Research Specialist I

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The part-time Research Specialist I (Summer Intern) is selected by and reports to the Director of the Surveillance Utilization Review (SUR) Division of the Office of Inspector General (OIG). This part-time position provides policy research, statistical analysis, and general support related to the identification and review of fraud, waste, and abuse in Texas Health and Human Services programs.

The Research Specialist I performs routine (journey-level) research work. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The employee may rely on direction from others to solve problems that are not standard and may routinely assist other staff in performing work of greater complexity.

Requirements

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the Medicaid program; knowledge of statistical analysis processes; knowledge of program planning, implementation, policy and procedures.
• Skills in identifying appropriate policy references and conducting research related to Texas Medicaid and Surveillance Utilization Review; skills in performing statistical analyses; skills in program evaluation; skills in the use of Microsoft Office and working in a team environment.
• Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems; to develop and evaluate policies and procedures; to prepare reports; to work in a team; to communicate effectively.
• Currently enrolled at or recently graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a field relevant to the assignment.
• Experience and education may be substituted for one another.
• Experience using a personal computer and software such as Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a field relating to the Medicaid program, policy research, statistical analysis, or program evaluation is preferred

Responsibilities

• Supports case generation initiatives through policy research.
• Prepares summary documents to inform colleagues.
• Researches and analyzes Texas Medicaid encounter data in support of case generation processes.
• Collects and compiles performance data related to the work of the Surveillance Utilization Review (SUR) team.
• Analyzes SUR performance data to identify opportunities for improvement in program activities and monitors procedures to assess efficiency.
• Collaborates with program staff to identify and document trends.
• Assists in the documentation and implementation of procedure changes.
• Prepares reports summarizing analyses of SUR performance data.
• Collaborates with program staff to propose program efficiencies and improvements.
• Performs other duties, including projects, as assigned.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern