MCS Administrative Budget Program Specialist

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

1d•$5,099 - $7,037•Hybrid

About The Position

The MCS Administrative Budget Program Specialist (Program Specialist VI) works in the Medicaid and CHIP Services Department Strategic Business Operations Resource Management unit and reports to the Director of Resource Management. This senior-level role provides consultative services and technical assistance, along with operational support requiring initiative and independent judgment. The position performs advanced operational, technical, and analytical work related to planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating program policy and operations. The specialist coordinates with agency and MCS program staff on planning, implementation, analysis, research, and documentation. The position coordinates projects, secures leadership approvals, and monitors project progress and schedules. It serves as a primary Resource Management contact for validating the affordability of MCS human-resources requests, entering CAPPS Financials requisitions for Strategic Business Operations, and processing payment requests. The specialist also reviews financial information for purchasing and contracting, prepares financial and budget reports, supports payroll and vacancy reconciliations, and provides training and technical assistance on CAPPS and business processes. The role maintains procedures, records, and correspondence; coordinates meetings and training events; and may provide backup support for MCS human-resources functions. It demonstrates commitment to MCS goals, customer service, efficiency, and accountability. The position works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment. It is currently hybrid telework eligible and initially requires at least three in-office workdays per week at the North Austin Complex.

Requirements

At least two years of experience in financial administration, accounting, auditing, grants management, procurement, or contract administration; education and experience may substitute for one another.
Employment application must demonstrate effective written communication skills.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to program areas, procurement practices and procedures, and general accounting practices.
Skill in applying human-resources administration policies and guidelines and fiscal and budgeting techniques and practices.
Skill in establishing project goals and deliverables, managing competing priorities, and tracking and monitoring project progress.
Ability to evaluate complex or unclear assignments and develop an appropriate course of action.
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze information independently within established guidelines and timeframes.
Ability to manage multiple projects, meet tight deadlines, evaluate policies and procedures, collect data, and prepare reports.
Ability to organize and present information effectively orally and in writing, evaluate reports accurately, and organize work while coordinating multiple tasks.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff at all organizational levels, agencies, providers, stakeholders, and elected officials.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in human resources, public administration, business administration, or a related field is generally preferred.
Experience using agency accounting systems such as CAPPS Financials.
Experience applying fiscal and budgeting techniques and practices.
Experience performing general accounting practices.
Experience with applicable procurement practices and procedures.
Experience with human-resources administration policies and guidelines.
Experience with HHSC or other state-agency budgets.

Responsibilities

Review CAPPS Financials purchase requisitions and supporting documents; enter or approve requisitions as assigned; ensure compliance with purchasing guidelines and applicable laws and policies; process encumbrance releases and payment requests; review assigned purchase vouchers; assist with purchasing errors and delays; track requisitions; prepare purchase order adjustments; and provide technical assistance on CAPPS.
Prepare and distribute budget reports for MCS areas and assist with financial reports, funding requests, and expenditure projections related to budget, purchasing, and contracting.
Review and validate the affordability of human-resources forms and requests for MCS positions, including position selection requests, reorganizations, and reclassifications.
Analyze Resource Management business operations and special projects; identify challenges and risks; conduct research and interpret data; recommend improvements; and assist with corrective actions for operational problems.
Review program-area functions and operations, collect and analyze data to assess programs and projects, and work with program areas to identify collaboration opportunities and support policy alignment.
Implement procurement procedures aligned with agency purchasing guidelines and assist with preparing and evaluating program budget requests related to requisitions and purchase orders.
Coordinate operational meetings, conduct purchase requisition entry training, and guide staff in developing and integrating new or revised systems and procedures.
Assist with monthly reconciliation of payroll and vacancy information and serve as backup for Strategic Business Operations staff services support on MCS human-resources functions.
Collect, organize, analyze, and prepare recurring or requested materials and reports on division business operations and organizational areas.
Maintain filing, recordkeeping, records-management systems, written processes, and procedures; assist with policy and procedure manuals; and prepare, edit, route, and distribute correspondence and documents.
Attend work on a regular and predictable schedule and perform other assigned duties, including administrative and support functions.