Accountant III

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.

Accountant III – Customer Service Representative (CSR) for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) overpayment hotline
 

Job Description:
If you are bilingual in English and Spanish and have experience in customer service, accounting, bookkeeping, or cash-handling, this job opportunity is for you.
You will work in the Chief Financial Officer’s Accounting Department to:
Answer incoming client calls and make outbound phone calls regarding client account information.
Verify the accuracy of client account information and request workflow logs to address discrepancies.
Monitor the progress of workflow log requests from clients, entered into the Accounts Receivable Tracking System (ARTS).
Communicate with internal and external accounting teams via phone, email, and MS Team meetings.
You will need experience in customer service, accounting, bookkeeping, or cash-handling experience using an automated accounting system.  You will need experience using Microsoft Office Suite.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):
1. Answer inbound calls from clients who were overpaid Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits.  Provide account information to clients using various databases.  Verify client account accuracy and update information as requested or needed.
2. Make outbound calls to clients to provide account details and answer inquires received via voicemail.
3. Process returned mail and requests from clients including address changes, deceased client updates, complete client case/payment history requests, retrieve after hours voicemails, and return client calls as needed.
4. Process Fair Hearing Appeal requests, disputes of liability, and documentation of bankruptcy.
5. Process Treasury Offset Program (TOP) and Inspector General (IG) repayment agreements, and one-time debit requests from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) overpaid clients.
6. Create, work, and monitor the progress of client workflow logs via the Accounts Receivable Tracking System (ARTS) for claim changes, reviews, and refund requests.
7. Backup to the following tasks: Prepare refund requests, SARS, and fund moves sent to ARTS Corrections inbox.  Complete Provider Claim setups sent to ARTS Claims inbox.  Assist with State Reviews and requests sent to ARTS Projects inbox.  Assist with New ARTS user setups, ARTS password resets, and TOP file uploads/downloads.
8. Cross train in other areas of the Accounts Receivable Department to aid as a backup as needed and assigned by management.
9. Work on special assignments as determined by management to accommodate business needs and deadlines. 

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

1.    Experience in customer service, cash handling or fund processing and knowledge of policies and procedures for handling funds including reconciliation.
2.    Skill in the use of office equipment, computers, and various software applications.
3.    Ability to interpret and apply accounting data and work accurately with numerical detail.
4.    Ability to work within established deadlines and ability to prepare accurate reports.
5.    Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with clients, providers, agency staff, and others.
6.    Skill in problem identification and resolution.
7.    Ability to work under moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria (ISCs):
1.    Bilingual in both English and Spanish.
2.    Experience in customer service, accounting, finance, or cash-handling experience in related field. State or Governmental accounting preferred.
3.    Experience using automated accounting or customer data base systems.
4.    Experience with MS office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).
5.    Excellent written communications as observed by detail and completeness of information provided on the state application.
6.    Graduated from High School or equivalent. Three years of work experience in financial or customer service field may be substituted for higher education in accounting or financial field.  

Additional Information:

Ability to work closely on a team with varying personalities to meet hard deadlines in an ever-changing environment.
Professionalism
Demonstrate consideration and respect for others in the workplace.  Ability to remain calm and composed in stressful work situations.

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 need.

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