Program Specialist VI

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.

Brief Job Description:

The Program Specialist VI (PS VI) reports to the Local Procedure Development and Support (LPDS) Manager V within the Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Services division. The PS VI assists in the development and refinement of policies and procedures for Medicaid funded ICF/IID, HCS and TxHmL waiver programs, and projects funded by the money follows the person demonstration initiative. The PS VI participates in cross-functional workgroups implementing statewide changes in service delivery practices, requirements, or structures. The PS VI works with minimal supervision and significant latitude for independent judgement and performs highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance related to the following electronic systems:

• Client Assignment and Registration (CARE),
• Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) Long-term Care (LTC) Online Portal,
• Community Services Interest List (CSIL),
• Slot Tracking,
• Service Authorization System Online (SASO), and
• Your Texas Benefits (YTB) online web portal.

On behalf of IDD Services, the PS VI serves as the unit’s point of contact regarding system related questions and issues and is responsible for monitoring the unit’s shared email box, researching issues, determining appropriate action, creating information technology tickets, tracking the tickets through to resolution, and reporting information to management on a regular basis regarding defects and/or trends in data entry errors. The PS VI provides technical assistance and training to LIDDAs and IDD Services staff. The PS VI participates in assigned internal and external workgroups as a subject matter expert and may serve as a backup to the unit’s lead project manager on projects related to improving existing electronic systems or implementing new systems, which may involve assisting with information technology change requests, project concept forms, and lean business case documents, assisting with writing user stories and conducting user acceptance testing. The PS VI must have knowledge of IDD Services programs and the LIDDA’s roles and responsibilities to effectively communicate system requirements and provide technical assistance. The PS VI  may consult with state, public, and private stakeholders to resolve complaints and inquiries and to obtain feedback on assigned projects. The PS VI assists with development of user guides, information letters, forms, form instructions handbooks, and other internal and external communications. The PS VI may develop and provide system trainings to internal and external users, which may include creating written training material, PowerPoint presentations, and short video demonstrations. The PS VI ensures HHSC style guide is followed, and documents are routed for approval within the timelines specified in policy and procedures. The PS VI may conduct legislative analysis to identify programmatic issues or concerns and assists with assigned implementation plans for passed legislation. The PS VI completes all tasks timely to timelines and goals are met. The PS VI provides regular updates and reports to the LPDS Manager V and/or Director II. The PS VI performs other related work as assigned.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

1. Participates in internal and external workgroups as a subject matter expert. Serves as a backup to the unit’s lead project manager on projects related to improving existing electronic systems or implementing new systems. Assists with information technology change requests, project concept forms, and lean business case documents, user stories and user acceptance testing.  (35%)
2. Monitors a shared email box, researches issues, determines appropriate action, creates IT tickets, and tracks and reports defects and other trends. Provides technical assistance to LIDDAs and IDD Services staff. (30%)
3. Assists with writing user guides, information letters, forms, form instructions handbooks, and other internal and external communications. Creates written training material, PowerPoint presentations, and short video demonstrations and conducts internal and external training. (15%)
4. Performs special assignments regarding initiatives affecting LIDDAs. Assists in development and refinement of policies and procedures for ICF/IID, TxHmL and HCS waiver programs and general revenue services. Participates in cross-functional workgroups to implement changes in policy changes and service delivery practices. (15%)
5. Performs legislative analysis, as assigned, to determine impacts to the electronic systems  and system related projects. Processes inquiries, complaints, commissioner assignments, and legislature assignments, as assigned and logging in the inquiries and complaints tracking system. Serves as backup to LPDS manager as needed. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Experience working with local intellectual and developmental disability authorities (LIDDAs) in the field of the Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) waiver programs.  
• Experience working with electronic systems used by IDD Services and LIDDAs (i.e., CARE, CSIL, Slot Tracking, LTC Online Portal, SASO, TIERS, and YTB).
• Experience developing documents, such as user guides, forms, handbooks, training materials or other official documents.
• Expereince in using MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook on a daily basis.
• Experience collecting, recording, and reporting information.
• Communicates effectively in person and in writing.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a field relevant to the position is preferred. However, experience and education may be substituted for one another. Experience and knowledge in the field of services for persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities is required. Knowledge of LIDDAs and their roles and responsibilities is preferred. Knowledge of the HCS and TxHmL waiver programs services and supports for persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities is required.  Experience working in the following HHSC systems is preferred: Client Assignment and Registration System (CARE), Community Services Interest List (CSIL), Slot Tracking, Long Term Care Online Portal.

Additional Information:

N/A

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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.