Transition Specialist

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: Transition Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist V 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Hospitals Section 
Posting Number: 8868 
Closing Date: 10/04/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 
Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $7,253.83 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 5% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 909 W 45TH ST BLDG 552 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,86P0,88A0,88B0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

Under the direction of the Continuity of Services Manager for the Texas State Hospitals (TSH), the Program Specialist V (Transition Specialist) performs advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance in support of the Health and Human Services Commission’s (HHSC) Transition Services. 

Work involves coordinating, implementing, and monitoring transition services for patients who are discharging from the Texas State Hospitals and identifying solutions to capacity management issues across the Texas State Hospitals. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or overall continuity of care operations. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Processes referrals made to the transitional living HHSC Step Down Program as well as other available transition services. Actively engages with all Texas State Hospitals while maintaining direct assignment to San Antonio State Hospital, Kerrville State Hospital and Rio Grande State Center to help identify community-based services to assist with patient transitions out of State Hospitals into more appropriate settings based on their individual needs. Serves as liaison between patients, hospital social workers, LMHA/LBHA’s, LIDDA’s, contractors, state and federal judicial systems, and facility and treatment providers in overseeing the patient’s discharge and continuing care plans. Coordinates and facilitates regular staffing’s through the HHSC Step Down Program. Additional engagement in meetings including but not limited to transition review panels, forensic case consultations and overall care coordination on individuals who may be otherwise discharge ready but are experiencing barriers to state hospital discharge. (40%)

Serves as a member of an interdisciplinary team to help identify and facilitate resolution to capacity management issues across the Texas State Hospitals with a focus on complex, long-term cases. Evaluates patient’s support system and available community resources and facilities. Conducts review of family or social support resources to identify options for alternatives to guardianship. Works with social workers to obtain a Certificate of Medical Examination if guardianship is an identified need. Completes referrals for guardianship services as needed. (10%)

Collects and analyzes system data pertaining to capacity management and possible barriers to patient discharges. Consults with public and private stakeholders, agencies, and agency staff to identify and solve problems as well as identify training or resource needs. (20%)

Oversees the coordination and delivery of the HHSC Step Down Program presentations to community organizations, professional groups, and other governmental agencies. (10%)

Develops policies, procedures, standards and handbooks. Provides program policies, guidance and consultation, as well as program technical assistance to staff, contractors, internal and external agencies, clients, families and the public. (5%)

Analyzes legislation, provides written analysis and develops recommendations for policy and programmatic issues relating to the implementation and improvement of the HHSC Step Down Program.  Oversees research, analysis, and evaluation activities on program and policy issues and program initiatives. Oversees the preparation of responses to agency, public, stakeholder, and legislative inquiries regarding the program. (10%)

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of Texas State Hospital operations.

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to agency programs.

Knowledge of health and human services programs, services, policies, and procedures.

Awareness of guardianship principles and services.

Knowledge of community resources.

Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

Skills in problem identification, analysis, and resolution.

Skill in using computer software including word processing, databases, spreadsheets and graphic software.

Ability to make professional presentations and provide training.

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, including preparation of detailed reports.

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts.

Ability to market programs effectively.

Ability to develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None required.

Licensed Social Worker preferred.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a human services field such as psychology, counseling, social work, nursing, or healthcare administration is preferred.

At least one year experience working in or with social or community services required.

At least one year presenting program data to individuals or groups.

Additional Information:

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

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.