Program Specialist VI, MOM Model Program Lead
AUSTIN, TX
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Functional Title: Program Specialist VI, MOM Model Program Lead
Job Title: Program Specialist VI
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: MOM Timekeeping
Posting Number: 11997
Closing Date: 01/09/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $6,800.00
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework:
Travel:
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:
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS
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Brief Job Description The Delivery System Quality & Innovation (DSQI) Unit within the Medicaid CHIP Services (MCS) Office of Quality and Program Improvement seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Program Specialist VI, Maternal Opioid Misuse (MOM) Model Program Lead. The mission of DSQI is to incentivize, innovate, and educate to improve health care quality. The DSQI Unit develops and implements innovative quality improvement programs and incentives, provides education and technical assistance to increase the adoption of best practices, and evaluates the effectiveness of quality programs and interventions. The Program Specialist VI position will serve as the program lead on the MOM model, an initiative to transform the delivery system and improve continuity of care for pregnant and postpartum women with opioid use disorder (OUD). This innovative state and local partnership has the potential to save lives and impact one of the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States. This position offers considerable exposure to the inner workings of health delivery, contracts and reporting, as well as assessing health outcomes and quality improvement. The MOM Model Program Lead is selected by and directly reports to the Manager in the DSQI Unit and will have considerable autonomy in their work. The MOM Model Program Lead will work closely with state and community stakeholders to continue MOM Model operations in Harris County, implement the MOM Model in Dallas County, and explore options for long-term sustainability of the Model. This position is based in Austin. Currently, this position is funded through August 31, 2027. The option to continue the position is dependent on direction from the Texas Legislature. The ideal candidate has a passion for women’s and maternal health, and/or behavioral health and thrives in an environment that emphasizes teamwork to achieve goals, excellence through high professional standards and personal accountability, curiosity to continuously grow and learn, critical thinking for effective execution, and integrity to do things right even when what is right is not easy. |
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Essential Job Functions (EJFs): Manages implementation of the MOM Model in Harris County and Dallas County. Serves as the HHSC liaison for the MOM Model, coordinating with a team of internal and external MOM Model stakeholders, which includes facilitating weekly meetings with contractors and coordinating data collection and other reports. Assists with close out activities for the MOM Model federal grant. (30%) Develops or implements special initiatives related to the MOM Model or other women’s behavioral health efforts, such as exploring long-term sustainability options. (20%) Maintains MOM Model governing documents including state/local agreements and budgets, operational guidance, policies, and applicable contract amendments within Texas Medicaid. Oversee the MOM Model contractual scope of work requirements and implementation for Dallas County and Harris County. (15%) (15%) Provides support in the contractor payment process by tracking spending and coordinating with MCS contract management to maintain MOM Model contracts. |
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Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
- A keen attention to detail.
- Skill in project management.
- Strong skills in communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
- Skills in conducting policy and data analysis, as well as performing research.
- Skill in synthesizing, analyzing, and evaluating complicated and technical information and translating it into easily understandable and concise documents and oral presentations.
- Skill in developing creative and workable solutions to complex problems and policy issues.
- Experience with exercising sound judgment with limited data and working independently with limited direction.
- Experience in contract management.
- Skill in developing and evaluating policies and procedures; to assess risk and develop contingency plans; and to make recommendations and decisions.
- Ability to negotiate with multiple parties, internally across an organization and externally with stakeholders, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
- Knowledge of federal and state Medicaid and CHIP programs, services, and requirements.
- Familiarity with key concepts of delivery system reform, healthcare innovation, or population health.
- Ability to work cooperatively and effectively in a team environment.
- Skill in communicating and presenting information.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
N/A
Initial Selection Criteria:
- Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a field relevant to healthcare, human services, public health, social work, policy development, research or evaluation, or another related field.
- Work experience in a field related to healthcare research, public health, state government, social work, policy analysis or another related field. Experience in a field related to Medicaid or Substance Use Treatment preferred.
- Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year-per-year basis.
Additional Information:
Additional information about current MOM Model can be found by searching the web for “Maternal Opioid Misuse Model.”
This position is located in Austin and will require in-person attendance in Austin.
An in-basket exercise may be administered.
Any offer is contingent on available funding, the applicant’s qualifications, as well as the requirements of the HHSC Human Resources Manual Chapter 7.
State of Texas employees participate in outstanding benefits:
- Excellent health benefits,
- Lifetime monthly retirement annuity,
- Generous time off benefits.
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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.
Nearest Major Market: Austin