Program Specialist V

Job Description: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Medicaid CHIP Services (MCS) department seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Program Specialist V. MCS is driven by its mission to deliver quality, cost-effective services to Texans. The Vendor Drug Program (VDP) manages the pharmacy benefit for Texans enrolled in the state-federal Medicaid and CHIP programs. This position significantly contributes to MCS's mission by serving as a project manager for major projects in VDP.

The Program Specialist V is selected by and reports to the Program Manager of the Project Management section in the Vendor Drug Program (VDP). The Program Specialist develops, oversees, and monitors the progress of pharmacy benefit projects throughout the project life cycle. The Program Specialist ensures consistent and effective steps are used to implement pharmacy benefit policies and procedures and evaluates for risks, issues, and areas for improvement. The Program Specialist coordinates with staff to determine the potential impacts of changes to pharmacy benefit policies and procedures on other program areas within HHSC.

The Program Specialist ensures that quality standards for project documentation are met and appropriately archived at the project closure. The program specialist coordinates and facilitates meetings and communicates regularly with internal and external stakeholders involved and/or impacted by a pharmacy benefit project.

The Program Specialist creates reports and provides regular project status updates to executive management, the project team, and stakeholders. The Program Specialist develops and maintains a strong working knowledge of all aspects of the pharmacy benefits policies and procedures. Work is performed under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position is currently eligible for telework for 2-3 days of the week. Telework policy is subject to change. The hired candidate must live in the Austin area.
 

Essential Job Functions: Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

EJF 1 (30%) Initiates, coordinates, plans, evaluates, and executes pharmacy benefit policy projects using accepted project management methodologies. Monitors and manages project schedules and work plans. May monitor and manage multiple projects to ensure major project milestones are met and implementation dates are met. Facilitates coordination of pharmacy benefit policy projects across HHSC to ensure required staff members are involved in and aware of ongoing policy projects that may impact various Medicaid programs. Identifies potential risks and issues that may impact a project and develops strategies to mitigate or avoid them.

EJF 2 (20%) Monitors and manages project quality to ensure project deliverables are acceptable and meet established standards. Develops reports for management and stakeholders regarding pending, ongoing, and completed policy projects. Monitors the implementation of pharmacy benefit policies to ensure that project deliverables are acceptable, and that contractors' work meets expectations. May develop project budgets, cost estimates, and projections. May monitor and manage project cost to ensure project completion within allocated budget. Compiles and distributes project status reports and budget expenditures. May develop criteria for evaluating programs, proposals, and other pertinent information related to project assignments.

EJF 3 (20%) Ensures that communication related to individual projects are timely, accurate and directed to appropriate staff. Ensures information is appropriate for targeted audience and adjusts the language or information as necessary. Serves as a point of contact for areas within HHSC, other HHS agency staff and external stakeholders including the Medicaid claims administrator and managed care organizations regarding issues, project timelines and implementation, rate analysis hearings, and other related project issues. Communicates and explains project methodology and processes to interested groups and team members.

EJF 4 (20%) Ensures transition from pharmacy benefit development to implementation occurs in a timely and appropriate manner. Works with other members of the pharmacy benefit team to support policy projects from initiation through closure by identifying and removing barriers to timely implementation of quality pharmacy benefit policies.

EJF 5 (10%) Assigns project-related tasks to others and ensures deadlines are met. Performs other duties as assigned.  

Knowledge Skills Abilities: Experience in project management and practices applicable to small to complex projects. Experience with project management oversight, including monitoring deadlines and compliance with policies and procedures relevant to the project. Experience with identifying project risks and developing recommendations to address the risks. Experience with leading and working within a diverse team environment. Experience in performing program evaluation, research, and performance management work. Experience with state and federal laws and regulations governing the Medicaid program. Experience in working with SharePoint and its applications. Experience with facilitating meetings and providing notes. Experience with exercising sound judgment in making decisions. Experience with communicating effectively both verbally and in writing. Experience in Microsoft Office applications or similar programs.