team members, community provider and LA in preparation for the CLDP meeting. Collaborates with disciplines to address inconsistencies or issues identified in the assessments.
Schedules, facilitates, and provides support and collaboration in the planning and development of the CLDP identifying community supports and services for persons transitioning from the SSLC to a community setting. Assures completion of the CLDP and distribution to the individual, LAR, community provider and LA prior to transition to the community.
May assist in developing policy and procedure manuals, assists in the preparation of administrative reports, studies, and specialized projects.
May train others.
Performs related work as assigned.
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 an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
Ability to prepare reports and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to work professionally with individuals with intellectual disabilities, family members, staff, community providers and others.
Knowledge of DADS community programs including ICF/ID and waiver programs.
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts and to devise solutions to problems.
Computer skills in WORD, EXCEL, and other Microsoft Office products.
Able to effectively handle multiple responsibilities and plan work activities.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
None
Initial Screening Criteria:
A bachelor’s degree with a major in a human services field such as psychology, sociology, social work, special education, rehabilitation counseling, therapeutic studies (e.g., music, art, occupational, physical therapy), or recreation; and
One year of experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Experience working in Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) and Home and Community-based Services (HCS) waiver programs is preferred.
Additional Information:
Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).
Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.
Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.
Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.
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 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.
Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:
Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form
Telework Disclaimer:
This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.
