Program Specialist III (AUSTIN, TX)

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Functional Title: Program Specialist III 
Job Title: Program Specialist III 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Program Policy Spec B 
Posting Number: 16559 
Closing Date: 06/23/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Range: $4,020.33 - $6,335.66 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19 
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 qualified candidate to fill the Program Specialist III (PS III) position. The PS III works under a manager in the Program Policy area of MCS. The position will provide programmatic support for the team’s long-term services and supports (LTSS)-related state and federal policy initiatives, such as the federal Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Settings Rule and Community First Choice (CFC). Work involves assisting the teams with planning, developing, and implementing Medicaid programs and policies related to the HCBS Settings Rule and CFC.

 

Duties of the position include assisting with constituent correspondence, attending and assisting with stakeholder/workgroup meetings, policy research, assistance with development of presentations and/or training material, proofreading for adherence to agency style guides, and other assignments, as needed.

 

The position works under general supervision, with latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This unit offers a dynamic and demanding work environment where staff have the opportunity to continuously learn and take initiative on projects that lead to upward mobility and future career success.  It is a fast-paced work environment, with a supportive team and management. The ideal candidate:

 

• • Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment that will allow you to learn and grow with the position;
  • Is able to work collaboratively as part of a team, as well as independently;
  • Has strong critical thinking skills;
  • Has excellent written and verbal communication skills;
  • Is organized and can manage multiple tasks/projects at a time; and
  • Is a self-starter, able to initiate and complete projects.

 

Essential Job Functions

 

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

 

(30%) Collaborates with HHS agencies and other areas of the MCS Division to plan, develop, and implement Medicaid and CHIP programs and policies. Prepares high quality research, analysis, written updates, summaries, and other documents as assigned. Assists in the development of written materials for stakeholder meetings, agency letters, memos, and policy clarifications, as needed. Has knowledge of and interprets Medicaid rules and contracts.

 

(30%) Assists policy and program staff in developing, documenting, and managing complex initiatives, including those related to the HCBS Settings Rule and CFC. Assists with compiling, documenting, and preparing information about complex initiatives in response to requests for program information. Assists with scheduling and facilitating workgroup meetings, webinars, and trainings. Actively participates in workgroups related to HCBS Settings, CFC, and other Medicaid programs, as needed.

 

(30%) Monitors development of Medicaid and CHIP policies and procedures, including those related to the HCBS Settings Rule and CFC. This includes monitoring mailboxes and websites and developing and documenting responses to inquiries. Working with program staff to develop changes to program policy, Texas Administrative Code (TAC) rules, or managed care contracts, as needed.

 

(10%) Keeps supervisor informed on pertinent issues in a timely manner and performs other duties as assigned.

 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: N/A  

 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

 

Knowledge of:

 

• • Government organization and administration.
  • State and federal laws governing Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, managed care or health and human services.
  • Medicaid long-term services and supports.
  • Project management and program analysis.
  • How to plan, facilitate, and lead workgroups, projects, and meetings.
  • How to plan, facilitate, and lead workgroups, projects, and meetings.

 

Skill in:

 

• • Planning and organization.
  • Written and oral communication, including the ability to write technical information in an understandable format, and produce reports.

 

Ability to:

 

• • Assist with the development, evaluation, and interpretation of policies and procedures.
  • Gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze data.
  • Prepare reports.
  • Perform work with a high degree of attention to detail.
  • Work independently and operate effectively within established guidelines and timeframes.
  • Use Microsoft Office products.
  • Work cooperatively as a team member in a fast-paced, deadline-orientated environment.
  • Work independently when needed.

 

Initial Screening Criteria:

 

Required

 

• • Experience with health and human services or related programs.  
  • High school graduation or equivalent. 

 

Preferred

 

• • Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
  • Work experience with Medicaid or CHIP programs.
  • At least two years' work experience in the health and human services field preferred.
  • Experience with project management.
  • Related work experience and education may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis with a maximum substitution of four years.

 

  

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.