Program Specialist

THIS IS A NEW ASSEMBLED EXAMINATION.  The eligible list resulting from this examination will cancel any existing list and may last approximately one year, but can be extended.

Applications and Supplemental Questionnaire:  A properly completed Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted with each application.  Applications and Supplemental Questionnaires must be in the possession of the Human Resource Services Department by 5:00 p.m. on February 29, 2016 the Last Day for Filing. Applications will only be accepted on-line.  Failure to submit the Application or Supplemental Questionnaire will result in disqualification.

THE VACANCIES

There are immediate vacancies in both the Health Care Services Agency and the Social Services Agency. However, the eligible list resulting from this recruitment may be used by any County department or agency needing to fill a vacancy.

HEALTH CARE SERVICES AGENCY

Alameda County's Health Services Program is administered by the Health Care Services Agency and includes the following program areas: Behavioral Health Care, Public Health, Environmental Health, and Agency Administration/Indigent Health. The ultimate mission of the Health Care Services Agency is to provide fully integrated health care services through a comprehensive network of public and private partnerships that ensure optimal health and well-being and respect the diversity of all residents. Health Care Services Agency currently has multiple career opportunities for experienced licensed professionals to become part of a service delivery team dedicated to the optimal health and wellbeing of Alameda County residents. For more information regarding the agency, please visit: https://www.acgov.org/health/.

Alameda County Health Care Services Agency’s Behavioral Health Care Services (BHCS) is recruiting for two Program Specialists.   Each year, over 35,000 individuals receive mental health services and over 8,000 individuals receive substance use services through the BHCS System, with the bulk of these publically-funded services provided through contracts with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs).  Each of these positions will act as a contract manager with assigned CBO providers of mental health and/or substance use disorder services, and  will:

·         Provide a lead role and oversight in developing contracts, contract amendments, board letters, and requests
          for proposals (RFPs), in collaboration with clinical and fiscal leads. 

·         Analyze and make recommendations around provider requests for contract changes;

·         Negotiate contracts and contract changes with service providers in a timely manner. 

·         Use data to monitor and evaluate assigned contracts, and follow up on programmatic issues.

·         Research, recommend and facilitate implementation of procedural and operational changes to
          maximize service delivery and revenue reimbursement. 

·         Compile and maintain accurate records and files regarding program activities.

·         Prepare periodic and special statistical or narrative reports as required. 

THE POSITION

Under direction, to provide program planning, technical assistance, review and evaluation functions to direct client service delivery programs where such services are provided by community-based organizations (CBO's), contract service providers and/or County staff in a wide variety of service areas; to act as County liaison with service providers and funding sources and ensure that program regulations and procedures are followed; and to do related work as required.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate will possess a high level of technical programmatic knowledge and experience conducting needs assessments for program planning and evaluation purposes. Critical attributes to the success of the candidates for these Program Specialist positions include:

• Demonstrated expertise as a self-directed problem-solver with high standards for quality and a strong commitment to collaborative problem-solving, accountability and public service.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and in a variety of contexts.
• Ability to develop performance measures and/or monitoring systems that are easy to use and that provide timely and pertinent information.
• Ability to identify and understand complex problems and concepts, to gather and analyze relevant information, and to exercise good judgment and decision-making based on available data.
• Ability to formulate, implement and monitor action plans in collaboration with key partners to resolve identified issues and/or start-up a new program or initiative.
• Ability to maintain effectiveness even when experiencing changes in work responsibilities, priorities and deadlines and to take prompt action to accomplish objectives.
• Ability to champion policy/practice changes instituted by regulatory bodies and/or upper management.
• Exceptional organizational skills, including the ability to independently prioritize tasks, work on multiple projects simultaneously, and provide status updates on short notice.
• Demonstrated proficiency organizing and developing data to respond to audits and/or data requests.

The most suitably qualified candidates will possess the following competencies:

Knowledge of:

· Principles, practices, funding sources and administrative requirements in the program area to
  which assigned.
· Principles and practices of program planning and evaluation.
· Principles and practices of direct client service delivery.
· Practices and techniques of programmatic analysis and report preparation.
· Applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.
· Computer applications related to the work.
· Office administrative practices and procedures, including records management and the operation
  of standard office equipment.
· Basic budgetary and financial record-keeping techniques.

Ability to:

· Plan, monitor and evaluate program and service delivery effectiveness in the programmatic area
  to which assigned.
· Identify programmatic and operational problems, investigate and evaluate alternatives and
  implement effective solutions.
· Interpret, explain and apply complex regulations, policies and procedures.
· Prepare clear, accurate and effective reports, correspondence, policies, informational brochures
  and other written materials.
· Represent the department and the County in meetings with others and make effective
   presentations to diverse groups.
· Organize and prioritize work and meet critical deadlines.
· Maintain accurate records and files.
· Exercise sound independent judgment within established policies and guidelines.
· Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the
  work.

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Welfare Benefits

• Medical – HMO & PPO Insurance
• Dental – PPO & DHMO Insurance  
• Vision
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage) 
• County Allowance (Employer Credit)
• Health Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Indemnity
• Long Term Care Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Short-term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan – (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan

For your Work/Life Balance

• 11 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Group Legal
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.