Texas Health Steps Program Specialist IV

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

2d•$4,263 - $6,779•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Policy team within the Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) Office of Policy is seeking a Program Specialist IV. This position performs a broad spectrum of highly-complex (senior level), consultative services and technical assistance work for Medicaid and CHIP Services, including Texas Health Steps (THSteps), Community First Choice, and Personal Care Services programs. May also work on special projects. The Program Specialist IV’s primary responsibilities include: Lead Program Policy subject matter expert and processor of the First Dental Home/Oral Evaluation Fluoride Varnish certification; Research and analyze policy to respond to inquiries, update content in public documents and websites, and manage shared mailboxes; Participate in and help facilitate meetings with stakeholders, including Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) staff, Medicaid providers, contractors, and the public; Coordinate and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to create and update policies, procedures, contract requirements, business rules, and communications; and Support the MCS Legislative Coordinator’s work related to Texas Legislative sessions. The ideal candidate thrives in an environment that emphasizes teamwork to achieve goals, excellence through high professional standards and personal accountability, curiosity to continuously grow and learn, critical thinking for effective execution, and integrity to do things right even when what is right is not easy. This position works under limited supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Program Specialist IV reports to a Manager for Program Policy in the MCS Division.

Requirements

State government agency policies and practices.
Health and human services agencies and programs.
Communicating clearly, accurately, concisely, and effectively orally and in writing.
Using computers and software programs, including Microsoft Office Suite.
Managing email and answering phone calls from the public.
Developing creative and workable solutions to problems.
Coordinating meetings.
Respond to inquiries from staff, internal stakeholders, providers, external stakeholders, and the public sent them to shared email boxes and or received them via phone calls.
Plan and coordinate assignments and activities between programs, agencies and other organizations.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with HHSC staff, staff from other agencies, internal stakeholders, and external stakeholders.
Prioritize workload assignments to meet established deadlines.
Research, gather, synthesize, and analyze information.
Develop presentations, recommendations, and reports.
Take initiative and think creatively.
Work effectively under limited supervision in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
A high school diploma and three years of work experience in a health and human services field; OR Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college; or A master’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in public health, social work, public affairs, or public administration.
Work experience in a health and human services field.

Responsibilities

Serves as the Policy lead for processing and reviewing applications for First Dental Home/Oral Evaluation Fluoride Varnish (FDH/OEFV) certifications. Reviews FDH/OEFV applications for completeness and verifies compliance with certification requirements.
Monitors and responds to inquiries. Provides support to internal and external stakeholders, including DSHS regional staff, providers, and the general public by providing timely and accurate information when responding to inquiries, feedback, and requests. Plans, coordinates, and facilitates monthly virtual and occasional in-person meetings between MCS state office and DSHS regional staff. As part of this work, it sets agendas, records minutes, and action items, and ensures follow-up on action items.
Conducts policy research and analysis and assists with policy manual revisions, training, and quality assurance. Collects and prepares data for reports, letters, documents, and project updates with accuracy and completeness. Prepare administrative or programmatic reports, including State Impact Surveys, provider enrollment lists, and Medicaid/CHIP Contract Administration Tracking System (MCATS) correspondence. Send out provider notices and coordinates updates for the HHSC public website. Acts as the open records coordinator for THSteps Program Policy team
Supports the MCS Legislative Coordinator’s work related to the Texas Legislative session. Tracks bill lists and bill analysis assignments. Gathers data, documents, and reports related to bills for MCS leadership. Supports weekly MCS leadership meetings during legislative sessions.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
A defined benefit pension plan
Generous time off benefits
Numerous opportunities for career advancement
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
Leadership commitment to invest in and foster your professional growth and career advancement.
Being part of a team that impacts the lives of millions of Texans that depend on Texas Medicaid throughout Texas.
Being on the ground level of healthcare policy development and implementation, including the opportunity to work closely with stakeholders such as federal partners, providers, advocates, managed care organizations, and other health care contractors.
Engagement with the Texas legislative process, including the opportunity to analyze and inform legislators of potential impact of proposed bills.
The opportunity to learn and engage with multiple domains of the healthcare delivery system, including managed care, fee-for-service, federal-state Medicaid partnerships and other activities related to the administration of the Medicaid program.