Community Support 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: Community Support Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist III 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Comm Spt/Coll-Eligibility 
Posting Number: 3364 
Closing Date: 07/29/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19 
Salary Range: $4,020.33 - $6,335.66 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 65% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: BEAUMONT 
Job Location Address: 3105 EXECUTIVE BLVD 
Other Locations: Dallas; Fort Worth; Garland; Grand Prairie 
MOS Codes: 1572 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

The Community Partner Program (CPP) establishes partnerships with community and faith-based organizations that promote self-service and self-sufficiency by helping individuals apply for and manage their Medicaid, CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits through YourTexasBenefits.com and the Your Texas Benefits mobile app.

The Community Support Specialist (CSS) works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment. The CSS reports to the Regional Program Supervisor and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to expand awareness of CPP programs and provide expertise in various HHSC benefits programs such as Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The CSS work involves providing consultative services and sharing best practices and resources with Community Partners. Responsibilities include partner recruitment, coordination of stakeholder engagement, participation in program development, planning, implementation, analysis, and evaluation activities, and delivery of informational presentations. The CSS will work independently and as a team member with offices in multiple locations across the state. Community engagement and partner support may often require work outside of regular hours. The CSS will travel to the assigned region, and occasional travel may be required to other work locations. Performs other duties as assigned or required to maintain efficient department operations and attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and is willing to utilize personal vehicle to travel at 65% of the time.

This role is not just a job; it is an opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of many, fostering a healthier and more supported community across Texas. If you are passionate about driving change and eager to contribute to a team that goes above and beyond to serve, we want to hear from you. Why Should I Work For CPP?
 

The Community Partner Program is not only a qualifying organization for the Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments, but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity as well as Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

To learn more about how CPP makes a difference in our community, click on the link: Building Bridges: A Guide to the CPP Program

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Partnership Recruitment and Retention 35% Conducts assessment of governmental, faith-and community-based organizations within assigned regions (County/Counties). Develops yearly recruitment goals based on assessment and collaboration with the Regional Manager. Engages, informs, and educates local organizations to recruit new Community Partners and maintains a record of all recruitment activities. In accordance with the recruitment plan, CSS will conduct recruitment presentations, identify potential community partners, and achieve recruitment goals for the year. Assist with the onboarding of new community partner organizations by coordinating and collaborating with CPP staff to establish formal partnerships via a non-financial agreement.

Program Support and Training 35% Will provide ongoing support, training, and technical assistance. Program support includes technical assistance, troubleshooting and problem-solving, in-person visits, and remote access. contact, training, newsletters, and presentations. Plans, coordinates, and facilitates stakeholder meetings to provide programmatic updates and training. Training includes information on HHSC benefits programs, CPP policies and procedures, and YourTexasBenefits.com. Assist with Community Partner Program Forums. Represents HHSC at external stakeholder meetings, events, and workshops as requested.

Data Collection, Assessment/Evaluation, and Program Development 20% Documents information on all program activities using HHS designated database. Participates in ongoing evaluation, data collection, and quality improvement initiatives to strengthen the work of the CPP. Identifies, and analyzes self-service data and assists in reviewing, verifying, and resolving trends in CPP, eligibility, and TIERS data collected through the self-service application, CPP Website, and State Portal. Identifies trends, best practices and provides recommendations for projects and opportunities for improvement and assists in preparing programs and evaluation reports.

Other Duties 10% Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of HIPAA and other privacy laws and policies.

Knowledge of HHSC Community Partner Program

Knowledge of SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, CHIP, Healthy Texas Women, and MEPD programs

Knowledge of HHS benefits eligibility policies, processes, procedures, and systems.

Knowledge and skills for communicating and coordinating with diverse groups/staff

Skill in effective communication both orally and in writing.

Skill in program organization, administration, and problem-solving.

Skill in meeting facilitation, organization, and planning.

Skill in providing individual and group training and technical assistance related to technology and programming.

Skill in meeting project goals and deliverables, managing multiple and competing priorities, tracking, and monitoring and evaluating project progress.

Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions.

Ability to provide proof of a valid driver’s license.

Ability to utilize personal vehicle to travel 65% of the time.

Ability to use personal computer application software (Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook).

Ability to navigate TIERS, State Portal, Workflow Management Systems, YourTexasBenefits.com and the mobile app to provide information and solve issues.

Ability to translate technical information into easily understandable language.

Ability to work independently.

Ability to interact effectively and professionally with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with managers, co-workers, the public, stakeholders, government officials, and partners.

Ability to provide accurate and best-in-class customer service.

Ability to use, troubleshoot, problem solve, and train others to use technology (websites, databases, software).

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Possession of a valid US driver’s license.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Experience with HHSC benefits programs such as Medicaid, CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), as well as proficiency in using web-based applications preferred

Experience working with YourTexasBenefits.com, the YourTexasBenefits.com mobile app, Salesforce, CRM Systems, and TWIST preferred.

Experience in presenting and communicating with diverse stakeholders and groups

High School diploma or GED equivalent is required

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.