Program Specialist VI

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Specialist VI position serves as a subject-matter expert and provides technical assistance under the direct supervision of the Manager of the Center for Information and Training (CIT) within the Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) section of the Provider Finance Department (PFD). The successful candidate provides highly advanced consultative services and customer-focused technical assistance to contracted providers, cost report preparers, internal staff, and external stakeholders by responding to inquiries regarding cost reports, payment rates, LTSS trainings, and other rate analysis items. The Program Specialist VI plans, prioritizes, and performs a variety of activities, including preparing cost report data collection materials, detailed guides, external communication materials, and cost report training materials. The position composes, reviews, and edits technical documents, materials, and reports. The Program Specialist VI assists management in developing and implementing effective evaluation techniques for program services and in providing guidance to staff on the development and integration of new methods and procedures. Responsible for documentation of program policies and prepares materials in response to program information requests and reports. Assists with oversight of compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules. The candidate will work under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Demonstrated skill in external communications, training, and/or the development of written and verbal communications.
• Skill in interpersonal relationships, establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Ability to manage projects effectively, including setting priorities and planning, organizing, and coordinating the work of others.
• Ability to develop, evaluate, implement, and interpret policies, procedures, and rules.
• Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement creative solutions.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, set priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to shifting technical and political developments
• Knowledge of health and human service programs, services, and procedures.
• Ability to use personal computers and to use word processing, spreadsheet, statistical and other software to analyze large, complex databases and develop payment rates.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a variety of agency staff, medical/provider associations, legislative staff, lawyers, state/federal auditors, and interested parties on Medicaid reimbursement issues.
• Ability to prepare and present training
• Bachelor's Degree Required. Experience in Provider Finance or an applicable organization may be substituted for education on a one-to-one basis.
• Demonstrated experience in external stakeholder communications, required.
• Demonstrated experience in virtual or in-person training, required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with the techniques and methods of planning, organizing, and writing various types of materials; research methodology; and departmental policies, procedures, and regulations, preferred.
• Experience with LTSS programs and services, preferred.
• Experience with LTSS rate setting and/or cost reporting, preferred.
• Experience managing complex projects, preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to learn finance, accounting, and budgetary principles, preferred.

Responsibilities

• LTSS PROVIDER COMMUNICATION AND OUTREACH- Provides customer-focused support by troubleshooting system issues, analyzing related data trends, and delivering technical guidance to resolve service-impacting concerns. Consults with and responds to internal and external providers, cost report preparers, and financial examiners by processing support tickets, emails, and phone inquiries regarding cost reports, enrollment, PFD vendor holds, and other PFD items. Educates internal and external audiences and maintains subject matter expertise (SME) related to LTSS reimbursement rates, LTSS cost reports, Federal Compliance Reports, and LTSS cost reporting software.
• Support Ticket Management - Organizes and assists in managing support tickets for the LTSS program by reviewing STEPS and HEART submissions, categorizing issues, and ensuring timely routing to the appropriate team members. Tracks STEPS and HEART ticket status, follows up on pending items, and maintains accurate documentation throughout the lifecycle of each request. Identifies recurring issues or patterns within tickets and communicates findings to leadership to support process improvements and system updates.
• CONTRIBUTES TO LTSS COST REPORTING & FEDERAL COMPLIANCE REPORTING- Plans, prioritizes, and performs activities, including the preparation of report data collection materials, detailed guides, report worksheets, report training materials, and schedules.
• Technical Writing and Webpage Content Management- Drafts clear, professional internal and external mass communications, including customer notifications, email templates, call center messaging, gov delivery notices, and informational letters. Updates and maintains webpage content to ensure accurate, timely, and user-friendly information is available for customers and staff. Coordinates with subject matter experts to verify content accuracy and ensure website information aligns with current policies, procedures, and system functionality. Ensures webpage updates meet organizational standards for clarity, accessibility, branding, and compliance requirements
• Assists management with developing and implementing effective techniques for evaluating LTSS services, to include the collection and evaluation of provider feedback on training and enrollment, and cost report materials.
• Assists management and/or other section teams with various activities on projects, as needed.

Benefits

• comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
• defined benefit pension plan
• generous time off benefits
• numerous opportunities for career advancement

What This Job Offers

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