MFP Budget 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: MFP Budget Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist VI 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Transitional Supp Team AdmCY25 
Posting Number: 11384 
Closing Date: 12/05/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Salary Range: $5,500.00 - $6,500.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: 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: 701 W 51ST ST 
Other Locations: Austin 
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Job Description:

Under the direction of the Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Services and Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR), Fiscal and Systems Support Director, performs advanced (senior-level) Money Follows the Person (MFP) federal program and grant budget management. The work involves examining, reviewing, and analyzing MFP categorical budgets for compliance; compiling statistics and reports relating to budgetary activities to define trends and mitigate risks; reconciling financial records for data verification and validation; preparing and revising legislative appropriation requests, categorical budgets, and other required reports. Provides technical advice and assistance to MFP contractors and cross functional programs as IDD MFP budget subject matter expert. Develops and maintains policies and procedures regarding MFP program budget management.  Possesses advanced skills in using Microsoft Excel and SharePoint for data management and can quickly learn new software applications to achieve work goals.  The ideal candidate must be agile and adaptable to changes while building effective business relationships.   

Essential Job Functions:
Budget Oversight – Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates financial data, and performs budget monitoring, projections, and analysis work per the IDD MFP Performance Contract. Coordinates, updates and maintains the MFP expenditure tracking process through its lifecycle. Compiles routine reports and ad-hoc reports.  Serves as back up to process MFP contract payments.  Develops and monitors financial models to analyze gathered data, documents assumptions, and makes recommendations based on findings. Appropriately escalates issues and offers solutions.  May assist with Report III processing if needed. (35%)

Interprets funding policy and cost allowability regulations - Develops, recommends, and implements appropriate action to resolve financial and regulatory problems. Maintains knowledge of applicable regulations. Synthesizes data gathered from multiple sources (meetings with staff on various topics, reports, LIDDA Handbook, MFP contract, etc.) and determines impact on budgets, assignments, and projections. (20%)

Accuracy of work product - Ensures analyses, correspondence, reports, and requests for information are accurate and timely. (10%)

Communication - Demonstrates clear, concise, and effective verbal and written communication skills. (10%)

Decision Making - Identifies and considers all alternatives and makes decisions on limited but adequate information; uses a mix of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment; uses a proactive approach to identifying needs and solving problems. (10%)

Initiative - Willingly assumes new and challenging assignments; seeks challenging goals for self; expends the efforts and time necessary to do the job well; routinely shows an interest in improving knowledge/skill level; offers suggestions to solve problems or improve operations; and takes actions to achieve goals beyond what is required. Performs other duties as assigned with a positive attitude.  (15%)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Local IDD Authority roles and responsibilities and related state and federal laws, regulations, policies, rules, and requirements.
• Knowledge of program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Knowledge of contract administration and grants management (e.g., TxGMS, Version 2.0).
• Skill in the use of computer and related equipment, including the use of Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent to include word processing, spreadsheet, database, or presentation software programs (e.g. Excel, Word, SharePoint, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Skill in written and verbal communications. 
• Skill in researching and analyzing information.
• Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.
• Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with a variety of groups.
• Ability to identify and mitigate risks to meet agency vision, mission and goals.
• Ability to identify business process defects and devise business process improvement that is result driven and evidence based.
• Ability to be flexible, adaptive and agile to organizational changes.
• Ability to quickly learn new software platforms to fulfill core job functions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Licensure, Certification or Registration (Required)

Must be a Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) or complete the requirements to become a CTCM within 18 months of employment.  Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) is preferred.

Initial Selection Criteria:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. A minimum of 3 years of work experience in a federal grant program at a state government with categorical budgets. Experience directly working with IDD MFP program may be substituted on a year for year basis for the required education. 

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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.