DHHS Program Specialist

State of Nebraska • Lincoln, NE

3d • $24

About The Position

The Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) contributes to the lives and health of Nebraskans every day. Our mission, “Helping people live better lives," provides the motivation to make a difference and that starts right here. Every individual within DHHS makes an impact; we want to elevate, engage, and empower those that choose to spend their energy making the world a little brighter. We are looking for a skilled, detail oriented, professional whose customer service skills take it one step further. In this role you will be an integral part of supporting the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Policy Unit in the development of services and supports for Developmental Disabilities, Aged & Disabled, and Traumatic Brain Injury programs. You have the passion, we have the opportunities. Let’s make a difference for Nebraskans! Analyze input and concerns from division staff and external stakeholders to continually update Medicaid 1915 (c) Home and Community-Based (HCBS) Waiver programs. This includes developing new services or updating current services; maintaining supporting guidance for those involved with waiver services; and comparing input to national programs and best practices. Study, evaluate, and interpret federal and state regulations and how they should be interpreted to develop appropriate policies and procedures for DDD Services, including external handbooks for the public, internal policies, and standard operating procedures, and provider bulletins. Responsible for the creation of resources to ensure the DDD HCBS Waivers operate effectively and efficiently by coordination with cross-division partners or outside agencies. Serve on internal Divisional, cross-divisional, and external workgroups to advise on and influence decisions to ensure positive effects to DDD HCBS Waiver program compliance and the most positive outcome for the participants served. Create and maintain guidance documents and information resources, such as Provider Bulletins and listserv emails regarding program and policy updates and changes, and contribute to the DDD website to ensure consistent distribution of information to Division staff, DDD service providers and contractors, representatives of community organizations, and members of the general public. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent coursework/training, in public administration, social/behavioral sciences, healthcare, human services, or another program related field.
• Professional experience working in a human/social service or health care agency with responsibility for planning or evaluation services, programs or operational policies and practices may substitute in lieu of the educational requirement.
• Valid driver's license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation
• Knowledge: Principles and practices of HCBS service delivery; procedures and policy development; methods and techniques of program planning; federal and state laws, rules, regulations and procedures pertaining to health and human service programs; public funds and budgeting methods; quality assurance mechanism; principles and techniques of planning, monitoring and evaluating human service programs and service delivery systems.
• Skills: Interpreting and/or clarifying policy to interested groups; conducting formal presentations to provide education and share information.
• Ability: Communicate verbally and written in a professional efficient manner.
• Work collaboratively in a team setting and maintain positive relationships with agency staff, providers, and community organizations.
• Must be able to read legal documents and understand regulations.
• Exercise independent critical thinking skills, prioritize and multi-task while maintaining accuracy.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Medicaid or HCBS programs, writing federal funding requests, and continuous quality improvement systems.
• Knowledge and/or experience with delivery of home and community-based services or in serving vulnerable populations.

Responsibilities

• Analyze input and concerns from division staff and external stakeholders to continually update Medicaid 1915 (c) Home and Community-Based (HCBS) Waiver programs.
• Study, evaluate, and interpret federal and state regulations and how they should be interpreted to develop appropriate policies and procedures for DDD Services, including external handbooks for the public, internal policies, and standard operating procedures, and provider bulletins.
• Responsible for the creation of resources to ensure the DDD HCBS Waivers operate effectively and efficiently by coordination with cross-division partners or outside agencies.
• Serve on internal Divisional, cross-divisional, and external workgroups to advise on and influence decisions to ensure positive effects to DDD HCBS Waiver program compliance and the most positive outcome for the participants served.
• Create and maintain guidance documents and information resources, such as Provider Bulletins and listserv emails regarding program and policy updates and changes, and contribute to the DDD website to ensure consistent distribution of information to Division staff, DDD service providers and contractors, representatives of community organizations, and members of the general public.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life.
• Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.
• For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level