Program Specialist IV

Date: May 26, 2026 Location: AUSTIN, TX 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 IV Job Title: Program Specialist IV Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: MC Contracts and Oversight Posting Number: 17049 Closing Date: 06/09/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Community and Social Services Salary Range: $4,263.16 - $5,521.16 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20 Shift: Day Telework: (information omitted) Travel: Up to 30% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt Facility Location: AUSTIN Job Location City: AUSTIN Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST Other Locations: Austin MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS Brief Job Description The HHSC Medicaid CHIP Services (MCS) division seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Program Specialist IV. MCS is driven by its mission to deliver quality, cost-effective services to Texans. This position makes a significant contribution to MCS’s mission by ensuring that Managed Care Contracts and Oversight (MCCO) meet statutory requirements and implement audit recommendations within prescribed timeframes. The Program Specialist IV is selected by and reports to the Health Plan Manager (HPM) located in the MCCO Division of the MCS Department. This position will be assigned to a team responsible for ensuring compliance with contracts between MCOs and the agency. This position performs complex analysis and continuous monitoring of MCOs to determine the effectiveness of operations and contract compliance. This position evaluates MCO performance and manages corrective actions. This position participates in the development and evaluation of MCCO policies as they affect the MCO contracts and makes recommendations for changes as needed. This position works under limited direction with some latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment and performs other duties as may be assigned or required. Essential Job Functions (EJFs) Ensures compliance with contract standards and assesses MCO performance by reviewing MCO contract deliverables, performance measures, and MCO compliance with state and federal regulations. On a prompt and regular basis, determines the effectiveness of MCO operational and contractual compliance by utilizing a standard set of assessment tools. Promptly informs the HPM of significant MCO compliance and performance issues and provides recommendations for action. Works collaboratively with other Health Plan Management staff, the MCO, and other external or internal stakeholders to ensure contractual compliance by developing, monitoring, and updating action plans. Works promptly and collaboratively to assess remedies for noncompliance with contractual requirements. Collaborates with HPM Research and Resolution promptly and in a timely manner on escalated MCO-related issues. Responds to legislative, open records, and audit requests within specified timeframes. Facilitates or participates in functions related to operational on-sites, desk reviews, implementation readiness reviews, information sessions or other activities as required. Manages or facilitates special research/issues projects as assigned within timeframes. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships and communication with Health and Human Services (HHS) staff, as well as other internal/or external stakeholders, and provides timely responses to requests and inquiries. Receives no more than 1-2 justified complaints per annual review period from internal or external customers regarding professional conduct, appropriate interactions with others, and/or timely responses to requests or inquiries. Demonstrates commitment to the goals of MCS, shows initiative to take on new projects, is team-oriented and committed to outstanding customer service, and focuses on promoting efficiency and accountability. Communicates with the HPM in a timely manner regarding problematic situations and applies proper judgment to ensure that the action taken is appropriate. Attends work on a regular, predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy. Performs other duties as assigned, timely and accurately. Participates in the evaluation of Requests For Proposals (RFP) responses within assigned timeframes. Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates rules, bills, and federal and state laws with implications for the Medicaid and CHIP programs as required. Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs) Knowledge of Medicaid Managed Care, and/or CHIP Knowledge of contract management and compliance principles. Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, and processes regarding Medicaid Managed Care and CHIP. Skill in using personal computer application software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or other similar programs. Skill in written and oral communication, including leading meetings, writing technical information in an understandable format, and producing sophisticated research and analytical reports. Ability to research and evaluate policies and procedures. Ability to work under limited direction and use independent judgment. Ability to conduct investigations or audits; gather, build, correlate, and analyze facts and data; and plan solutions to problems. Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification or must be obtained within 12 months of the date of hire. Must maintain CTCM certification. Initial Screening Criteria Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Health Care Management, Health Care Information Technology, or Health Care Administration is generally preferred. A minimum of one year of experience with Medicaid/CHIP and Managed Care programs is required. A minimum of one year of experience in contract management or contract monitoring principles is preferred. A minimum of one year of experience in using a PC and Microsoft Office is required. Additional Information N/A 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 online 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. Nearest Major Market Austin #J-18808-Ljbffr Texas Health and Human Services