DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.
Employee Benefits:
DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.
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Functional Title: THSteps Provider Relations Representative
Job Title: Program Specialist II
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: Region 7
Posting Number: 18296
Closing Date: 07/07/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services
Salary Range: $3,793.41 - $4,857.33
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-18
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 60%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: TEMPLE
Job Location Address: 1010 OLD WACO RD
Other Locations: Temple
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS
Brief Job Description
Under the direction of the Texas Health Steps (THSteps) Program Supervisor, serves as provider relations specialist for the THSteps aspect of the program. Participates in the planning, development, implementation, and monitoring of strategies to support and advance the THSteps program. Serves as liaison for THSteps providers, Medicaid claims contractors, Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), and other relevant stakeholders.
Activities include: efforts to recruit, retain, and refer medical and dental providers for participation in the THSteps program; providing consultation to resolve provider enrollment and billing issues; policy clarification; technical assistance; and developing and delivering educational presentations to relevant stakeholders. Works under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs other duties as
assigned. Member of the Incident Command Structure (ICS) in response to public health emergencies. Employee must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas to complete essential job functions. in response to public health emergencies. Must comply with HHS, DSHS, and Texas Department of Public Safety applicable policies/procedures/standards. Collaborates with agency/program staff and actively participates in Community Resource Coordination Groups (CRCG), community organizations and coalitions. Completes administrative duties, monthly reports, special assignments and work activities in a professional and timely manner. Works collaboratively with public health staff in the event of a regional or state disaster. Works under minimum supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Job Functions (EFJs)
(35%) Conducts site visits to new THSteps medical and dental providers within 30 days of notification of enrollment. Outreaches existing THSteps medical and dental providers at least annually to provide technical support. Updates provider information in appropriate database systems within designated timeframes. Provides technical assistance and/or training for medical and dental providers to resolve issues and enhance their knowledge of THSteps program policy, requirements, and procedures. Serves as a liaison with Texas Medicaid and Health Partnership (TMHP), Medicaid Medical and Dental Managed Care Organizations in order to assist providers with billing and enrollment issues. Escalates complex issues to Central Office for timely resolution. May assist medical and dental providers to resolve patient-related issues and locate appropriate community resources.
(25%) Promotes THSteps program at community events. Outreaches non-participating medical and dental providers in an effort to recruit them for participation in the THSteps program. Works collaboratively with relevant stakeholders to develop strategies to increase number of THSteps providers. Participates in regional and statewide THSteps program planning meetings. Inputs and/or submits reports and data within the designated timeframes. Attends community events related to program needs. Provides presentations and information to stakeholders and other community members as needed. Participates and collaborates with local, state and federal social service entities and others to promote efforts to service families with children who have health risks, conditions and special health care needs. Provides presentations and information to stakeholders and other community members as needed.
(25%) Responsible for documenting all activities with providers, stakeholders, and other agencies/organizations. Prepares and submits monthly Provider Relations Activity Report according to designated timeframes and applicable state and federal policy. Maintains provider base data and documents activities with providers for required reporting by required deadlines.
(15%) Performs other duties as assigned. Duties include, but are not limited to, being required to work other than normal business hours in order to respond to public health emergencies and actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response/recovery/Continuity of Operations (COOP). Maintain compliance with DSHS Policy, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and Standards, and a current valid Texas Drivers License.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: Must possess a valid class C Texas drivers license or equivalent from another state
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of: THSteps program policy, requirements, and procedures; marketing strategies; Medicaid programs and the client eligibility process; related childrens health programs such as CHIP, CSHCN-SP, SSI; healthcare delivery systems; Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); agency policies and procedures; quality assurance and technical assistance practices.
Skilled at: planning, prioritizing, and organizing workload; developing, compiling, and analyzing reports and action plans; problem resolution and effective decision-making; developing and delivering presentations and trainings; use of software applications, including Microsoft office products.
Ability to: communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; interpret and apply program policies, procedures, and regulations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers; work in
teams and take direction from others; develop effective training materials; manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines; objectively assess a variety of program areas for quality assurance purposes; adhere to DSHS and HHS policies and procedures; function independently in the performance of professional duties.
Initial Screening Criteria:
(1) Bachelors degree in human services, public health, education, social work or related field from an accredited college or university. Experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis
(2) Experience working with populations served (individuals and community groups).
(3) Experience conducting trainings and providing technical assistance preferred.
Additional Information:
DSHS is a tobacco-free workplace. This position is headquartered in Temple, Texas. An alternate headquarters within the 30 county area of Region 7 may be considered if space at an existing DSHS facility is available. Telework is not authorized for this position. Frequent travel across the region during work hours is required.
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 for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.
ADA Accommodations:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.
Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility: