Program Specialist VII (AUSTIN, TX)

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Functional Title: Program Specialist VII 
Job Title: Program Specialist VII 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: HHSC & HHS Rate Analysis LTC 
Posting Number: 19299 
Closing Date: 08/14/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Education Training and Library 
Salary Range: $5,797.66 - $9,508.25 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel:  
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: Austin 
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

The Program Specialist VII (PS VII) performs highly advanced customer service, training development, and technical assistance work under the direction 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). CIT provides customer service, training, and stakeholder outreach related to LTSS rates, cost reports, and other LTSS financial inquiries. The PS VII serves as the CIT team’s senior analyst and team lead.

The PS VII will design, implement, and deliver effective and engaging web-based training for LTSS Medicaid and non-Medicaid cost reporting. The position composes, reviews, and edits technical documents, materials, and reports. The PS VII will independently plan, develop, and release timely, accurate, and high-quality documentation and workflows. The PS VII serves as backup to the CIT Manager for escalated communications with Medicaid and non-Medicaid providers, cost report preparers, and other external stakeholders.  This position contributes to the department’s rate-setting activities by leading public hearing processes and drafting or reviewing/approving communications or other documents. The PS VII may make assignments and prioritize workload for other CIT team members. The PS VII may monitor the work of others to ensure compliance with project timelines. The position may conduct legislative analysis to identify programmatic issues or concerns and assist with assigned implementation plans for passed legislation.

The PS VII  works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Establishes short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals and objectives; develops policies and procedures; schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving established goals. Coordinates and evaluates program activities and supports legislative inquiries. Completes performance evaluations and handles human resource matters for staff. Reviews, develops, and implements policies, regulations, guidelines, agency rules, and state plan amendments as needed. Identifies needed areas of change and oversees the development of alternative strategies and recommendations. This position works closely with key internal and external decision-makers, providing timely, accurate, and well-communicated information that is needed to effectively plan, allocate, implement, and control programs, services, and staffing levels to achieve the goals and objectives consistent with the agency's strategic plan.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (EJF):

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

1.   CONTRIBUTES TO LTSS COST REPORTING – Develops, reviews, and maintains LTSS cost reporting training materials, worksheets, and related resources. Oversees mandatory web-based training modules in the State of Texas Electronic Provider System (STEPS). Researches and shares best practices for organizing and presenting information. Coordinates with LTSS PFD teams, policy and program areas, regulatory staff, and the cost report system contractor to ensure templates and system back-end edits align with current program, service delivery, and LTSS PFD cost reporting requirements. (30%)

2.   DEVELOPS LTSS PROVIDER COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH – Coordinates communication and outreach with PFD staff, Medicaid providers, cost report preparers, provider industry representatives, HHS Enterprise staff, legal staff, advisory committees, workgroups, and other interested parties on LTSS PFD policies, rates, rate enhancement and add-on rates, rate-setting processes, cost reporting requirements, vendor holds, recoupments, and contract terminations. Oversees responses to provider inquiries by email, phone, and virtual or in-person meetings, as needed. Drafts mass communications, GovDelivery notices, and informational letters. Communicates complex information to internal and external stakeholders to provide, exchange, or verify information; answer inquiries; address issues; and resolve problems or complaints. Develops and maintains LTSS PFD communication plans, templates, provider FAQs, communication tracking processes, and website content. (25%)

3.   SUPPORTS TEAM OPERATIONS – Assigns and prioritizes tasks for team members, reviews peer work for accuracy, and coordinates with project teams and HHSC areas to identify shared responsibilities and align priorities for projects, communications, and training. Evaluates team processes and recommends improvements. (15%)

4.   PREPARES DOCUMENTS FOR APPROVAL AND PRESENTATION – Oversees, reviews, and approves written communications, briefing materials, and other LTSS PFD documents for PFD senior leadership and executive decision-making. Coordinates with Provider Finance Department Quality Review staff to ensure documents follow HHSC style guidelines and approval timelines. Presents information to varied audiences, including HHSC executive staff. (15%)

5.   SUPPORTS RATE-SETTING AND RULEMAKING PROCESSES – Supports LTSS PFD rate-setting and rulemaking activities by ensuring public notices, web postings, and related communications are accurate, timely, and compliant with state and federal requirements. Leads LTSS PFD public rate and rule hearings, summarizes public testimony, drafts rate authorization notices, information letters, managed care organization notices, and other rate implementation communications, and maintains accurate LTSS fee schedule information on the LTSS website. (10%)

6.   OTHER DUTIES – Assists management and other section teams with projects and related activities, as needed. (5%)

Total: 100%

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Skill in developing training materials and facilitating virtual or in-person training.

Skill in reviewing technical documents for accuracy, clarity, and consistency.

Ability to communicate complex financial or policy information to varied audiences.

Ability to coordinate high-priority assignments with competing deadlines.

Knowledge of Medicaid programs, cost reporting, rate setting, or provider finance operations.

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.

REGISTRATIONS, LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, OR CERTIFICATIONS:

N/A

INITIAL SCREENING CRITERIA:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university is preferred. Relevant experience in Provider Finance, state government, health and human services, finance, communications, training, or a related field may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

Requires 6+ months of team lead experience or 2+ years of state agency experience involving customer service, training delivery, or training development.

Demonstrated experience developing or delivering customer service, stakeholder communications, technical assistance, or virtual/in-person training.

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

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

regulations.

Experience with Learning Management System 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.