Substance Use Intervention Specialist

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.

Functional Title: Substance Use Intervention Specialist Job Title: Program Specialist V Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: SUD Intervention Program Posting Number: 23274 Closing Date: 11/26/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Community and Social Services Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $7,253.83 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 Shift: Day

Additional Shift:

Telework: Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 5% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City: AUSTIN Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST

Other Locations:

MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS

Brief Job Description:

This position is for a Program Specialist V with the Health and Human Services Commission, Substance Intervention Treatment Programs (SITP) within Substance Use Programs. The Program Specialist V, under the general direction of the designated SITP Director, and with latitude for initiative and independent judgment, performs advanced (senior level) work related to substance use services. This position will provide oversight to substance use disorder (SUD) services with a focus on intervention services designed to assist adults and youth gain access to substance use services and resources across the state through strategies such as outreach, substance use screenings and assessments, and referrals. This position will also be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and managing data to improve programs and respond to needs of those with SUDs. This position will provide technical assistance in the delivery and maintenance of evidence-based services and will maintain current knowledge of best practices as they relate to service delivery of substance use services.

This position works individually and as part of a team to ensure substance use services are available throughout the State and will provide consultation to contracted providers to maintain, improve and support their service delivery systems. The position will work to improve outcomes for individuals in substance use services using evidence-based practices.

The position will conduct and document technical assistance as directed and required. The position will also coordinate the development of reports for SUD providers to reflect clinical services, expenditures and service quality, fiscal compliance, and metrics. The position will analyze legislation to develop recommendations for policy in programmatic issues relating to the implementation, improvement, and/or expansion or reduction of program funding. The position will coordinate activities with the Contract Management Section, Procurement Contracting Services, Mental Health programs, Business Operations, and other state offices.

The position will attend work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy. 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 need.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Provide technical assistance and guidance in cross functional meetings which involve substance use with a focus on intervention services designed to assist adults and youth gain access to substance use services and resources across the state through strategies such as outreach, substance use screenings and assessments, and referrals as well as collecting, analyzing, and managing data to improve programs and respond to needs of those with SUDs. Coordinate reviews of provider documentation (invoices, performance measures, outcome measures, deliverables, contract amendments and closeout) in adherence with SITP and HHSC policies and procedures in coordination with other units as appropriate. Work collaboratively across SITP to schedule annual site visits and maintain an annual programmatic calendar, including but not limited to events, trainings, projects, and site visits. 25%

Evaluate monitoring and review/evaluate information on service delivery systems and activities, identify gaps in resources, recommend improvements, and conduct technical assistance. Analyze the application of and variations within programs to develop action plans for improving or initiating new programs. Provide consultative services, technical assistance, and training to internal and external stakeholders on the SUD continuum of services. Maintain current knowledge, which may include attending webinars or conferences, on best practices as it relates SUD services with an understanding of the needs of the specialty populations. Present information related to internal and external stakeholders. Develop and update/revise program policies, procedures, standards, contracts, and manuals in accordance with program objectives and goals. Organize, analyze, and report performance data to help ensure compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules; and recommend corrective action(s) as needed. 35%

Lead or participate in meetings, projects, and work groups concerning the assigned substance use program(s). Collaborate with stakeholders to understand current or potential issues and develop presentations or language to provide education or direction. Consult with public and private agencies involved in the programs to resolve problems, identify training needs, and discuss program effectiveness. Participate in developing and updating policy and procedure manuals, evaluation of service delivery and techniques for monitoring, and reporting on provider performance. Participate in quality management or fiscal meetings and ensure compliance. 25%

Plan and develop language for contracts in coordination with program area subject matter experts. Works closely with Contract Management Area and other internal partners to execute contracts and amendments. Provides guidance to staff, partnering units in the development and integration of new contracting language and methods as the programs are implemented. Participate in procurement activities, which may include other departments. 10%

Performs other duties as assigned, which may include participating with mental health, behavioral health, or other units and departments. Participate and/or serve in a 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. 5%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of substance use disorder programs, services, and essential public health services. Knowledge of contracts, policies, and procedures. Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and/or processes relating to contract administration and federal grants. Knowledge of data analysis, program planning, and implementation.

Skill in providing information to providers on substance use evidenced based services with a focus on individuals who use substances. Skill in developing measures or indicators of program performance, problem-solving techniques, and procedures to monitor and evaluate progress. Skill in contract/program development and monitoring. Skill in facilitating meetings. Skill in communicating in difficult situations. Skill in using personal computer application software such as Microsoft Office applications (especially Word and Excel) or similar programs. Skill in written and oral communication, including the ability to make public presentations and write technical information in an understandable format.

Ability to devise well-thought solutions to problems. Ability to function independently. Ability to maintain interdisciplinary collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to interpret legal documents such as contracts. Ability to develop, research, interpret, and evaluate policies and procedures. Ability to research, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts and data. Ability to write, prepare, and present concise reports. Ability to assess and manage priorities to meet deadlines. Ability to effectively collaborate with individuals, groups, and stakeholders. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to manage and organize multiple complex projects/activities simultaneously. Ability to organize and track multiple issues and write reports.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Undergraduate degree with major coursework in health services, public administration, human services, social work, counseling, or a related field required.

Experience with direct provision of substance use services required.

Education and experience may be substituted for one another on a year-to-year basis.

Additional Information:

This position is telework eligible. However, all agency positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to direction on a defined telework schedule as determined by their direct supervisor based on supervisor preference and business need. The current alternative physical location is 4601 W Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78751.Travel to Austin to on-board or designated state office, establish credentials, pick-up or repair HHS-issued equipment may be required. Though based in Austin, this position can work from any location in Texas.

Only Applicants Who Are Interviewed Will Receive Written Notification of Selection Results.

Employee must provide transportation. If an employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in performance of their official duties, the employee must possess a current valid Texas driver’s license for the appropriate type vehicle. Employees/Applicants are responsible for providing a copy of their driver’s license prior to beginning employment. 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.