Contract Specialist

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: Contract Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist VI 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: UR Management Support 
Posting Number: 10461 
Closing Date: 11/14/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $6,701.75 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 20% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST 
Other Locations: Austin 
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Program Specialist VI reports to the Contract Lead for Managed Care Utilization Review-Operations unit. The position supports the Managed Care Acute Care Utilization Review and the Managed Care Long Term Services and Supports units. This position performs highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work. Work involves planning, developing, and implementing major agency program(s) and providing consultative services and technical assistance to program staff, governmental agencies, and managed care organizations. 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 as assigned. Develops and maintains policies, procedures, informational documents, reports, trainings, presentations, and other work products for internal use and external entities. Provides high-level advice and counsel by interpreting policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and standards related to the program. Research and provides written oral reports and presentations related to state and federal policies and rules, Medicaid managed care contract requirements, state Medicaid oversight practices, utilization review standards and practices for multiple health programs, and other topics as assigned. (40%)

Provides operational support in the oversight of managed care organizations including but not limited to coordination of activities within Managed Care Utilization review among the Acute Care and Managed Long Term Services and Supports teams; coordination with other departments in Medicaid and CHIP Services; planning, developing and maintaining deliverables which require input from external and internal entities; participation in and facilitation of workgroup meetings and providing meeting summaries including action items, decision points, and notes; tracking and monitoring status of Medicaid Managed Care Organizations corrective action plans; consolidation and summarization of technical and complex information; development of systems, processes, procedures and policies related to managed care oversight functions. (40%) Assisting in the planning, tracking and execution of special projects and assignments. Assisting in the development execution of multiple unit and team deliverables. Writing reports for leadership or legislative audience including memos, briefs, and legislative reports. Coordinates analysis of federal and state legislation. Completes or assists with special projects. (20%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of: Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations governing the Medicaid program. Knowledge of processes related to Medicaid managed care, utilization management processes, and long-term services and supports.

Skill in: Skill in performing complex research. Skill in synthesizing, analyzing and evaluating highly complicated and technical information and translate it into easily understandable and concise documents and oral presentations. Skill in identification of project risks and gaps and able to develop creative and workable solutions to complex problems and policy issues. Skill in interpersonal relationships, including the ability to work with people under pressure, negotiate among multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with various level personnel in governmental entities. Skill in using a personal computer, standard office equipment, Microsoft Office applications including proficiency using Excel and SharePoint. Skill in tracking and monitoring processes with good attention to detail.

Ability to: Ability to produce deliverables with multiple, competing deadlines and adjust, as needed, to new competing priorities. Ability to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues. Ability to establish and meet multiple, competing deadlines. Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions and escalate issues when necessary. Ability to identify project and program risks and gaps and to develop recommendations to address issues. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

CTCM preferred or must obtain within 6 months upon hire. Must maintain CTCM certification.   

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year for year basis. Minimum of one year of experience with Texas Medicaid managed care programs, policies, procedures, contracts, and service delivery models. Minimum of one year of experience of contract management and contract principles. Minimum of three years of experience in/with research, analyze and create technical reports in an understandable format. Minimum of three years of experience in using a PC and Microsoft Office Suite including: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.   

Additional Information:

This position is eligible for telework. An in-basket exercise will be administered. 

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.