Program Manager I (Special Populations Manager)

Salary: $66,400.00 - $80,000.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 189011
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Division: Bureau of Quality
Opening Date: 06/02/2026
Closing Date: 6/15/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: AH45
Position Number:: 61096665
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN11
Hiring Range - Min.: $66,400.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $80,000.00
Opening Date: 06/02/2026
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in your application not being referred.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.


Job Responsibilities
The Agency's mission is to be boldly innovative in improving the health and quality of life for South Carolinians.
This is position is located in the Bureau of Quality, Richland County. This is an in-office role and not a telecommute or remote position.
Are you the One? We are looking for a Program Manager I (Special Populations Manager) who reports to the Bureau Chief of Quality and leads the strategy, implementation and oversight of high risk and vulnerable Medicaid members, ensuring timely, high quality and person-centered care. The Special Populations Manager collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to include Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), state agencies, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders to improve special populations health outcomes and reduce health disparities.

• Leads Medicaid initiatives for children with disabilities and youth in foster care. Identifies and mitigates gaps in the provision of medical services to children in foster care. Fosters interdisciplinary teamwork between child welfare agencies and healthcare providers. Manages referral pathways for wraparound supports and community resources.
• Provides consultation for care coordination teams working with members in foster care or with disabilities. Offers technical assistance to Managed Care Organizations (MCO) and providers related to Medicaid eligibility, Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT), care planning, and wraparound services. Assists in the navigation of complex Medicaid processes and specialized care.
• Monitors Special Populations healthcare utilization. Collects and analyzes Special Populations Medicaid data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement to drive positive health outcomes. Creates data reports for senior leadership.
• Represent SCDHHS on workgroups and advisory boards addressing special population needs. Serve as project lead and/or team member for other special populations quality projects that arise as new goals and priorities are established for Chief of Quality. Projects may include other state agency collaborations on special populations initiatives. Other duties as assigned. Projects may require driving to location outside of regular office location.
• Performs fundamental supervisory and leadership functions in accordance with Department policies and procedures, best practices and Federal and State rules and regulations, especially with regard to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) standards. Maintains an effective organizational team and motivates diverse staff to accomplish mission critical operations and objectives. Promotes workforce engagement.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE and TGE positions that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year.
• 15 days sick leave per year.
• 13 paid holidays.
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs.

Minimum and Additional Requirements


A bachelor's degree in healthcare or management related field and five (5) years of experience related to healthcare.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted with prior State Human Resources approval.


PREFERRED: Master's degree.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver's license.
• In-office role.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to healthcare delivery.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) managed care program.
• Strong working knowledge of Medicaid, and care coordination models.
• Experience with South Carolina's child welfare, behavioral health, and developmental disabilities systems.
• Familiarity with HEDIS measures, managed care organizations, and Medicaid waiver programs.
• Candidate must be knowledgeable in data collection, data analysis methodology, and performance improvement methods.

Additional Comments


Please complete the State application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application for qualification purposes. All applicants must apply online. All correspondence from the Office of Human Resources will be through electronic mail.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.


Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.


Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.


Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.


Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01


The responses you provide to these Supplemental Questions will be used in combination with your application to determine whether you meet the minimum qualification requirements. Please, thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of your application and the Supplemental Questions. Failure to provide detailed and complete information will result in your application being rejected. Any misrepresentation or omissions will result in your disqualification from employment and/or termination. You may not submit resumes in lieu of filling out the application or answering the Supplemental Questions. I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree with the above.

• Yes
• No

02


The established hiring range for this position is $66,400 to $80,000. Do you accept this range?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you have a bachelor's degree in healthcare or management related field?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you have at least five (5) years of experience related to healthcare?

• Yes
• No

05


Do you have a valid driver's license? If yes, please provide your driver's license number and state of issuance.
06


Do you wish to claim Veteran Preference? If yes, you must submit a copy of your DD214 Form with your job application in order to qualify and claim this preference.

• Yes
• No

07


How did you hear about this career opportunity?
Required Question