Program Specialist V

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 V 
Job Title: Program Specialist V 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Comm Spt/Coll-Eligibility 
Posting Number: 7217 
Closing Date: 08/12/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 
Salary Range: $5,888.50 - $7,253.83 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 45% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
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,86M0,86P0,88A0,88B0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Access and Eligibility Services (AES) Community Access (CA) Community Engagement (CE) department is looking for individuals who want to join an exciting and dynamic team working in a high performing and innovative environment. AES provides an integrated and streamlined approach to connect individuals to services and supports to reduce institutionalization, allow individuals to remain in their communities, and promote economic and personal self-sufficiency. AES is built on its core values of respect, ownership, collaboration, and integrity. AES strived to achieve its goals of delivering best in class customer service to clients and stakeholders; strengthening program oversight, integrity, and accuracy; seeking innovative ways to streamline and improve service delivery; creating and promoting a culture of excellence; and promoting departmental efficiencies and responsible stewardship of agency resources.

SNAP Outreach is dedicated to raising awareness about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) across Texas communities. The program collaborates with community organizations to inform low-income households about SNAP’s availability, eligibility requirements, and application procedures. Our goal is to empower individuals to access the benefits they need through self-service tools, ultimately fostering economic and personal self-sufficiency.

As a Program Specialist V, you will directly support the SNAP Outreach Program within Community Engagement. The Program Specialist V works under minimal direction, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position will bring essential awareness and access to SNAP benefits, helping low-income households across Texas achieve economic stability. The ideal candidate will thrive in an environment that emphasizes innovation through new ideas, striving for excellence by taking pride in their work, leading by example, and learning for continuous improvement.

The Program Specialist V is expected to attend work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with HHSC leave policy. The candidate hired for this job is required to work the hours of 8 AM to 5 PM for the first six months of employment. Supervisors may consider alternate work scheduled after the first six months of employment based on performance, responsibilities, and the needs of the team. However, alternate work schedules are not guaranteed.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF1. Stakeholder Relations and Communication

Serves as a program liaison and subject matter expert (SME) for SNAP Outreach within the community access division of AES, supporting the successful execution of program design, goals, and initiatives. Provides comprehensive support and guidance to internal and external stakeholders on related activities and services targeting populations served by the program. This involves policy interpretation and application, serving as a subject matter expert on SNAP, and providing consultative services to potential stakeholders and management on program operations. Facilitates discussions with community leaders and members to identify barriers and develop plans to improve access to services. Conducts outreach with community- and faith-based leaders to assess their involvement with and barriers to SNAP Outreach and/or referral programs. Coordinates and conducts organizational studies of potential stakeholders, including reviewing systems and procedures. Additionally, engages with community and professional groups to coordinate, enhance, and foster interest in the program(s) and to secure support for its objectives. (30%)

EJF2. Programmatic Monitoring

Monitors required performance reports, compliance with program policies, procedures, statutes, and rules for SNAP Outreach, and service delivery system methods, outputs, activities, and trends. Reviews operations and problems, prepares reports of findings and recommendations, and justifies procedural or policy changes. Collects, organizes, analyzes, and/or prepares materials in response to requests for program information and reports. Evaluates research findings relative to specific projects. Reviews program area functions and operations, identifies areas needing change, and develops improvement plans. Tracks progress toward program goals and objectives, conducts site visits or inspections, and oversees the timely completion of program reports. Analyzes program data and prepares reports for internal and external stakeholders, collaborating with finance and accounting teams to ensure accurate financial management (30%)

EJF3. Programmatic Support

Provides support for the development and implementation of the awarded project, ensuring the collaborative functioning of any project partners, sub-recipients, or contractors. Serves as backup to the Program Specialist VII. Participates in committees or work groups regarding program area, new departmental statewide initiatives, and other projects as assigned. Documents program-related meetings by creating formal meeting agendas and minutes for distribution to attendees. Represents the SNAP Outreach/Community Engagement team on project-specific activities as needed. Plans, prioritizes, and performs various technical, training, research, planning, policy, program assessments, and administrative activities for assigned program(s). Oversees service delivery, provides high-level technical assistance, and identifies efficiencies. Develops executive briefing documents, issue papers, and memoranda for executive decision-making. Monitors required administrative and performance reports, studies, and specialized projects, recommending appropriate changes to programs. Collaborates with public and private agencies to resolve problems, identify training needs, and discuss program effectiveness. Oversees the administrative aspects of federal awards and prepares program budget requests. Provides quality assurance and technical assistance to contractors. Performs other assigned duties based on program and business needs. (20%)

EJF4. Policy Support and Legislative Analysis

Assists with legislative analysis, data entry, and program evaluation projects as directed by the Supervisor, working independently and cross-functionally within a team. Develops policy documents, including federal waivers, state plan development and amendments, policy reports, and audit documents. Prepares high-quality briefing documents, issue papers, correspondence, bill analysis, and memoranda for senior and executive management review and decision-making. Analyzes legislation to develop recommendations for policy in programmatic issues relating to the implementation, improvement, and/or expansion or reduction of program funding. Ensures compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules, taking corrective action(s) as needed. Communicates or presents information to stakeholders, management, and legislative staff upon request. Completes the annual state plan and attends FNS meetings. Creates and maintains the Program’s standard operating procedures in collaboration with agency stakeholders. Monitors the grantee’s compliance with contracted activities and deliverables in partnership with internal stakeholders. (15%)

EJF5. Perform other duties as assigned based on program and business needs. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Project management strategies and procedures.
• Government organization and administration
• The Community Partner Program.
• SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, and CHIP services.
• TIERS, State Portal, Datamart, YourTexasBenefits.com, and/or the mobile app to provide information and solve application assistance issues.

Skill in:

• Establishing project goals and deliverables and managing multiple priorities.
• Tracking and monitoring project progress.
• Identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions.
• Working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.
• Analyzing and evaluating complex program and policy issues.
• Communication and public speaking.

Ability to:

• Interpret data and develop reports and effective operating procedures.
• Organize and present information effectively, orally and in writing to diverse audiences.
• Lead in an environment of change.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff at all levels of an organization, agencies, providers, stakeholders, and elected officials.
• Develop and implement effective customer service systems.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate work among contracted and non-contracted staff.
• Perform work with a high degree of attention to detail.
• Work independently and operate effectively within established guidelines and timeframes.
• Lead project teams, work with multiple stakeholders, and provide oversight to contracted vendors.
• Write and revise standards and procedures.
• Evaluate and make recommendations for program improvements.
• Train others and provide technical assistance.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

(1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in Social Work, Psychology, Business, Political Science, or a related field. Experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis. 

(2) Experience researching, interpreting, and analyzing complex federal and state policies and legislation. 

(3) Three years or more experience in monitoring governmental programs, including analyzing federal and state rules and regulations. 

(4) Three years or more of work experience working with Health and Human Service programs, preferred.  

(5) Experience with legislative processes, preferred. 

Additional Information:

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies. Telework is not guaranteed.

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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.