A&M Program Specialist 1

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: A&M Program Specialist 1 
Job Title: Program Specialist I 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Appeals & Mitigation 
Posting Number: 9424 
Closing Date: 10/17/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-17 
Salary Range: $3,581.33 - $5,372.41 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 20% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: ORANGE 
Job Location Address: 2222 GLORIA DR 
Other Locations: Abilene; Alamo; Alice; Alpine; Alvin; Amarillo; Anahuac; Andrews; Angleton; Anson; Aransas Pass; Archer City; Arlington; Athens; Atlanta; Austin; Bacliff; Ballinger; Bandera; Bastrop; Bay City; Baytown; Beaumont; Bedford; Beeville; Bellville; Big Spring; Boerne; Bonham; Borger; Bowie; Brady; Breckenridge; Brenham; Brownfield; Brownsville; Brownwood; Bryan; Burnet; Caldwell; Cameron; Canton; Canutillo; Carlsbad; Carrizo Springs; Carrollton; Carthage; Center; Centerville; Childress; Clarksville; Cleburne; Cleveland; Coldspring; Columbus; Conroe; Copperas Cove; Corpus Christi; Corsicana; Crockett; Crosby; Crystal City; Cuero; Cypress; Daingerfield; Dallas; Decatur; Del Rio; Denton; Dickinson; Dumas; Duncanville; Eagle Pass; Eastland; Edinburg; El Paso; Elgin; Elsa; Ennis; Fabens; Falfurrias; Floresville; Fort Stockton; Fort Worth; Fredericksburg; Gainesville; Galveston; Garland; Gatesville; Georgetown; Giddings; Gilmer; Goliad; Gonzales; Graham; Granbury; Grand Prairie; Grapevine; Greenville; Hallettsville; Hamilton; Harlingen; Haskell; Hearne; Hemphill; Hempstead; Henderson; Hereford; Hillsboro; Hondo; Houston; Humble; Huntsville; Hurst; Irving; Jacksonville; Jasper; Johnson City; Jourdanton; Karnes City; Katy; Kaufman; Kerrville; Killeen; Kingsville; Kingwood; Kirbyville; La Grange; Lake Jackson; Lake Worth; Lamesa; Lampasas; Lancaster; Laredo; Levelland; Lewisville; Liberty; Linden; Littlefield; Livingston; Llano; Lockhart; Longview; Lubbock; Lufkin; Lumberton; Madisonville; Marble Falls; Marfa; Marlin; Marshall; Mcallen; Mckinney; Mercedes; Meridian; Mesquite; Mexia; Midland; Mineola; Mineral Wells; Mission; Monahans; Mount Pleasant; Mount Vernon; Nacogdoches; Navasota; New Boston; New Braunfels; Odessa; Orange; Palestine; Pampa; Paris; Pasadena; Pearland; Pearsall; Pecos; Perryton; Pharr; Pittsburg; Plainview; Plano; Pollok; Port Arthur; Port Lavaca; Presidio; Quitman; Raymondville; Refugio; Richardson; Richmond; Rio Grande City; Robstown; Rockwall; Rosenberg; Round Rock; Rowlett; Rusk; San Angelo; San Antonio; San Benito; San Juan; San Marcos; San Saba; Schertz; Seguin; Seminole; Seymour; Sherman; Silsbee; Sinton; Snyder; Socorro; Sonora; South Houston; Stephenville; Sugar Land; Sulphur Springs; Sweetwater; Taylor; Temple; Terrell; Texarkana; Texas City; The Woodlands; Tomball; Trinity; Tyler; Uvalde; Van Horn; Vernon; Victoria; Waco; Washington; Watauga; Waxahachie; Weatherford; Webster; Weslaco; Wharton; Wichita Falls; Woodville; Zapata 
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Job Description

Performs complex SNAP, CHIP, CHIP Perinatal and Medicaid case administrative reviews and determines eligibility for retroactive coverage. Work involves resolving complaints, performing routine consultative services, providing technical assistance, facilitating extensive coordination, and problem solving related to Appeals for SNAP, CHIP and Medicaid cases. Evaluates adherence to contracts, policies, procedures, guidelines, and implements agency program policies to ensure compliance with Health and Human Services (HHS) program requirements. Work involves assisting with the identification of recurring issues within the agencies or programs, and notifying management with developed recommendations, options, and solutions to improve or address areas of concern. May supervise the work of others. Works under moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 

Essential Job Functions:

 Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. Researches, analyzes, interprets and applies complex for SNAP,  Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) policies and procedures when applicants or clients disagree with an adverse action regarding eligibility or when a client requests Retroactive coverage. Completes Requests for Review (RFR) tasks accurately and timely. Provides accurate correspondence after each case review. Follows information security protocol policies and procedures in order to maintain the confidentiality of client records. Maintains and updates case records and associated systems according to established policies and procedures. Documents case record using automated equipment to establish a record for each client. 

(20%) Communicates and facilitates verbally or in writing effectively and displays courtesy when interacting with internal or external customers. Effectively and efficiently addresses, investigates and resolves complex CHIP and Appeal complaints and inquiries, problems, and questions received from internal and external customers regarding SNAP, Medicaid and CHIP program services. Provides appropriate response through accurate interpretation of rules, regulations, and policies related to CHIP Programs. Facilitates and coordinates within Health and Human Services (HHS) and other agencies to facilitate case resolution after case review actions have been completed. Develops and maintains effective internal and external working relationships with agency staff, representatives, other state agencies, federal agencies, or the public. Determines trends and resolves technical issues as it relates to the delivery of services to SNAP, Medicaid and CHIP clients. 

(20%) Assists the supervisor with unit activities including (but not limited to), completion of case work to include work assigned to other staff, case reading, mentoring, completion of reports and assignments, and monitoring as assigned. Assists with projects related to program initiatives, participate in projects, committees, or workgroups. Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain the operation of the unit. This position may require travel up to 20% of the time.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of Eligibility programs, requirements, and policies. Knowledge of Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPPA) and Tax Sensitive information regulations. Knowledge of SNAP and Medicaid/ Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and CHIP Perinatal program policy. Knowledge of SNAP, Medicaid and CHIP appeals process. Knowledge of customer relations principles and practices. Knowledge of interviewing techniques to obtain highly personal information, make inquiries, and resolve conflicting statements.  Ability to interpret, analyze, and evaluate complex program policy and rules and regulations and make accurate assessments. Skill in the use of computer and programs such as Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel, Word, and Power Point. Skill in the use of TIERS, State Portal, Maximus Enrollment Broker, and other HHS automated systems. Skill in analyzing, evaluating, and resolving highly complex program and policy issues. Skill in interpreting and applying agency, state, and federal rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Skill in the use of automated data systems. Skill in providing customer service. Ability to read, understand, and apply a variety of interrelated instructions, such as those found in guidelines, regulations, and policies. Ability to interpret, analyze, and evaluate complex program policy and rules and regulations and make accurate assessments. Ability to interview clients or authorized representatives to gather information to determine eligibility for benefits. Ability to obtain, verify, and calculate income and resources to determine client financial eligibility. Experience documenting case records using automated equipment to form a record for each client. Ability to explain program benefits or requirements to clients. Manages assigned projects. Ability to communicate on a complex level with others effectively both verbally and in writing to provide, exchange, verify information, answer inquiries, address issues, and respond to inquiries or complaints. Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, analyze facts, identify problems, evaluates alternatives, and implement effective solutions to problems. Ability to effectively organize, prioritize, write, proofread, and prepare concise reports. Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives. Assist in interpreting policy, training new workers, completing unit reports, responding to client complaints, and acting in the supervisor’s absence. Ability to work independently and make independent judgments with limited supervision. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of staff, internal, and external partners. Ability to work with people under pressure, negotiate among multiple parties, and resolve conflicts. Ability to handle multiple tasks/projects requiring flexibility to meet tight deadlines. Ability to  establish priorities according to relative importance, set goals, and manage time efficiently. Ability to train others. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required. Sixty (60) semesters from an accredited college or university is preferred. Sixty (60) semester hours from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one (1) year of required experience.  Two years’ relevant customer service experience with public contact required which can include retail, call center, clerical, hospitality, banking, receptionist, or similar customer service experience.  A minimum of three (3) years' experience as a Texas Works Advisor (TWA) is Required. Experience in reading and interpreting CHIP/CHIP-P policy and procedures is preferred. Required experience in evaluating case records in relation to agency standards for quality and timeliness. Experience in the Appeal/CHIP RFR process and procedures is preferred. Experience in interviewing techniques to obtain highly personal information, making inquiries, and resolving conflicting statements. Required experience in presenting relevant information concerning program policies and procedures to fellow workers, colleagues, clients, and public in a clear and concise manner. Experience providing mentoring support and assistance to staff is preferred.

Additional Information:

****Open to current ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY (AES) TW employees only **** 

Number of positions to be filled: 1

Position can be located in any HHS office where available space can be secured. 

Access and Eligibility Services Field Offices normal hours of operation are from Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Employees may be required to work overtime, as required by management, outside of normal hours of operation, which may include weekends. 

Successful applicants must be willing to work in a highly stressful and fast pace environment, under constant pressure to meet required deadlines. 

Applicants may not have a history of substantiated fraudulent activity against HHSC or any programs it administers. Applicants who have a non-fraud overpayment with an outstanding balance must agree to repay the overpayment balance as a condition of employment. 

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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.