Social Services Program Specialist 2

State of Nevada•Reno, NV

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Eligibility & Enrollment Policy Unit (E&E) within the Medicaid Division of the Nevada Health Authority (NVHA) is seeking a Social Services Program Specialist 2. This position involves interpreting and applying complex Medicaid and CHIP programs eligibility regulations, drafting and revising policy, coordinating with other agencies, supporting system needs, providing technical assistance and training, analyzing data, and resolving complex eligibility issues. Social Services Program Specialists perform administrative and professional work related to statewide public assistance, medical assistance, or social services programs, focusing on program administration, policy development, quality assurance, reporting, and system enhancement. The role does not involve direct client service delivery but may involve client interaction for issue resolution.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study pertinent to the program assignment and one year of professional experience providing social services to clients or program development and evaluation which required the application of regulations, laws, policies and procedures in making determinations
OR Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study pertinent to the program assignment and one year of professional experience providing medical assistance programs, services, or healthcare services to clients or program compliance and evaluation which required the application of regulations, laws, policies and procedures in making determinations
OR one year of experience as a Social Services Program Specialist I in Nevada State service
OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.
Working knowledge of social services and resources applicable to the assigned program.
Working knowledge of methods of administering social or medical assistance programs in local and regional offices to ensure compliance with federal regulations and State law and implement new policies and procedures.
General knowledge of purpose and scope of assigned programs.
General knowledge of appeal and hearing processes and protocols.
General knowledge of automated information system logic and its application to the program assigned.
General knowledge of data processing concepts including general data base, system security, data communication, and multiple platform strengths and weaknesses.
General knowledge of computer technologies sufficient to develop automated training modules.
General knowledge of computer technologies sufficient to develop routine database applications.
General knowledge of principles and practices for the development and presentation of training classes.
Ability to develop routine databases.
Ability to evaluate program effectiveness and recommend innovative and improved procedures and practices to enhance program services.
Ability to mediate between contending parties such as clients and staff, legal services and staff, contractors and the division.
Ability to coordinate program activities with professionals from a variety of disciplines.
Ability to interpret broad, ambiguous, and sometimes conflicting regulations and laws.
Ability to make independent decisions that impact the quality of services provided.
Ability to resolve complex issues such as eligibility for services.
Ability to resolve compliance problems while maintaining level of services.
Ability to identify policy issues which require management resolution.
Ability to analyze and communicate system needs to programmers and validate the programming process.
Ability to prepare and update documentation for the computer system manual.
Ability to conduct needs assessments and interpret results including training needs.
Ability to evaluate training models and develop appropriate training curriculum, materials and methods.
Ability to develop statistical and analytical reports.
Ability to interpret case and program budgets and financial statements.
Ability to coordinate program staff and unit activities by determining the time, place, and sequence of actions.
Ability to plan and conduct meetings.
Ability to relay clear and concise findings to service providers and contract personnel including responding appropriately to opposition or disagreement.
Skill in troubleshooting computer operating problems.

Responsibilities

Participate in planning and developing social services or medical assistance programs.
Conduct needs assessments, research and evaluate existing programs, and identify community and financial resources.
Calculate the financial and operational impact to the agency, prepare reports and recommendations for management, and apply for grants.
Draft proposed legislation and develop program plans.
Develop and revise program documentation, including State plans, policy manuals, procedures, and contracts.
Analyze and interpret federal regulations and State laws and determine their impact on program operations.
Monitor program quality and compliance, design monitoring instruments, and conduct on-site reviews.
Provide technical assistance and guidance to program staff and respond to inquiries.
Conduct research studies to provide administration with needed information.
Prepare and monitor program operating budgets to ensure funds are expended appropriately.
Promote social services or medical assistance programs and serve as a spokesperson for the division.
Develop and implement training programs, including analyzing training needs, developing curricula, and conducting training sessions.
Provide technical guidance to service providers, explain policies, procedures, and regulations, and provide consultation on problematic cases.
Participate in the development, maintenance, and enhancement of computerized systems to support program operations.
Interpret broad and sometimes ambiguous statutes and regulations.
Independently make decisions regarding day-to-day program administration activities.
Apply recognized professional principles to develop solutions to problems.
Interpret and apply new and existing policies and procedures.
Monitor and assess the effectiveness and efficiency of program operations and personnel.
Participate in the development and initial implementation of new program components, short- and long-term plans.
Develop new program policies that are reviewed and approved by management prior to implementation.