Program Specialist V

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Functional Title: Program Specialist V 
Job Title: Program Specialist V 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: UR Wav & Comm Srvs Ran Mmt St 
Posting Number: 7433 
Closing Date: 08/22/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
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 75% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: WACO 
Job Location Address: 801 AUSTIN AVE STE B-30 
Other Locations: Waco; Austin; Fort Worth; Georgetown; Lockhart; Longview; Mexia; Round Rock; San Marcos; Temple 
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,86P0,88A0,88B0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Medicaid CHIP Services (MCS) department seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Program Specialist V or VI. MCS is driven by its mission to deliver quality, cost-effective services to Texans. This position makes a significant contribution to MCS’s mission by ensuring individuals served in our 1915(c) waiver programs and Community Attendant Services (CAS) receive the appropriate type and amount of service.

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.

Under the direct supervision of the Utilization Review Nurse Manager, the utilization review (UR) Program Specialist V: reviews and evaluates individual's records, individual service plans (ISPs), patient assessments, documentation related to Title XIX and Title XX, and state plan Medicaid community services for aged and disabled persons and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD); and conducts face to face interviews with individuals enrolled in the Community Attendant Services (CAS), Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS), Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DBMD), Home and Community-based Services (HCS), and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) programs to determine service justification. Based on the face-to-face assessment, desk review and evaluation of services, the UR Program Specialist V uses program knowledge and expertise to: determine appropriateness and quality of services, cost effectiveness of the service plan, validate determinations of health service needs, and make service authorization decisions.

The UR Program Specialist V conducts a variety of quality assurance reviews, and quality improvement studies. The UR Program Specialist V will evaluate assigned Level of Need (LON) determinations in the IDD waiver programs when assigned to do so. This position works collaboratively with other UR nurses, program specialists, and regional staff to implement an effective statewide UR program and to ensure UR policies and procedures are applied consistently. This position works under the general supervision of the UR Nurse Manager, with moderate latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Conducts desk reviews of required documentation for Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), Medicaid Long Term Care Waiver Programs and Community Attendant Services (CAS). Participates in onsite, televideo, or telephonic interviews of the individuals identified in the random sample. Reviews, evaluates, and documents services provided to aged and disabled persons and persons with intellectual disability to validate service needs, service provision, determine appropriateness, quality, and cost effectiveness of services. (35%)
Makes service authorization decisions on difficult, complicated, and/or targeted cases. (20%)
Conducts a variety of quality assurance reviews and quality improvement studies and evaluates compliance with Medicaid program service requirements, state rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. (10%)
Works collaboratively with other UR nurses and program specialists through routine and ad hoc meetings to implement an effective statewide UR program and to ensure UR policies and procedures are applied consistently. (10%)
Develops, provides resources and technical assistance to regional staff and providers. (10%)
Testifies as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Medicaid fair hearings related to appealed service reductions or denials. (5%)
Produces routine and specialized data and information for program reports. (5%)  

Works collaboratively across MCS to identify innovative and effective solutions for clients and staff. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Must have one year’s experience in the provision of direct services to persons with an intellectual disability. Meets the criteria for designation as a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP). Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in human services or a related field. Thorough knowledge of ID and other developmental disability related conditions, HCS, TxHmL, CLASS, DBMD and ICF/ID program rules, service array and billing guidelines, local authority functions and waiver service system. Awareness of federal and state laws relating to long term care and other Medicaid and non-Medicaid services and programs. Knowledge of program planning, implementation and evaluation and continuous quality improvement.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to interpret statistical information.

Ability to multi-task, handle stress and meet deadlines.

Ability to work collaboratively across MCS to accomplish objectives.

A keen attention to detail and the ability to implement creative solutions to problems.

Able to balance team and individual responsibilities.

Written and verbal communication skills necessary to consult, teach, and provide clear and concise directions and reports.

Ability to: explain and interpret applicable health laws, rules, standards, and regulations; recognize patterns of medical necessity treatment, fraud, abuse, and neglect; use a personal computer, copier, Microsoft Office suite and Outlook e-mail; travel throughout the state as necessary. Must have a valid Texas Driving License and able to travel 75% of the time at current, this may change in the future.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Qualification as a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP) as defined in 42 Code of Federal Regulations 483.430(a) required.  

Initial Screening Criteria:

Must meet the federal definition of a Qualified Intellectual and Developmental Disability Professional. Must have one year’s experience in the provision of direct service to persons with intellectual disability.

Must be able to travel 75% of the time.

Able to use a personal computer and related Microsoft Office software applications.

Experience in utilization review, or quality assurance activities in long term services and supports for the aged and disabled preferred.  

Additional Information:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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

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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.