Under the direction of the Specialized Health & Social Services (SHSS) Manager, the Vulnerable Populations Specialist (VPS) performs highly advanced social service public health emergency preparedness work. Using the one health and a whole community approach, the VPS is responsible for assessing, building, and sustaining resilient communities. The VPS performs this work using the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Public Health Preparedness Capabilities: National Standards for State and Local Planning framework. The VPS will define, locate, and reach at-risk and vulnerable populations. Conducts analyses, assesses needs, identifies gaps, and formulates strategies. In coordination with regional planners, provides input to existing plans and provides insight to develop new plans to serve at-risk and vulnerable populations. Develops and facilitates listening sessions and coalitions. Provides presentations and training to external partners and DSHS staff. Actively participates in work groups to include PHEP-C and regional work groups focusing on emergency preparedness issues concerning at-risk communities. Coordinates work with preparedness program staff and documents all community work in agency software. Primary focus on vulnerable populations within communities which include individuals receiving Medicaid assistance. Works within the SHSS program case management infrastructure and makes recommendations on preparedness related planning. Considers mental health needs and links with appropriate partners. The VPS collaborates with local health department preparedness programs to facilitate networking, foster good relationships, offer subject matter expertise, and provide training support. Works closely with the Preparedness and Response Program's VPS to partner on joint efforts and share strategies. More specifically, works in partnership with the Preparedness and Response Program's VPS on projects to mitigate the increased threats and risks which vulnerable populations face during disasters, with an emphasis on public health and emergency management policy, planning and inclusiveness. When staff are activated to respond to public health emergencies, the VPS is required to be available to assume a range of Incident Command System roles and provide subject matter expertise on public health, mass care and sheltering topics. Must comply with HHSC, DSHS, and Texas Department of Public Safety applicable policies/procedures/standards.
Essential Job Functions:
25% - Develop and facilitate community listening sessions and coalitions. Actively participates and/or leads regional workgroups focusing on emergency preparedness issues concerning at-risk communities. Partner with TEPHI to host a monthly “Vulnerable Populations Workgroup”. Partner with TEPHI to conduct outreach and strengthen relationships with strategically located churches within the region. Participate on Regional collaborative work groups such as Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coalition (PHEP-C). Build relationships with self-advocates and vulnerable population partners who can act as subject matter experts and provide feedback on regional disaster plans and supporting documents, as well as participate in exercises. Participate in various vulnerable population partner meetings, such as: Mass Care Coalition, Disaster Access and Functional Needs Committee, and Texas Gulf Coast Regional Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (TGCRVOAD).
25% - Assess, build, and sustain resilient communities, with emphasis on at-risk and vulnerable populations. Define, locate, and reach at-risk and vulnerable populations using available technology and partnerships with other entities. Conduct analyses, assess needs, identify gaps, and formulate strategies to mitigate additional burdens to populations already facing hardships. In coordination with regional planners, provides input to existing plans and provides insight to develop new plans to serve at-risk and vulnerable populations. Provide presentations and training to external partners and DSHS staff. Promote state resources such as the State Pharmacy Contract among vulnerable population partners, and work to ensure that this contract is more easily accessible if activated during disasters. Use the whole community approach to ensure vulnerable population participation in our county-specific Family Assistance Center planning meetings.
20% - Work within the SHSS program case management infrastructure and makes recommendations on preparedness related planning. Work with program social workers to improve preparedness planning and readiness with the families served by the SHSS program. Consider mental health needs and links with appropriate partners. This work is also coordinated with local health department preparedness programs when serving in their jurisdictions. Primary focus on vulnerable populations which include individuals receiving Medicaid assistance.
20% - Other duties as assigned. Participates in DSHS initiatives, to include regional work groups and projects. All DSHS employees are required to actively participate and/or serve 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. When staff are activated to respond to public health emergencies, the social worker is required to be available to deploy in a range of Incident Command System roles and provide subject matter expertise on public health, mass care and sheltering topics. Serves as the subject matter expert on Functional Needs Support Services. May also serve as the lead for the social work component of the shelter and community strike teams in accordance with regional plans.
10% - Documents all community work in agency software such as Qualtrics. Completes required preparedness documentation to support federal and state grant deliverables. Meets regularly with and works closely with Preparedness and Response Program’s Vulnerable Populations Specialist.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of the CDC Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Capabilities
Knowledge of community and government service delivery systems
Knowledge of state and federal laws related to social services
Knowledge of Medicaid policies and benefits for women and children in Texas
Knowledge of Functional Needs Support Services (FNSS) as defined by Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and FEMA
Knowledge of public health emergency preparedness at all levels of government
Knowledge of the National Incident Management System, Incident Command Structure, Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program
Knowledge of interviewing techniques
Knowledge of a vulnerable populations’ needs during an emergency response
Knowledge of maternal, infant and children’s health, to include mental health
Knowledge of general medical terminology
Knowledge of medical countermeasures
Knowledge of community resources
Knowledge of community building and development
Knowledge of whole community approach
Knowledge of community involvement and macro social work practice models
Knowledge of best practices in collective stress situations
Knowledge of best practices in community engagement
Skill in interviewing, conducting community assessments, and conducting gap analyses
Skill in developing and facilitating community coalitions and focus groups
Skill in developing and presenting information and training to diverse audiences
Skill in using Microsoft Office Software and specialized software programs
Skill in implementing best practices in community level work
Skill in data collection, assessment, and analysis
Skill in cultural competency
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally
Ability to provide technical assistance in social services and public health
Ability to establish effective partnerships in communities
Ability to build and sustain resilient community capacity related to preparedness
Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively among all stakeholders
Ability to locate and reach at risk populations
Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Current, unrestricted license to practice Social Work issued by the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners is preferred.
Initial Selection Criteria:
1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in behavioral sciences, social sciences, humanities, or a related field is required. Master’s degree in Social Work is preferred.
2. Current, unrestricted license to practice Social Work issued by the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners is preferred.
Additional Information:
Position is open to all eligible applicants. Position may be authorized to telework a portion of the week, on a predictable schedule. Applicants should include field placements, internships, and/or volunteer work relevant to the position in the experience section of the State of Texas application. This position will require occasional daytime travel throughout the region. Some travel may occur at night and on weekends to attend professional events such as conferences, workshops, or trainings. Mileage reimbursed in accordance with state policy. Must provide reliable transportation and maintain current driving license. Required to adhere to all policies including agency immunization policies. Required to serve as essential personnel in disaster response activities within regional jurisdiction, to include alternate work hours.
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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.
Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS (https://www.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/about-hhs/jobs-hhs/tips-success-jobs-hhs.pdf)
MOS Code:
MOS Code: There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the responsibilities, and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if they meet the qualifications for this position.
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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.
Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS