Program Specialist VI (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: Program Specialist VI 
Job Title: Program Specialist VI 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: MC Contracts and Oversight 
Posting Number: 17365 
Closing Date: 06/17/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support 
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $6,701.75 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 5% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
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 
 
 
 

Job Description:

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Medicaid CHIP Services (MCS) department seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Program Specialist VI. 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 demonstrating exceptional knowledge, experience, and understanding of the principles of contract management, project management and administrative operations. This position is selected by and reports to the Director of the Managed Care Contracts and Oversight (MCCO) Contract Team.

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 team functions in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment, with competing priorities. This role is responsible for providing consultative services and technical assistance to program staff, with demonstrated knowledge and experience in project and contract management and advanced administrative functions. Daily activities will include planning, developing and monitoring projects with minimal supervision and extensive latitude for the use of independent judgement. Work requires critical thinking, organization, attentiveness, and technical writing skills to prioritize and monitor projects, perform quality review of work products, transitioning between multiple assignments, developing and tracking contract management related documents and payments to and from contractors.  This position will also participate in the development and organization of operational policies, procedures, guidelines, and communications across contracts.

Essential Job Functions:

(30%) The Program Specialist VI performs a variety of technical and administrative monitoring to track projects that vary in size, scope, and complexity. Develops project management tools and documents, as needed, to ensure projects meet expectations for quality and timeliness. Prepares reports, updates, summaries, and other documents as assigned or as needed for project status. Practices independent judgement and critical thinking in development of strategies to improve or streamline processes and procedures.

(30%) Performs of a variety of contract management and administrative activities for MCCO contracts including: reviewing contract documents for quality assurance; evaluating open enrollment applications for contract award; tracking contract payments and expenditures, monitoring MCCO contract documentation lists via SharePoint; and uploading or routing contract documentation to contract repositories, e.g., Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System (CAPPS) and System of Contract Operation and reporting (SCOR).  Work will include the interpretation and evaluation of proposed federal and state laws, rules, regulations, or policies that may impact Medicaid and CHIP, or managed care.  Practices critical thinking and independent judgement, reviews, assigns or prioritizes the work of others and provides feedback.

(30%) Works independently, in a group setting, or with MCCO contract managers to establish timelines for development and completion of policies and procedures and incorporating them into a desk guide. Reviews, tracks and edits letters and memos. Collaborates with MCCO Contract Administration Managers to assist with projects, routing contracts, uploading contract documentation or posting required information to HHSC websites.

(10%) Other duties as assigned.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements, Certifications:

Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification required. Must maintain CTCM certification.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations, preferably, as they relate to Medicaid and CHIP or managed care.
• Knowledge of contract and project management.
• Knowledge of CAPPS and SCOR is preferred.
• Skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Skill in using application software such as MS Teams, MS Word, MS Excel, SharePoint, PowerPoint.
• Ability to analyze and interpret laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to evaluate or research complex data or information and consolidate into concise or brief documents, summaries or reports.

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Complete and concise application.
• At least one year’s experience with Medicaid and CHIP managed care programs or contracts.
• Minimum of three year’s experience in contract management or project management.

Minimum of three years of experience working in MS Word, MS Excel, SharePoint, PowerPoint or similar programs.

Additional Information:

Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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.

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 51C, LS, SK, 3044, 6C0X1. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx. 

MOS Code:

51C, LS, SK, 3044, 6C0X1 

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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.