Application Specialist (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: Application Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist IV 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: HCR ARU - Admin SS & Mobile 
Posting Number: 17799 
Closing Date: 06/22/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Office and Administrative Support 
Salary Range: $5,403.01 - $6,779.25 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 10% 
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 
 
 
 

Under the supervision of the Architectural Review Unit (ARU) Manager, the Program Specialist IV independently oversees the application eligibility and application operations as it relates to general and special hospitals, limited services rural hospitals (LSRH), private psychiatric hospital and crisis stabilization units (PPH&CSU), ambulatory surgical centers (ASC), end stage renal dialysis (ESRD) facilities, and freestanding emergency medical care (FEMC) facilities within the multiple licensing programs of the Architectural Review Unit. This position consults external stakeholders and trains internal staff on the application process and collaborates with Unit Manager on inefficient operations and develops steps for operational improvement. Monitors, reviews, and analyzes technical patterns and trends to determine potential for realignment, adjustments, and streamline service delivery. This position performs complex technical assistant (senior level) work and complex consultative services. Works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

 

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties assigned. Works cooperatively with agency staff, Unit Managers and HHSC Regulatory Services Division.

 

(25%) Evaluates application eligibility, processes applications, writes deficiency letters, monitors deadlines, and develops and maitains application database. Reviews supplemental documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with the rules and policies of the program for initial and amended applications. Assigns inspector’s plan reviews. Oversees application close out procedures. Creates inspection slips and templates. Updates application procedures, policies, and forms, including Salesforce database.

 

(25%) Processes and disseminates correspondence regarding inspection statement of deficiencies to the stakeholders. Compiles, reviews, proofreads and edits architectural correspondence for both state intermediate and final construction inspection reports. Complies monthly and yearly reports with graphs of application counts and distributes the reports to HHSC upper managment.

 

(20%) Manages retention files and oversees purging of files. Coordinates archiving inactive documents and retriving project documents. Regulates and categorizes the Unit’s forms and policies.

 

(15%) Provides high-level consultation and technical assistance to stakeholders regarding applications, including the TULIP portal and electronic payments. Develops and distributes educational resources for stakeholders on application submittals. Conducts training presentations for internal staff regarding data entry in Salesforce. Analyzes the application delivery system to identify gaps in resources, computer software systems and training.

 

(10%) Assists other staff in completing administrative and technical work to reduce backlog, including but not limited to closeout of life safety surveys, retriving plan of corrections from stakeholders, tracking and dissiminating plan of corrections, and phone coverage to log and distribute incoming calls and emails. Maintains current knowledge in relevant areas as evidenced by working knowledge of applicable standards, rules and techniques. Attends workgroup meetings. Completes special assignments as assigned by Unit managers.

 

(5%) Performs other duties as assigned for smooth daily operations and management objectives. Maintains effective working relationships being tactful and professional within our interdisciplinary team and with external groups to foster an environment of continuous improvement. Actively participates and serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response, recovery, and Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment, location, or both.

 

 

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

 

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, TEAMS, SharePoint, Excel programs, and PowerPoint; preferred knowledge in Salesforce and Access software.
• Proficient in effective verbal communication and composing and editing high level written documents with accuracy.
• Knowledge of Health and Human Service programs and related local, state, and federal laws and regulation.
• Knowledge of quality improvement practices and office practices and administrative procedures.
• Skill in assessing, planning, implementing, evaluating, and managing complex projects and initiatives.
• Skill in delegating tasks, prioritizing their workload, and monitoring the output.
• Skill in effectively facilitating productive meetings and training others.
• Ability to work tactfully and diplomatically with an interdisciplinary team and with external groups to foster an environment of continuous improvement and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to work independently without close supervision and perform with a high degree of diligence and correctness.

 

 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

 

Valid Class C (or higher) Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.

 

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in business administration, or relevant field. Work-related experience may substitute for the required degree on a year-to-year basis.

 

Initial Screening Criteria:

 

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university, however work-related experience in similar duties may substitute for the required degree on a year-to-year basis.

 

Experience in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and virtual meeting software programs.

Experience preparing and proofreading administrative reports, studies, or specialized projects.

Valid driver’s license required.

 

Additional Information:

 

PLEASE NOTE: Your application must be complete. It MUST contain dates of employment, job titles, name of employer, name of supervisor, current or final salary, and a description of duties performed in a way that specifically demonstrates you meet the knowledge and skills in the posting. Missing information may lead to disqualification.

Resumes do not substitute for data entry of your information into the State Application portal; however, resumes may be added to your application process.

Salary Note: The salary offered follows HHS HR Policy and Procedures and contingent upon allocated funds set by the current budget. For internal applicants, there can be limitations in consideration of applicant’s current classification and salary and is dependent upon available budget. The salary on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum allowed, however, budget considerations may result in salary offers below the maximum of the posted range.

If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted by the architectural manager for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

 

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.