Senior Program Advisor - Crisis Services

Date:
Aug 20, 2026

Location:

AUSTIN, TX

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:

Senior Program Advisor
- Crisis Services
Job Title: Program Specialist VI
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: BH Crisis Services
Posting Number: 20005
Closing Date: 09/03/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $8,304.83
Pay Frequency: Monthly

Shift: Day
Telework: Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 15%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

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

The Senior Program Advisor
- Crisis Services performs highly advanced, senior-level project management, data governance, strategic coordination, and technical advisory work across multiple program areas within the Crisis Services Unit of Behavioral Health Services (BHS). This position works under minimal supervision of the Crisis Services Unit Director and Associate Director, exercising considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment within established agency priorities. Strong analytical, writing, and organizational skills are required.

Work involves leading and coordinating complex, cross-program initiatives that support Crisis Services system performance, accountability, and continuous quality improvement. Responsibilities include managing unit-level projects; coordinating work across Crisis Services Unit program areas, other BHS divisions, HHSC sections, and external partners; interpreting and synthesizing policy and data; and supporting leadership priorities aligned with the BHS strategic plan, HHSC strategic plan, and the Statewide Behavioral Health Strategic Plan.

Work includes establishing and formalizing project management and data governance structures for Crisis Services initiatives, including development of standards, workflows, performance measures, and documentation to support consistent implementation and accountability across programs. The position emphasizes the use of formal project management and continuous improvement practices and data-informed decision-making to support operational oversight, performance monitoring, and executive reporting, including legislative and external requests.

This position focuses on system-level coordination rather than direct program operations, with emphasis on aligning program design, policy, data standards, and performance measurement across the Crisis Services continuum. The Senior Program Advisor supports identification of system gaps, operational risks, and improvement opportunities and develops actionable recommendations to strengthen access, utilization, quality, and continuity of crisis services.

The Senior Program Advisor supports Crisis Services leadership by ensuring accurate, timely, and actionable information is available for executive decision-making. The position leads or supports consultative services and technical assistance; performs and synthesizes complex qualitative and quantitative analyses; prepares executive-level briefings, reports, and research products; contributes to the development and revision of policies, procedures, and guidance; and represents HHSC in cross-functional work groups, committees, and public forums related to Crisis Services initiatives.

Performs related work as assigned

• Leads senior level project management and cross program coordination for Crisis Services initiatives. Leads complex, high impact projects that span multiple Crisis Services Unit program areas and intersect with other BHS divisions, HHSC sections, and external partners. Serves as Project Manager for unit level initiatives, developing and maintaining project charters, scopes, timelines, work plans, risk mitigation strategies, and deliverables. Provides regular project status…