Program Specialist VI

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Functional Title: Program Specialist VI 
Job Title: Program Specialist VI 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Pharmacy Benefits Mgmt SPMP 
Posting Number: 9376 
Closing Date: 10/21/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Office and Administrative Support 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $6,800.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
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: 701 W 51ST ST 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job description:

This position provides highly advanced (senior-level) technical assistance and analytical work. This position oversees the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of materials in response to requests for program information and reports.

Work involves planning, developing, and implementing policies and procedures, and providing analytical services related to medical and prescription drug programs and benefits, consistent with federal and state laws and regulations.

This position requires knowledge of the Medicaid program to provide guidance to Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Services staff, HHSC Forecasting, HHSC Provider Finance, HHSC Actuarial Analysis, HHSC Center for Analytics and Decision Support, Office of the Medical Director, Medical and Dental Benefits Policy, and other state agencies and vendors.

This position provides advanced-level coordination and collaboration with internal and external entities. This position leads projects with limited notice and accelerated timelines to produce expert and diverse results. Duties require strong oral and written communication skills to work with varying departments, agencies, staff persons, clients and providers.

This position works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs other duties as assigned and required to meet the mission and goals of the Medicaid/CHIP Division.

Essential job functions (EFJs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs duties as assigned.

(40%) Provides highly advanced (senior-level) research, analysis, evaluation, and technical assistance in the HHSC Vendor Drug Program of Medicaid and CHIP Services. Oversees the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of materials in response to requests for program information and reports. Work involves planning, developing, and implementing policies and procedures, and providing analytical services related to medical and prescription drug programs and benefits within fee for service and managed care Medicaid, consistent with federal and state laws and regulation.

(30%) Provides technical assistance and guidance related to the outpatient drug benefit to Medicaid and CHIP Services staff, HHSC Forecasting, HHSC Actuarial Analysis, HHSC Provider Finance, HHSC Office of Data Analytics and Performance, Office of the Medical Director, Medical and Dental Benefits Policy, and other state agencies and vendors. Works closely with HHSC staff and contracted vendors to manage clinician administered drug benefits. Provides support and program expertise to staff that oversee managed care Medicaid programs.

(20%) Provides advanced-level coordination and collaboration with internal and external entities including contracted program vendors. Leads projects with limited notice and accelerated timelines to produce expert and diverse results. Uses strong oral and written communication skills to work with varying departments, agencies, staff persons, clients and providers. Capable of composing reports and documents suitable for legislature staff upon request.

(5%) Escalates any issues that present a potential risk to the program. Develops, implements, and manages highly complex projects related to Vendor Drug Program and medical policy.

(5%) Performs other duties as assigned and required to meet the mission and goals in Medicaid and CHIP Services. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Registrations, licensure requirements or certifications:

N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of Medicaid, CHIP, state and federal legislative process, health care programs and policies.

Knowledge of pharmacy and medical benefits provided through public or commercial insured service delivery models; and knowledge of the pharmacy or medical industry and stakeholders.

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the Medicaid and CHIP programs.

Knowledge of government organization and administration.

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems, to provide technical assistance in preparing/editing reports; to communicate effectively, to make executive-level assignments. Strong planning and organizational skills.

Ability to perform work with a high degree of attention to detail.

Ability to problem-solve. Ability to work with multi-levels of staff persons, and both internal and external agencies.

Ability to identify issues that present a potential risk to the Medicaid programs, Medicaid/CHIP Division or agency, including identifying political impacts.

Ability to work independently and operate effectively within established guidelines and timeframes.     

Initial Screening Criteria:

The following criteria is required: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. Related work experience in the pharmaceutical industry (specialty, retail or hospital pharmacy), Medicaid, or managed care organization may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis with a maximum substitution of four (4) years. Has experience with Microsoft products, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.

The following criteria are preferred: Experience in writing and analyzing administrative policies, processes, standards, procedures, regulations and laws pertaining to Medicaid and CHIP outpatient drug programs. Experience in overseeing projects through completion within deadlines. Experience with executing high-level complex coordination, and oral/written communications, to both small and large audiences.

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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.