Program Specialist V in Austin, TX

Description

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: Program Specialist V 
Job Title: Program Specialist V 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: IDD Prog Eligibility and Spprt 
Posting Number: 16769 
Closing Date: 05/21/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $7,253.83 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 5% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Medicaid CHIP Services (MCS) division seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Program Specialist V. MCS is driven by its mission to deliver quality, cost-effective services to Texans. This position makes a significant contribution to MCS's mission by fulfilling project management, coordination, and IT liaison support to the daily operations and activities for the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Program Eligibility and Support (IDD PES) unit.

The ideal candidate thrives in an environment that emphasizes: teamwork to achieve goals, excellence through high professional standards and personal accountability, curiosity to continuously grow and learn, critical thinking for effective execution, and integrity to do things right even when what is right is not easy.

The Program Specialist V reports to the Director of IDD PES and supports the IDD PES team by managing projects and database systems; monitoring, tracking, and routing inquiries received by IDD PES; facilitating team meetings; and providing analysis of the impact of HHS initiatives on IDD PES functions. This position works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

The IDD PES team is responsible for ensuring eligible Texans are enrolled in programs serving individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. These programs include: Home and Community-based Services (HCS), Texas Home Living (TxHmL), Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS), Deaf-Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DBMD), Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Condition (ICF/IID), including State Supported Living Centers (SSLCs), and non-waiver Community First Choice. IDD PES staff authorize and verify programmatic eligibility for the listed programs. In addition, IDD PES staff process enrollments, transfers, suspensions, and terminations for HCS, TxHmL, CLASS, and DBMD, as well as coordinate and attend Fair Hearings.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Leads or participates in meetings, projects, security assessments, and work groups related to IT systems that affect unit operations. Collaborates system changes with stakeholders to identify existing or potential issues, develop mitigation strategies and system enhancements, and consult with relevant management prior to implementing changes. Assists in developing and updating relevant user guides, webpages, forms, and communications. (30%)

Coordinates and tracks the process of unit initiatives and projects. Collaborates with stakeholders to facilitate meetings, monitors process and deliverables, and informs unit director of activities and emerging challenges. Coordinates and facilitates routine quarterly and special meetings. Uses administrative staff as needed to support administrative functions. (30%)

Communicates on a complex level with internal and external stakeholders to exchange or verify information, respond to inquiries, and address issues or resolve problems. Serves as system administrator and unit liaison for IT systems and databases used in daily operations. (20%)

Monitors IT system inquiries, including the shared IDD Ops Portal email inbox, to identify trends and training needs, and recommend appropriate corrective actions to management. (10%)

Develops and maintains records and filing systems in SharePoint. Training and supporting records retention processes and collaborating with administrative staff to ensure proper disposal of records in accordance with the agency's retention schedule. (10%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• HHSC or MCS programs, procedures, and relevant rules.
• project management practices, procedures, and implementation.

Skill in:

• using Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point, Visio) and/or other applications to manage projects.
• using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weakness of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• formulating written communication for various audiences.
• managing cross-organizational projects.

Ability to:

• communicate and present information clearly, concisely, and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• work collaboratively across MCS to accomplish objectives.
• have a keen attention to detail and the ability to implement creative solutions to problems.
• balance team and individual responsibilities.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Experience managing cross-organizational projects.
• At least one year of experience working in a position related to operational functions.
• Experience with IT projects.
• Experience within Health and Human Services (HHS) generally preferred.

Additional Information:

N/A

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor's Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.