Program 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: Program Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist VI 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: IT Internal Marketing 
Posting Number: 9657 
Closing Date: 10/20/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Computer and Mathematical 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $5,875.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 10% 
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 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Performs highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work involving planning, developing, and implementing strategic initiatives and IT-related programs. This position supports the IT Administration & Finance/Strategic Initiatives area. Provides high-level administrative, analytical, and policy support for strategic projects and committee operations. Oversee committee's administrative activities and provide process improvement regarding compliance tracking and administrative committee activities. Ensures timely tracking and completion of compliance requests, conducts advanced research, reporting and committee administrative activities. The Program Specialist VI plans and directs day-to-day activities to ensure timely completion of work related to the committee. This position collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders, includes working with internal and external organizations involved in Health IT initiatives. Organizations may include Health and Human Service (federal and state HHS) agencies, community-based organizations such as health care providers, local and regional health information exchange entities, Regional Extension Centers, the Texas Health Services Authority, and the general public. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• Provides comprehensive administrative and logistical support for internal and external committees. Duties include scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, coordinating materials, documenting minutes, and tracking follow-up actions to ensure accountability and timely resolution. Develops and coordinates briefing documents, issue papers, bill analyses, cost estimates, and memoranda tailored for executive management. Maintains organized records of committee proceedings, briefing materials, and executive communications. Ensures documentation is accurate, accessible, and compliant with agency standards. Involved in planning short-term objectives and provides consultation advice on the committee management and operations. (45%)
• Tracks and monitors compliance-related requests for Open records and committee deliverables. Ensure tasks are completed on schedule by maintaining detailed tracking systems, coordinating with responsible parties, and escalating delays when necessary. Supports leadership in maintaining transparency and accountability across projects. (15%)
• Conducts advanced research and analysis on complex policies related to electronic health information and health IT. Synthesizes findings into actionable insights that inform program development, legislative responses, and strategic planning.  (10%)
• Prepares and evaluate reports, dashboards, and performance metrics to support strategic planning and executive decision-making. Identifies opportunities for process improvement and implement enhancements to documentation and reporting procedures. Ensures data accuracy and relevance in all performance materials. (10%)
• Coordinates with internal teams and external stakeholders, including federal and state HHS agencies, healthcare providers, health information exchanges, Regional Extension Centers, and the Texas Health Services Authority. Facilitates effective communication, collaboration, and alignment of goals across diverse partners to support health IT initiatives. (10%)
• Conducts research and analysis on proposed legislation, regulatory changes, and policy issues. Synthesizes findings into clear, actionable recommendations for leadership consideration. (5%)
• Other duties as assigned. (5%)
• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave and policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the program area.
• Knowledge of the legislative and rulemaking processes and associated tracking systems.
• Strong skills in research, data analysis, performance measurement, and policy evaluation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Skill in:

• Skilled in organizing workloads and setting priorities to complete multiple assigned tasks by deadlines.
• Skilled in using computers and applicable software for reporting and analysis.

Ability to:

• Ability to interpret state and federal regulations.
• Ability to coordinate and organize multiple program activities and initiatives.
• Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with all levels of staff, stakeholders external and internal entities.
• Ability to build effective working relationships; convene groups and interact with stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to coordinate and organize multiple program activities and initiatives.
• Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to lead and provide guidance to others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Prefer relevant certifications: Project Manager certification or Certified Project coordinator

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in business administration, computer information systems, management information systems, public administration or a related field is generally preferred. Education and experience may be substituted for one another year for year. Minimum 3 years of experience working as business administration, project manager or coordinator, including 2-3 years of project management responsibility.

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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.