Job Description

RURAL HEALTH SPECIALIST

(Public Health Specialist)

Salary Information: $4,650.00/MO. - B19

State Classification: Program Specialist III - 1572

FLSA Status: Exempt

Posting Number: 24-58622-1

Location: Austin, TX

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online via CAPPS. Applicants applying in WIT must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit:

https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en.

WHO ARE WE

The Texas Department of Agriculture's Trade and Business Development division is dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality and quality of life in rural Texas through its community and economic development programs. Division staff work with small rural hospitals, rural communities, Texas businesses, and various organizations and associations throughout the state. The State Office of Rural Health (SORH) staff work with local health care providers and other partners to support access to quality health care for rural Texans by providing technical assistance with finance, operations, and quality through a variety of grant programs, workshops, and one-on-one assistance.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

The Rural Health Specialist will perform complex consultative services and technical assistance work for a broad array of rural health programs and activities funded by state and federal resources administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). You will plan, develop, and implement programs for rural health facilities, professional and community organizations, and the general public. You will travel and provide outreach to a Texas region of hospitals, serving as a resource to connect them with programs and assist with the administration of grant programs. You will work under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Work with community-based, regional, and statewide organizations to foster efforts to improve access and quality of health care in rural areas of the state.

Provide technical assistance to rural communities in implementing effective projects and services.

Provide information, advice, and assistance to rural communities about accessing programs and resources of the TDA, other state and federal agencies and private organizations related to rural health.

Assist in seeking, developing, and submitting grant applications to federal agencies to obtain funding for rural health programs.

Work with other State Office of Rural Health (SORH) staff as appropriate regarding program and contract issues which may include providing technical assistance, data entry, reimbursement request reviews, and compliance contract monitoring.

Represent TDA and SORH at meetings, workshops, and conferences as directed, including giving presentations.

Adhere to established work schedule with regular attendance.

Follow all TDA safety guidelines/procedures and ethics requirements.

Perform other duties as assigned.



Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION

Bachelor's degree (one year of work experience related to the primary duties may substitute for one year of college);

Two (2) years' work experience in public health, rural or community health, contract management and/or health education.

Substitution: Master's in public health may substitute for required experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience in administration of a state or federal program.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of rural health issues and federal and state programs related to rural or community health and health care delivery systems; and knowledge of local, state, and federal laws relating to the program area.

Skill in verbal and written communication, human relations, and organization; providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers; and skill in the use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability to learn TDA policies and procedures, and all related laws and regulations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff and the general public, including diverse groups of people; accurately interpret and translate division programs; adapt successfully and quickly to change and deliver quality results in a timely manner; organize and work independently, as well as within a team environment; communicate effectively; work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines while maintaining extreme attention to detail; and ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing for prolonged periods of time; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. May involve travel, occasionally overnight. May involve travel (up to 40%* of the work period), occasionally overnight.

BENEFITS

The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:

ü Retirement Plan

ü Paid Group Health & Life Insurance for employees

ü Paid Holidays

ü Paid Vacation Leave

ü Paid Sick Leave

ü Longevity Pay

ü Dental

ü Vision

ü Dependent Optional Life Insurance

ü Voluntary AD&D Insurance

ü Dependent Health & Life Insurance

ü Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. A skills exercise may be conducted at the time of the interview.

Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls. If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Career Center, you may also check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and selecting My Submissions.

*A valid government-issued driver's license, which is recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and in good standing, and an acceptable driving record are required. TDA will verify this information with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants with a driver's license not issued by the State of Texas should obtain and be prepared to provide a copy of their current driving record on or before their first day

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (gender, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, disability, age, military status, genetic information or protected activity (retaliation). TDA provides accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act. If you need help with the employment process or require other accommodations, please contact the Human Resources office for assistance at (512) 463-7423.

TDA participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Military and Former Foster Child Employment Preference: TDA complies with the provisions of the veterans and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human Resources-Veterans Liaison at (512) 463-7454 for assistance.

Go to https://texasskillstowork.com/, https://www.onetonline.org/, or http://www.careeronestop.org/ for assistance translating your military experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.

Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor's Office at Program Management MOS Codes.