Rural Communities Opioid Response Program – Program Specialist I

The Center for Health Innovation (CHI), headquartered in Silver City, NM is seeking a Program Specialist I to assist with the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP). This position requires a bachelor’s degree (relevant experience may substitute for education) and two years of relevant experience in program management or health and human services development. Candidates should be detail oriented and have strong organizational skills; Understand the public health systems, a working knowledge of factors influencing health equity and social justice, and social determinants of health; Able/willing to problem-solve and accept constructive feedback; Able to work in a fast-paced environment. Remote workers will be considered. Review the full position description is located below. Send resume and letter of interest to ltecca@chi-phi.org.Position Function Summary

Under the direction of the Supervisor, the Program Specialist I performs work directly related to the management and business operations of CHI and its local, state and nationally partners. Functions include:

• Facilitation of various groups, including consensus building
• Preparation of and delivering presentations
• Research and compilation of best practices related to recovery communities and recovery organizations
• Capacity building and technical assistance to support the behavioral health workforce

Program management

The delivery of quality service and positive interaction with our customers is critical to the completion of all tasks within this job description, thus the employee is responsible for establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships with visitors, partners and CHI employees in a courteous, respectful and professional manner. Guidelines include all CHI policies and procedures.

Position Accountabilities

Program Specialist I duties:

• Under the direction of the Supervisor, the Program Specialist I provides comprehensive support to the implementation of CHI programs, goals, objectives and service contracts.
• Provides or assists with planning, training and/or technical assistance related to program goals and objectives to CHI and, as appropriate, to external organizations under contract or grant. This may include conducting on-site technical assistance with staff and Boards of CHI or its partner organizations.
• Coordinates, schedules and performs daily operations of the program(s).
• Composes, files, updates and distributes appropriate reports, minutes of meetings, general correspondence, evaluations, newsletters, information, etc. This may include websites and social media venues.
• Assists with, coordinates, and/or conducts program evaluation; prepares reports and participates in formal quality improvement projects as required.
• Represents CHI programs at public forums and community meetings and collaborates with others to
• Obtains supporting documents or information for funding proposals; assists with grant writing as requested.
• Researches and obtains supporting documents and data for local, state and federal policy development and/or system change. Assists with writing policy briefs as requested.
• Plans, implements and evaluates program processes and strategies within a team and/or coalition environment. Provides guidance, coaching and feedback to community teams. Builds capacity of team/coalition to ensure accomplishment of goals and credibility within the community.
• Attends monthly CHI staff meetings and weekly departmental meetings.
• Will adhere to established safety practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (2 years of relevant experience may substitute for 1 year of education)
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in health and human services, community development, or related field.
• Works well in a directed/supervised environment, self-motivated,
• Skills: facilitation, public speaking, project management, project assessment and reporting, detail oriented, organized, team player, and the ability to coordinate multiple project activities and players.
• Experience using virtual meeting platforms.
• Ability to use internet for research, competent in Microsoft Suite software, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Current driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Desirable Qualities

• Understanding of public health systems, factors influencing health equity and social justice, and social determinants of health.
• Ability to build capacity of multi-sector coalitions, collaborations, or partnerships to ensure it meet their mission/purpose.
• Familiarity with the behavioral health and primary care models.
• Understanding of substance use disorders.
• Fluency in Spanish (oral and written)
• Able/willing to accept constructive feedback.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Demands

• Occasional prolonged standing/walking
• Occasional lifting of supplies and/or equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Occasional driving short and /or long distances.
• Frequent use of computers and keyboard.

Working Conditions

• Considerable use of keyboard
• Intermittent pressure due to deadlines and working with the public.
• Must be able to travel locally, within New Mexico. Occasional national travel may be required.
• Willing to work a flexible schedule: attending and facilitating some evening and/or weekend meetings and activities.

Special Requirements

• Must be willing to use personal vehicle during employment. Must be willing to do intra state travel as needed.
• Must be able to meet deadlines.

The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified and should not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job.