Program Specialist V

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. 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. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Program Specialist V
Job Title: Program Specialist V
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Integrity Support Svcs - SO
Posting Number: 16952
Closing Date: 12/07/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services
Salary Range: $4,523.16- $7,253.83
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework: Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 15%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
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

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks highly qualified candidates to fill the Program Specialist V position within Access & Eligibility Services (AES) Integrity Support Services (ISS). AES is driven by the mission to connect Texans to services by helping individuals and families in need of food, medical care, cash assistance and other social services. The ISS Program Specialist V will function to support the development of procedures, processes, and analytics. The Specialist V will perform data analysis, coordinate reviews of eligibility files, complete performance reports and make recommendations for changes as needed. Will train, lead, assign and/or prioritize the work of others. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The Program Specialist V also performs research to support the AES process to review job applicants to identify individuals who have participated in fraudulent activity against HHSC or any of the programs it administers. Serves as liaison to hiring specialists, managers, and vendor (CAPPS Service Center) staff for this process. Assists managers in identifying trends in job candidates and resolving technical problems. The ideal candidate will thrive in an environment that emphasizes innovation through new ideas, striving for excellence by taking pride in your work, embracing other’s differences as a source of strength, accomplishing more through partnership, leading by example, and learning for continuous improvement.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Supports processes and projects related to fraud detection and prevention for Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, TANF, at the precertification stage. Interprets and disseminates complex program changes with internal and external stakeholders. Under limited supervision examines individual SNAP, TANF, CHIP, Medicaid, and SNAP Unauthorized Use (UAU) cases to identify potential fraudulent or erroneous cases. May act as a lead for the UAU team, monitor results, and submit reports. Will review and process cases from the fraud referral queue. Identifies potential fraudulent cases, corresponds with the interviewing case worker (both verbally and in writing), and will research for additional fraudulent leads. Will train, lead, assign and/or prioritize the work of others. Carries out necessary rule changes based on federal and state regulation. (30%)
Performs complex research to support the AES process to review job applicants to identify individuals who have participated in fraudulent activity against HHSC or any of the programs it administers. Serves as liaison to hiring specialists, managers, and vendor (CAPPS Service Center) staff for this process. Assists managers in identifying trends in job candidates and resolving technical problems. (20%)
Works with the Integrity Support Services Director and management team to carry out plans and activities to achieve the vision and goals of Access & Eligibility Services. Works collaboratively with stakeholders to identify and resolve risks and issues. (20%)
Supports and carries out multi-faceted projects. Communicates with various level personnel in governmental entities and with program stakeholders to establish interpersonal relationships, including working with people under pressure and applying negotiating techniques to resolve conflicts and establish and maintain effective working relationships (15%)
Identifies potential fraudulent or erroneous cases utilizing knowledge of Tiers, Agency Policy, Lexis Nexis, CLEAR and other related fraud detection systems. Provides leads and relevant information and findings to the case analysis staff. Research relevant issues and potential case clues and refers them to the appropriate staff and ISS leadership. Refers information discovered and updates systems. (10%)
Performs other duties as assigned and required to meet the mission and goals of HHSC. (5%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of local, state and federal laws and regulations relevant to program areas. Comprehension of fraud prevention and fraud detection for SNAP, TANF, CHIP and Medicaid Programs.
Knowledge of SNAP (including Unauthorized Use benefit replacement), TANF, Medicaid, CHIP Programs. Awareness of HHS Enterprise agencies and programs.
Knowledge of strategic planning and program evaluations.

Skill In evaluating policies and procedures; to assess risk and develop contingency plans: and to make recommendations and decisions. Aptitude in problem solving and independent decision-making.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, subordinates, and supervisors. Skillfulness in communicating ideas and instructions dearly and concisely.
Skill in project management and the ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives and implement effective solutions.
Skill in communicating effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to serve as agency spokesperson in matters related to program management and operations.
Ability to exercise creative problem-solving techniques in a highly complex environment.
Ability to analyze and solve problems and make decisions affecting overall operations. Proficiency to set and manage priorities judiciously.
Ability to organize and develop work plans, coordinate administrative assignments, and adhere to strict deadlines.
Ability to plan, assign and supervise the work of others.
Ability to exercise judgment and work independently with minimal supervision, Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment. Ability to use word processing and spreadsheet applications in a Windows environment.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
N/A

Initial Selection Criteria:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a field relevant to the position such as psycholgy or social work is preferred.

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

Experience making presentations to small and large groups required. Experience applying policies and procedures required. Experience supervising eligibility staff and/or investigators preferred.

Experience in data review and analysis. Experience leading and mentoring staff preferred. Current experience in SNAP, Medicaid policy and procedures are required. Experience in TANF program preferred. Training or experience which demonstrates awareness of project management practices and the project life cycle preferred.

Experience in making decisions required. Experience performing multiple tasks in a timely manner required. Application indicates the willingness to work beyond normal work hours of 8AM-5PM as needed/required. Experience using computer software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook required. Application indicates the willingness to travel 15% of the time required.

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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.