Program Specialist VI

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: Program Specialist VI

Job Title: Program Specialist VI

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: HHS Provider Finance M/C Admin

Posting Number: 20545

Closing Date: 09/24/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations

Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $8,304.83

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23

Shift: Day

Additional Shift:

Telework: Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 5%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST

Other Locations:

MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS

Brief Job Description:

This position is hybrid, two in-office days per week in Austin. Applicants from outside Texas must be willing to relocate within 30 days of hire.

The Program Specialist VI will provide operational support in the collection and management of data to support the development of payment rates. In addition to ensuring the integrity, security and accessibility of the agencys data. This role will ensure other users can easily use the database or system to find the information they need and that systems perform as they should, liaising with vendors as needed to maintain the system. Work also includes;

Coordinating with internal agency staff and external vendors as it relates to complex systems for collecting statistical and cost data;

Acts as system and database administrator for external cost reporting system, Maintains spreadsheets, large databases, procedures, data instruments, and data tracking systems;

Provides training and operational support/guidance to agency staff and contracted providers on cost reporting systems, state statutes and regulations, and HHSC policies and procedures;

Provides operational support of the cost reporting and tracking systems; as well as interfacing with diverse groups, including other agency staff, medical/provider associations, workgroups, client advocates, attorneys, state/federal auditors, audit managers and audit staff throughout the state, and interested parties regarding data collection and the rate-setting process;

Monitors resource email box for external and internal inquiries; determines appropriate handling of inquiries in accordance with state requests to other business areas, as necessary, and maintains documentation of how inquiries were handled.

Performs other work as assigned or required to maintain and support the office and agency operations;

Participates in fulfilling open records request submissions, ensuring research is completed in a timely manner.

Participates in team meetings, trainings, and other administrative and operational duties related to cross-coordination with other members of the team. Ensures providers training documentation is tracked and maintained.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Provider Assistance & Support (50%) - Provides assistance and support in the form of providing, exchanging, and verifying information and answering inquires, addressing issues, troubleshooting, and/or resolving problems or complaints as it relates to cost reporting. Communicates complex information to internal and external parties and interfaces effectively with diverse groups including agency staff, program staff, auditors, contracted providers, provider representatives, workgroups, general public, and other interested parties regarding the accurate completion of cost reports, surveys, and requests for information involving data collection issues.

Coordination (20%) - Coordinate with internal staff, external vendors, and stakeholders on complex systems related to statistical and cost data collection; support administrative and operational functions through active participation in meetings, trainings, and team activities.

Policy, Procedures and Standards (10%) - Assists in the development of policies and procedures or standards ensuring compliance with rules and guidelines to produce improvements and more effective programs.

Resource Inbox (15%) - Monitors resource email box for external and internal inquiries; determines appropriate handling of inquiries in accordance with state and agency policies, procedures, rules, and statutes. Transfers requests to other business areas, as necessary, and maintains documentation of how inquiries were handled.

Other duties (5%) - Performs other duties as assigned to support agency priorities and business operations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of system administration practices for web-based applications and vendor-supported systems.
• Knowledge of information security, privacy, and data integrity principles.
• Knowledge of business analysis methodologies and operational support processes.
• Knowledge of training development and delivery techniques for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Knowledge of project coordination and stakeholder engagement practices.

Skill in:

• Skill in troubleshooting system issues and coordinating resolutions with vendors and technical support teams.
• Skill in researching, organizing, and documenting technical and business information.
• Skill in developing user guides, training materials, and procedural documentation.
• Skill in providing customer service and technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders.
• Skill in verbal and written communication with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Skill in monitoring and responding to inquiries while maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• Skill in managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Communicating effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.

Ability to:

• Ability to ensure the accuracy, security, accessibility, and integrity of agency data.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with agency staff, contracted providers, vendors, auditors, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret and apply statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures to operational activities.
• Ability to train and support users with varying levels of technical expertise.
• Ability to investigate, analyze, and resolve complex system, data, and operational issues.
• Ability to maintain detailed records, documentation, and audit trails.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as a member of a cross-functional team.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment when handling confidential information and responding to inquiries.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelors degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Business Administration, Public Administration, Management Information Systems, or a related field. Relevant work experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience within Texas Health and Human Services, another state agency, or a large public-sector organization.

Experience working in a customer service role.

Experience working on business support team/role.

Masters degree in Information Systems, Business Administration, Public Administration, Data Analytics, Management, or a related field.

Additional Information:

N/A

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 Auditors 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.