Texas Health Steps Program Specialist IV

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.

Job Description: The Program Policy team within the Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) Office of Policy is seeking a Program Specialist IV. This position performs a broad spectrum of highly-complex (senior level), consultative services and technical assistance work for Medicaid and CHIP Services, including Texas Health Steps (THSteps), Community First Choice, and Personal Care Services programs. May also work on special projects. 

The Program Specialist IV’s primary responsibilities include:

• Lead Program Policy subject matter expert and processor of the First Dental Home/Oral Evaluation Fluoride Varnish certification;
• Research and analyze policy to respond to inquiries, update content in public documents and websites, and manage shared mailboxes;

• Participate in and help facilitate meetings with stakeholders, including Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) staff, Medicaid providers, contractors, and the public;

• Coordinate and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to create and update policies, procedures, contract requirements, business rules, and communications; and

• Support the MCS Legislative Coordinator’s work related to Texas Legislative sessions.

The ideal candidate 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. 

This position works under limited supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The Program Specialist IV reports to a Manager for Program Policy in the MCS Division. 

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: (25%) Serves as the Policy lead for processing and reviewing applications for First Dental Home/Oral Evaluation Fluoride Varnish (FDH/OEFV) certifications. Reviews FDH/OEFV applications for completeness and verifies compliance with certification requirements.  

EJF #2: (25%) Monitors and responds to inquiries. Provides support to internal and external stakeholders, including DSHS regional staff, providers, and the general public by providing timely and accurate information when responding to inquiries, feedback, and requests. Plans, coordinates, and facilitates monthly virtual and occasional in-person meetings between MCS state office and DSHS regional staff. As part of this work, sets agendas, records minutes, and action items, and ensures follow-up on action items.

EJF #3: (25%) Conducts policy research and analysis and assists with policy manual revisions, training, and quality assurance. Collects and prepares data for reports, letters, documents, and project updates with accuracy and completeness. Prepares administrative or programmatic reports, including State Impact Surveys, provider enrollment lists, and Medicaid/CHIP Contract Administration Tracking System (MCATS) correspondence. Sends out provider notices and coordinates updates for the HHSC public website. Acts as the open records coordinator for THSteps Program Policy team

EJF #4: (15%) Supports the MCS Legislative Coordinator’s work related to the Texas Legislative session. Tracks bill lists and bill analysis assignments. Gathers data, documents, and reports related to bills for MCS leadership. Supports weekly MCS leadership meetings during legislative sessions.

EJF #5: (10%) Performs other duties as assigned.  

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: N/A

Knowledge of:

• State government agency policies and practices. 
• Health and human services agencies and programs. 

Skill in:

• Communicating clearly, accurately, concisely, and effectively orally and in writing. Using computers and software programs, including Microsoft Office Suite. 
• Managing email and answering phone calls from the public.
  
• Developing creative and workable solutions to problems.
• Coordinating meetings.
  
  

Ability to:

• Respond to inquiries from staff, internal stakeholders, providers, external stakeholders, and the public sent to shared email boxes and or received via phone calls.
• Plan and coordinate assignments and activities between programs, agencies and other organizations. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with HHSC staff, staff from other agencies, internal stakeholders, and external stakeholders. 
• Prioritize workload assignments to meet established deadlines. 
• Research, gather, synthesize, and analyze information.
• Develop presentations, recommendations, and reports. 
• Take initiative and think creatively. 
• Work effectively under limited supervision in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment. 
  
  

Initial Screening Criteria:

(1) A high school diploma and three years of work experience in a health and human services field;

(2) Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college; or 

(3) A master’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Screening criteria: 

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in public health, social work, public affairs, or public administration.

Work experience in a health and human services field. 

Additional Information:

Additional information about the programs this position supports can be found in the 2022 edition of the Texas Medicaid Pink Book:

https://www.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/texas-medicaid-chip-reference-guide-14th-edition.pdf.

HHSC is a qualifying organization for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments.

Additional benefits of joining the MCS Office of Policy include:

• Leadership commitment to invest in and foster your professional growth and career advancement.
• Being part of a team that impacts the lives of millions of Texans that depend on Texas Medicaid throughout Texas.
• Being on the ground level of healthcare policy development and implementation, including the opportunity to work closely with stakeholders such as federal partners, providers, advocates, managed care organizations, and other health care contractors.
• Engagement with the Texas legislative process, including the opportunity to analyze and inform legislators of potential impact of proposed bills.
• The opportunity to learn and engage with multiple domains of the healthcare delivery system, including managed care, fee-for-service, federal-state Medicaid partnerships and other activities related to the administration of the Medicaid program.

The final salary offer is dependent on factors such as Human Resources policies and available budget.

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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.