Program Specialist VI

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Functional Title: Program Specialist VI Job Title: Program Specialist VI Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: AES Deputy Exec Com & Admin Posting Number: 18131 Closing Date: 09/29/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Community and Social Services Salary Range: $5,098.66- $8,304.83 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Telework: Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 25% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt Facility Location: Job Location City: AUSTIN Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST Other Locations: MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS


Brief Job Description:

Job Description:

Program Specialist VI

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks highly qualified candidates to fill the Program Specialist VI position within the Office of the Chief of Family Resources and Eligibility Services (FRES). FRES is driven by its mission to connect Texans to services by helping individuals and families in need of food, medical care, cash assistance and other social services.

Under the direction of the Director of Business Operations Senior Advisor and lead by Executive Assistant, the Program Specialist VI assists with and acts as a liaison in planning, developing and implementing major initiatives for process improvement, organizational improvement, strategic/operational planning and other quality initiatives. The PS VI also assists with program activities including researching, analyzing, and evaluating complex policy issues and initiatives; and it may coordinate the collection, organization, analysis and preparation of materials in response to requests from leadership for program information and reports. They will work closely with FRES staff and external partners to evaluate program effectiveness, resolve problems and provide recommendations for executive leadership consideration.

The PS VI will assist with and may lead the implementation and ongoing management of program initiatives for Access and Eligibility Services(AES) client services programs or represent the Chief's office in meetings or workgroups. Prepares written project updates, summaries, studies, briefings, reports, plans, and other documents. Work is performed under limited supervision, with latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.


Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

EJF 1: Serves as a subject matter expert on policies and processes and ensures effective coordination between other FRES and HHS programs/areas. Acts as a liaison to internal and external stakeholders to ensure appropriate coordination and collaboration. Serves as a liaison to other departments for the coordination of policies, processes, and procedures. Facilitates meetings as needed with internal and external stakeholders. (20%)

EJF 2: Coordinates the review, approval and distribution of reports, memorandums, written responses to requests for information, and other correspondence. Coordinates with internal and external stakeholders and monitors completion of said assignments, consistently updating leadership of progress. Consults directly with the appropriate staff to ensure accuracy and quality of correspondence. Performs first-level review and edit of documents and recommends revisions or changes. (30%)

EJF 3: Works with appropriate staff to facilitate continuous program and process improvements and identification of opportunities to improve services. Assist with the development of project planning and coordination activities for program initiatives, to include creating work plans, and overseeing workgroups and meetings. Assist with the development of timelines for work completion and event-driven status reports. (25%)

EJF 4: Coordinates, compiles, and reconciles work to respond to requests from executive level, state plans, client correspondence, memorandums, and external stakeholders, and prepares high-quality briefing documents, issue papers and memorandum for senior and executive management review and decision-making. Consults directly with the appropriate staff to ensure accuracy and quality of correspondence. (20%)

Other duties as assigned. (5%)


Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A


Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of health and human service programs, AES programs preferred.
Knowledge of state or federal statutes, rules, regulations, and guidance relevant to AES program areas.
Knowledge of state or federal legislative processes.
Knowledge of project management processes and techniques.

Skill in synthesizing complicated and technical information and into concise materials appropriate for designated audience.
Skill in developing and evaluating policies and procedures; and making recommendations.
Skill in problem solving and independent decision-making.
Skill in communicating effectively orally and in writing and at presenting information publicly.
Skill in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, Sharepoint and Visio) and Adobe Acrobat.

Ability to work with deadlines and sensitive, confidential information.
Ability to independently prioritize time and manage multiple project deadlines.
Ability to work with people under pressure, negotiate among multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and to establish and maintain effective working relationships to develop solutions.
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts.
Ability to prepare and write concise reports.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

Excellent written communications as observed by detail and completeness of information provided on the state application.

Experience working collaboratively to resolve problems.

Experience reviewing the work of others and providing constructive feedback.

Experience working with Health and Human Services programs preferred.

Experience preparing administrative reports, studies or specialized programs and projects.


Experience working with executive level management.

Additional Information:

Applicants may not have a history of substantiated fraudulent activity against HHSC or any programs it administers. Applicants who have a non-fraud overpayment with an outstanding balance must agree to repay the overpayment balance as a condition of employment.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is committed to hiring veterans and creating a work environment that values and retains the skills that service members bring to the job. A veteran is an individual who has served in the
*Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Marine Corps of the United States or the United States Public Health Service under 42 U.S.C. Section 201 et seq., as amended;
*Texas military forces as defined by Section 437.001 of Texas Government Code; or *an auxiliary service of one of those branches of the armed forces; and
*Has been honorably discharged from the branch of the service in which the person served.

For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at VETERANS: Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs! Go to to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications and skill sets.

You can also compare this position to military occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor's Office by pasting this link into your browser:

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans :

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor's Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at View phone number on click.appcast.io. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.