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.

Functional Title: Program Specialist VI 
Job Title: Program Specialist VI 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Family Clinical Services Manag 
Posting Number: 9007 
Closing Date: 09/22/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $8,304.83 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 15% 
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,86M0,86P0,88A0,88B0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under the supervision of the Manager of Policy and Quality in Family Clinical Services (FCS), the Program Specialist VI serves as the subject matter expert for the following programs: Title V Maternal and Child Health Fee-for-Service (TVFFS), Primary Health Care (PHC) and the Parkland Senior Care Project. Manages programmatic day-to-day contact, as needed, with grantees. Participates in programmatic and policy team efforts for the procurement of grantees. Identifies and develops, in consultation with clinical staff and FCS leadership, training and technical assistance for grantees, internal staff, and other stakeholders. Participates in the planning, implementation, administration, and evaluation of program and FCS initiatives. Responsible for reviewing and adding or amending program policies to meet applicable federal and state statutes and/or other guidance. Monitors grantees for program compliance. Leads or supports special projects as directed that impact FCS section programs, policies, or operations. Provides additional support, as needed, to other FCS programs including the Family Planning, Breast and Cervical Cancer Services, Mobile Health Units, and County Indigent Health Care.

Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

PROGRAM & POLICY SUPPORT: Serves as subject matter expert and point of contact for the following programs: Title V Maternal and Child Health Fee-for-Service (TVFFS), Primary Health Care (PHC) and the Parkland Senior Care Project. May support other programs as well. Oversees the development and implementation of administrative code, statutory requirements, and other related program content. Plans and implements program activities in accordance with program goals and objectives. Participates in the development, review and revision of statements of work, requests for applications, evaluation tools and other contract and reimbursement documents, as needed. Develops effective internal processes and procedures as needed; consults with other impacted areas as needed. Collects, organizes, analyzes, and prepares material in response to requests for program information, policy interpretations, and reports. Identifies, tracks, documents issues and reports on progress related to health programs policies, activities, and initiatives to ensure timely follow up and satisfactory resolution. Analyzes legislation for potential impacts and participates in the development of bill analysis and cost estimates during legislative sessions, as needed. (35%) 

POLICY RESEARCH & DATA ANALYSIS: Conducts policy research and data analysis to monitor grant deliverables, evaluate program outcomes, and develop recommendations for policy and programmatic issues relating to the implementation, improvement, or expansion of programs. Identifies, tracks and documents issues and trends to ensure timely follow up and satisfactory resolution. Facilitates focus groups, develops surveys, conducts literature reviews, and other types of data collection methods. Develops or contributes to the development and analysis of program data reports. Participates in development of topic nominations, including utilization and cost estimates, as needed. Develops policy briefing documents, based on data analysis and policy research, for leadership review and approval. Collaborates with third-party evaluators, FCS data analysts, HHSC Data, Analytics and Performance (DAP), and others as needed. (20%)

PROGRAM AND POLICY COMMUNICATIONS: Writes, reviews, revises, and edits policy content of FCS publications including provider manuals, provider bulletins, social media posts, handouts, webinars and other training materials, and other client and provider communications. Maintains program content on HHSC and other websites. Collaborates with other areas to ensure documents are translated and made accessible. Prepares and conducts presentations in collaboration with others to internal and external stakeholders on program(s), policies and other applicable topics. (20%)

MONITORING: Participates in quality assurance activities for assigned programs. Reviews, monitors, and evaluates grantee’s compliance with applicable laws, statute, rules, and program policies. Participates in entrance and exit calls with grantees. Provides verbal and written finding reports. Develops, reviews and modifies monitoring tools as needed. Evaluates grantee responses to Finding reports and corrective action plans and provides feedback, training and technical assistance as needed. (20%)

OTHER DUTIES: Performs other duties as assigned to support the agency, division, and department. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Programmatically relevant health policies, programs, and initiatives at the federal, state, and local level.
• Contract and project management principles and practices.
• Evidence-based interventions, clinic operations, and promotion and outreach activities.

Skill in:

• Providing timely, accurate, and effective communications.
• Use of a computer and applicable software.
• Project management, coordination, collaboration and time management.
• Developing surveys and other methods of data collection, analysis and reporting.

Ability to:

• Meet multiple competing deadlines, identify and promptly communicate issues, and shift priorities as needed.
• Collect, analyze, interpret and present data in a clear, concise and understandable format.
• Meet multiple competing deadlines, identify and promptly communicate issues, and shift priorities as needed.
• Research and analyze policies, programs, rules, and legislation.
• Plan, organize, and facilitate productive meetings with a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Think critically, identify and analyze problems, and proactively demonstrate initiative to resolve issues.
• Work effectively at all levels in an organization.
• Engage in effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Initiate crucial conversations to resolve issues.
• Navigate webcast and video conferencing software and successfully utilize Microsoft Office Products.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Required:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in public health, social work, or a related field.

Preferred:

Work experience in public health program administration or state policy work.

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.