Vanessa Crawford
Austin,TX
Summary
Results-oriented program specialist with expertise in quality management and stakeholder engagement within health and human services. Successfully led initiatives to improve data accuracy and operational efficiency, demonstrating strong leadership and mentoring capabilities. Proficient in data analysis and compliance monitoring, utilizing strategic planning to enhance program outcomes. Dedicated to fostering teamwork and maintaining high professional standards.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Specialist V, Mental Health
Health & Human Services Commission
, USA
12.2019 - Current
- Led and participated in workgroups for quality indicators and risk assessment tool development.
- Implemented and facilitated both desk and on-site reviews of community mental health providers.
- Ensured compliance with contract requirements, laws, regulations, and policies during reviews.
- Supervised quality management team members through effective planning and guidance.
- Developed new departmental initiatives, optimization projects, and quality management programs.
- Coordinated large-scale projects involving HHSC divisions and stakeholders.
- Integrated and updated mental health risk processes to enhance operational efficiency.
- Provided training and support via focused reviews and quality management committee meetings.
- Identified opportunities to improve or enhance program initiatives and operations.
Program Specialist V, Substance Use
Health & Human Services Commission
, USA
08.2009 - 12.2019
- Develop and implement Excel-based review tools and project-tracking documents, strategies, and initiatives to ensure consistent, high-quality data collection from diverse contractors, and to incorporate risk-based analysis and tracking.
- Identified process improvement methods to enhance unit efficiency and effectiveness.
- Planned, assigned, guided, and oversaw the work of BHS.
- Utilized Business Objects and MBOW for data mining to identify trends and patterns.
- Wrote formulas to improve data collection in prevention programs.
- Researched and developed new review tools, identifying risk management.
- Evaluating organizational systems, business functions, and the quality and efficacy of services.
- Evaluated correction plans, conducted follow-ups to assess sustained improvements, and collaborated with contract manager/project officer to recommend appropriate sanctions.
- Communicated findings to Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder providers during review exits, technical assistance, trainings, workgroups, and cross-functional groups.
- Produces professional communications, including but not limited to letters, technical reports, executive summaries, charts, graphs, minutes, memos, e-mails, and slide show presentations.
- Developed and implemented policy and protocols for evaluating business functions, service delivery, and outcomes; employs quality management methods to collect, synthesize, analyze, and use data to facilitate continuous improvement within organizations providing Mental Health and/or Substance Use Disorder services.
- Conducted studies and specialized research projects and represented the Quality Management Unit in workgroups to develop standards and processes for new agency initiatives within a team model.
- Contributed to reviewing and revising rules, statements of work, and contracts.
- Assessed RFI, FRA, and FRP to determine program awards.
- Represented the state during the monthly Texas Council and subgroup meetings covering rule modification and contractor concerns.
Assistant Director/Programs Manager
Permian Basin Regional Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse
, USA
04.2002 - 08.2009
- Liaised and collaborated with a broad and diverse range of government agencies, community providers, and private-sector companies to regularly expand and maximize opportunities to strengthen the community and facilitate the development and implementation of the biennial strategic plan.
- Develop and implement recruitment strategies and initiatives to ensure that PBRCADA has sufficient, qualified, and diverse staff to fill various programs and positions needed to provide services.
- Led the supervision of product quality, ensuring professionalism, timeliness, and alignment with expectations.
- Responded promptly to requests from stakeholders, board of directors, and leadership for reports and project updates while training staff on new internal processes.
- Supervised team members, setting clear goals and work assignments to drive accountability and performance.
- Cultivated positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to enhance collaboration and support for initiatives.
- Managed human resources functions for a team of 15-18 employees, including recruitment and onboarding.
- Oversaw offices in Big Spring, Lamesa, Midland, Odessa, and San Angelo, TX.
- Community liaison for the three LMHAs serving in Region 9.
- Performed regular specialized training for program sectors, including health, education, businesses, community development, and staff.
- Train-the-trainer teaching professionals in the Too Good For Drugs Curriculum .
- Provided prevention presentations and training sessions for youth, adults, and community leaders.
- Trained and supervised colleagues and volunteers in the Certified Prevention Specialist credential certification process.
- Managed and coordinated the development of strategic plan projects or organization, and liaised with United Way to develop the homeless service campus three-year project.
- Led, oversaw, and executed the awarding of three new grant programs that increased agency funding by $180 thousand within two years.
- Designed and implemented a quality management program for the agency that improved the collection, reporting, and accuracy of the data submitted to the state, and reduced errors reported to the state to 12%.
- Reviewed, evaluated, and negotiated agreements and contracts to ensure the efficacy of client support.
- Managed, reviewed, and published vacancy announcements.
- Performed FOIA and Privacy Act record searches and compiled records in compliance with 42 CFR requirements.
- Assisted in writing grant proposals and funds recruitment.
- Developed programs addressing substance abuse prevention and education.
- Coordinated community outreach initiatives to raise awareness of addiction issues.
- Managed staff training sessions on best practices for client support and engagement.
- Collaborated with local organizations to enhance service delivery and resource sharing.
- Evaluated program effectiveness through feedback and community impact assessments.
- Oversaw grant applications to secure funding for various preventive initiatives.
- Facilitated workshops focusing on coping strategies for families affected by addiction.
- Implemented policies ensuring compliance with state regulations in substance abuse treatment programs.
- Managed daily workflow of personnel by assigning tasks, tracking progress and providing assistance when needed.
- Assisted in developing strategic plans to meet organizational goals and objectives.
- Established standards of excellence for customer service delivery throughout the organization.
- Supervised recruitment process including interviewing candidates, making hiring decisions and onboarding new hires.
- Developed protocols for handling confidential information within the organization.
- Provided guidance to departmental staff in resolving customer complaints.
- Coordinated financial activities, budgeting and forecasting for assigned departments.
- Implemented billing procedures, audited and reconciled accounts and recorded transactions.
- Created and maintained reports on operational performance metrics.
- Maintained close relationships with key stakeholders while managing expectations.
- Monitored staff performance, provided feedback and conducted annual reviews.
- Collaborated with other departments to improve interdepartmental communication.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors for services rendered or products purchased.
- Conducted training sessions on new processes or products for internal staff members.
- Oversaw purchasing and inventory to retain physical assets.
- Facilitated regular cross-functional meetings between teams to ensure alignment on objectives.
Education
Non-Profit Leadership Certification Program -
John Ben Shepard Public Leadership Institute
Odessa, TX01.2003
Teacher Certification Program -
University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Odessa, TX01.1997
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View, TX05.1994
Skills
- Project management
- Technical assistance
- Process Improvement
- Quality management
- Data analysis
- Stakeholder engagement
- Leadership & Mentoring
- Team leadership
- Training development
- Communication
- Interpersonal Skills
- Problem-Solving
Professional Skills And Development
- Leadership & Mentoring: Developing staff through training, coaching, and performance management.
- Monitoring & Evaluating: Implementing quality management principles to meet timelines, targets, and deliverables.
- Process Improvement: Implementing tools and systems (e.g., MS Teams) to enhance efficiency and collaboration.
- Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; experience delivering presentations to large audiences.
- Problem-Solving: Analytical thinker focusing on root-cause analysis and creative solutions.
- Technology Proficiency: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams), OneNote, and virtual training tools.
- Interpersonal Skills: Active listening, emotional intelligence, and adaptability to diverse teams and situations.
Timeline
Program Specialist V, Mental Health
Health & Human Services Commission
12.2019 - Current
Program Specialist V, Substance Use
Health & Human Services Commission
08.2009 - 12.2019
Assistant Director/Programs Manager
Permian Basin Regional Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse
04.2002 - 08.2009
Non-Profit Leadership Certification Program -
John Ben Shepard Public Leadership Institute
Teacher Certification Program -
University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Prairie View A&M University