Research Specialist V (Rate Research and Implementation)

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Functional Title: Research Specialist V (Rate Research and Implementation)
Job Title: Research Specialist V
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: HHSC & HHS Rate Analysis LTC
Posting Number: 20278
Closing Date: 10/23/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations
Salary Range: $5,425.33- $8,886.16
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework: Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 5%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 0231,0531,4505,4591,8051,8825,8850,15AX,35F,38A,49A,683X,783X,CYB14,IS,ISS,OSS

Brief Job Description

Research Specialist (RS) V reports to the Manager of the Rate Research and Implementation (RRI) team within the Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) section of the Provider Finance Department (PFD) and performs advanced (senior-level) research and rate setting work, including evaluation of existing, new or alternative rate methodologies for Medicaid and non-Medicaid services. The work involves research of state and federal regulations, analysis of Texas rate setting and reimbursement methodologies, and those used in other states, and general policy research and other research projects as assigned.
RS V serves as a team lead and subject matter expert in LTSS rates and methodologies, including updating pro-forma rate models and rate calculations. Under the direction and assistance of the RRI Manager, RS V will mentor junior staff, perform reviews on peer’s work, engage in staff training on research methods and LTSS rate methodologies, and help to ensure work is completed accurately and meets required deadlines.
This position works under minimal direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. RS V develops and implements research and analytical procedures to assess the validity of methods and/or procedures for appropriate application. RS V also prepares a variety of reports, studies or other deliverables for internal and external audiences containing research results related to the rate setting process. This position is expected to make presentations related to research and rate setting work and represent the PFD in meetings with internal and external stakeholders. RS V prepares memorandums and white papers regarding the research and analysis performed for Executive leadership. The RS V performs other duties necessary to achieve the mission of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).

Essential job functions:

1. Analysis and Development of existing, new and alternative rate methodologies: Performs advanced research related to HHSC’s Medicaid and non-Medicaid rate methodologies necessary to develop LTSS reimbursement rates and supplemental payment programs. Contributes to LTSS rate setting work by refining LTSS pro-forma rate models to ensure that they align with State and Federal guidelines and regulations, Texas Administrative Code, and industry’s best practices. Provides consultation and technical advice on research methods and techniques to staff on the research team and other rate analysts in the department. Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates the impact of legislation, regulations, and policies affecting reimbursement rates and healthcare finance, reports results and makes recommendations to PFD Leadership, Executive staff, including the Executive Commissioner and other key personnel. Formulates and monitors long-term research objectives, programs, and priorities needed to develop new reimbursement techniques and to evaluate how reimbursement rates are influencing HHSC’s outcomes goals for clients; communicates to and advises the Director of LTSS Finance regarding the progress towards the long-term research objectives upon request. (35%)
2. Draft Documents for Approval and Presentation: Drafts memorandums, white papers, state plan amendments, rule amendments based on analyses, conducts public hearings; prepares independent reports and presentations on analyses results to other staff and department leadership on a routine basis; delivers oral presentations and reports on financial programs and initiatives to various provider and stakeholder organizations and to HHSC leadership; communicates complex results in a manner that can be easily understood by various audiences including public stakeholders. Represents programs in committees, regional workgroups, and projects to meet research and data analysis needs. Represents the state at the national level on research and data analysis issue. Prepares information and reports for professional organizations, stakeholders, federal personnel, other governmental entities, Executive staff, and the public regarding the long-term research objectives and outcomes of that research. (35%)
3. Serve as Team Lead: Provides guidance to PFD LTSS staff on research and analytical methods used in support of rate methodologies and/or research projects. Assists in hiring and conducts training of junior staff, including regularly participating in training new hires on various technical aspects of their positions, as well as participating in interview and selection teams as needed. Assists with consulting other staff about policy guidelines and rule requirements. Serving as a subject matter expert of LTSS rates and reimbursement methodologies, RS V is expected to contribute to internal training effort. (15%)
4. Promote Improvement and Innovation: Actively contributes to the continuous improvement of department processes through ongoing initiatives including: solutions to automate; building efficiencies; maintaining consistency across multiple models and rate calculations. Creates and updates policies and procedures for documenting internal processes and resources. (10%)
5. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and abilities (KSAs)

• Ability to analyze or evaluate research data and findings.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships in a team setting.
• Ability to differentiate between various professional circumstances and communicate effectively in writing, in speaking, and nonverbally.
• Ability to edit narrative reports.
• Ability to learn and effectively apply new procedures and techniques.
• Ability to follow established guidelines and find ways to improve internal processes.
• Ability to organize, track, work independently, and complete simultaneous difficult/complex tasks with varying deadlines.
• Ability to exercise good judgement in evaluating situations and making recommendations.
• Ability to communicate complex information to various audiences.
• Knowledge of research methods, principles, techniques.
• Knowledge of principles for calculating fiscal estimates is preferred.
• Knowledge of reimbursement rate development is preferred.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A.

Initial Selection Criteria

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university, required.
• Major coursework in accounting, business administration, finance, economics, statistics, or a related field is preferred. Note: practical experience in these fields may be substituted for major coursework.
• At least two years of experience in accounting, Medicaid/Medicare, healthcare business, statistics, finance, or other relevant fields.

Additional Information:

Applicants must complete the online application in full and include a clear summary of experience that shows how they meet the initial screening criteria.
Telework flexibility may be available in accordance with agency policy; in-office presence is currently required two days a week but may be modified based on business need.
Occasional travel may be required for meetings, trainings, or stakeholder engagement.
Military occupation specialty (MOS) codes related to this position are available through the Texas State Auditor’s Office Military Crosswalk.

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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 aiapply.co. 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.