Research Specialist V

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: Research Specialist V

Job Title: Research Specialist V

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: HHSC & HHS Rate Analysis M/C

Posting Number: 20524

Closing Date: 10/23/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations

Salary Range: $5,425.33 - $8,886.16

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24

Shift: Day

Additional Shift:

Telework: Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 15%

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: 0231,0531,4505,4591,8051,8825,8850,15AX,35F,38A,49A,683X,783X,CYB14,IS,ISS,OSS

Brief Job Description:

This job posting will be used to fill one Research Specialist V (RS V) position in the Provider Finance Department. The work is conducted under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The RS V develops and implements research and analytical procedures using complex statistical techniques to assess the validity of methods and/or procedures for appropriate application. Plans and/or conducts complex research and evaluation on the agency's Medicaid and CHIP fee-for-service (FFS) and managed care (MC) programs costs as it relates to FFS reimbursement rates, and managed care payments/capitation rates, and supplemental payment programs. The RS V prepares legislative reports and presentations and contributes to a variety of studies or other deliverables containing analyses of FFS and MCO data relevant to utilization and billing trends. The RS V performs other duties Coordination, computation, and data entry of measures, including coordination with program staff for additional analysis and reporting requirements. Other duties as assigned.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1. Performs complex research related to HHSC program data and research needs necessary to develop reimbursement rates and supplemental payment programs for Medicaid and other client service providers. Coordinates, plans, develops, and monitors research-related projects by designing the objectives, creating report outlines and structures, and overseeing the preparation of any findings. Drafts and determines methodologies for data acquisition and for research projects including determining whether research will involve use of academic research, published journals, independent surveys, claims and encounter data, commercial reimbursement solutions, or other data sources. Identifies best algorithms for data matching, and works with colleagues to extract data, determines methods for automating processes and matches data using complex programming and analytics methodology to meet data research need. Consults on and contributes to legislatively required research projects from beginning to end. (30%)

EJF 2. Conducts research and data collection and extraction; conducts data quality assurance reviews for purposes of conducting financial analyses; writes complex scripts and code for data extraction and compilation from multiple data sources; organizes data for purposes of applying moderately complex statistical methods and modeling. Provides consultation and technical advice on research methods and techniques for staff in the acute care and hospital financing areas. (25%)

EJF 3. Contributes to analysis plans; determines appropriate statistical techniques using complex databases and suggests or determines the appropriate approach to utilize for the analysis; creates, evaluates and reviews models and methodologies; conducts highly complex analyses and research related to FFS and managed care organizations' financial programs and reimbursement techniques; interprets results; monitors research results in the short and long-term. Coordination, computation, and data entry, including coordination with staff for additional analysis and reporting requirements. Consults with research professionals, to solve specific or assigned problems and to practice quality control across experimental methods, research design, and statistical analysis (20%)

EJF 4. Analyze and evaluate the impact of legislation, regulations, and policies affecting reimbursement rates and healthcare finance, reports results and make recommendations to Executive staff, including the Executive Commissioner and other key personnel. Prepares reports and presentations for other staff and department leadership on a routine basis; prepares and may give oral presentations and reports on financial programs and initiatives to various provider and stakeholder organizations and to HHSC leadership; communicates complex results in a manner that can be easily understood by various audiences. Represents programs in committees, regional work groups, and projects to meet research and data analysis needs. Represents the state at the national level on research and data analysis issues. (15%)

EJF 5. Drafts and monitors long-term research objectives, programs, and priorities needed to develop new reimbursement techniques and to evaluate how reimbursement rates are influencing HHSCs outcomes and goals for clients; communicates to and advises the section Director regarding the progress towards the long-term research objectives. (5%)

EJF 6. Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

[List the key KSAs, grouped by type.]

Knowledge of: Knowledge of research and survey methods, principles, techniques, and philosophies. Knowledge of statistical concepts, methods and their application to research analysis. Knowledge of quality assurance methods, measurement, testing, and evaluation. Knowledge of data linkage techniques.

Skill in: Skill in conducting qualitative and quantitative research, in the use of a computer and applicable software, and in the use of statistical tools and programs.

Ability to: Ability to communicate effectively in writing, in speaking, and nonverbally. Ability to draft and/or edit narrative reports. Ability to explain technical information to others. Ability to organize, track, work independently, and complete simultaneous difficult/complex tasks with varying deadlines. Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships. Ability to work effectively in a team setting. Ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and making recommendations. Ability to learn and effectively apply new procedures and techniques. Ability to plan, organize, and participate in complex research projects. Ability to analyze or evaluate research data and findings. Ability to analyze and interpret complex statistical data. Ability to use of measuring instruments with respect to reliability, relevance, and validity. Ability to analyze a problem and recommend an effective solution

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None are required

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited 4-year college or university.

Minimum 2 years experience with Excel.

Minimum 1 year experience with SQL, Tableau, or an analytics tool such as SAS, Stata, SPSS, R, or Python preferred.

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.