Program Specialist VI 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 VI 
Job Title: Program Specialist VI 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Provider Finance Non-Med Rates 
Posting Number: 14703 
Closing Date: 04/01/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations 
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $8,304.83 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel:  
Regular/Temporary: Temporary 
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 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

The Program Specialist VI position serves as a subject-matter expert and provides technical assistance under the direct supervision of the Manager of the Center for Information and Training (CIT) within the Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) section of the Provider Finance Department (PFD). The successful candidate provides highly advanced consultative services and customer-focused technical assistance to contracted providers, cost report preparers, internal staff, and external stakeholders by responding to inquiries regarding cost reports, payment rates, LTSS trainings, and other rate analysis items. The Program Specialist VI plans, prioritizes, and performs a variety of activities, including preparing cost report data collection materials, detailed guides, external communication materials, and cost report training materials. The position composes, reviews, and edits technical documents, materials, and reports. The Program Specialist VI assists management in developing and implementing effective evaluation techniques for program services and in providing guidance to staff on the development and integration of new methods and procedures. Responsible for documentation of program policies and prepares materials in response to program information requests and reports. Assists with oversight of compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules. The candidate will work under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (EJF):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

EJF 1. LTSS PROVIDER COMMUNICATION AND OUTREACH- Provides customer-focused support by troubleshooting system issues, analyzing related data trends, and delivering technical guidance to resolve service-impacting concerns. Consults with and responds to internal and external providers, cost report preparers, and financial examiners by processing support tickets, emails, and phone inquiries regarding cost reports, enrollment, PFD vendor holds, and other PFD items.  Educates internal and external audiences and maintains subject matter expertise (SME) related to LTSS reimbursement rates, LTSS cost reports, Federal Compliance Reports, and LTSS cost reporting software. (25%)

EJF 2.  Support Ticket Management - Organizes and assists in managing support tickets for the LTSS program by reviewing STEPS and HEART submissions, categorizing issues, and ensuring timely routing to the appropriate team members. Tracks STEPS and HEART ticket status, follows up on pending items, and maintains accurate documentation throughout the lifecycle of each request. Identifies recurring issues or patterns within tickets and communicates findings to leadership to support process improvements and system updates. (20%)

EJF 2.  CONTRIBUTES TO LTSS COST REPORTING & FEDERAL COMPLIANCE REPORTING- Plans, prioritizes, and performs activities, including the preparation of report data collection materials, detailed guides, report worksheets, report training materials, and schedules.  (20%)

EJF 3.  Technical Writing and Webpage Content Management- Drafts clear, professional internal and external mass communications, including customer notifications, email templates, call center messaging, gov delivery notices, and informational letters. Updates and maintains webpage content to ensure accurate, timely, and user-friendly information is available for customers and staff. Coordinates with subject matter experts to verify content accuracy and ensure website information aligns with current policies, procedures, and system functionality. Ensures webpage updates meet organizational standards for clarity, accessibility, branding, and compliance requirements (20%)

EJF 4. Assists management with developing and implementing effective techniques for evaluating LTSS services, to include the collection and evaluation of provider feedback on training and enrollment, and cost report materials. (10%)

EJF 5. Assists management and/or other section teams with various activities on projects, as needed. (5%) 

Total: 100%

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, OR REGISTRATION REQUIRED:

None Required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Demonstrated skill in external communications, training, and/or the development of

written and verbal communications.

Skill in interpersonal relationships, establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

Ability to manage projects effectively, including setting priorities and planning, organizing, and coordinating the work of others.
Ability to develop, evaluate, implement, and interpret policies, procedures, and rules.
Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement creative solutions.
Ability to exercise independent judgment, set priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to shifting technical and political developments

Knowledge of health and human service programs, services, and procedures.
Ability to use personal computers and to use word processing, spreadsheet, statistical and other software to analyze large, complex databases and develop payment rates.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a variety of agency staff, medical/provider associations, legislative staff, lawyers, state/federal auditors, and interested parties on Medicaid reimbursement issues.

Ability to prepare and present training

INITIAL SCREENING CRITERIA:

Bachelor's Degree Required. Experience in Provider Finance or an applicable organization may be substituted for education on a one-to-one basis.

Demonstrated experience in external stakeholder communications, required.

Demonstrated experience in virtual or in-person training, required.

Experience with the techniques and methods of planning, organizing, and writing various

types of materials; research methodology; and departmental policies, procedures, and

regulations, preferred.

Experience with LTSS programs and services, preferred.

Experience with LTSS rate setting and/or cost reporting, preferred.

Experience managing complex projects, preferred.

Demonstrated ability to learn finance, accounting, and budgetary principles, preferred.

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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.