Program Specialist V

Functional Title: Program Specialist V

Job Title: Program Specialist V

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Med Svcs-Acute Care Surv TK

Posting Number: 3622

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21

Shift: Day

Additional Shift: Days (First)

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: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST

Other Locations:

MOS Codes:

16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,86P0,88A0,88B0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS

Brief Job Description

The Program Specialist V is selected by and reports to the Director of the Surveillance Utilization Review (SUR) Division of the Office of Inspector General (OIG). This role involves providing support and performing advanced, senior-level consultative services and technical assistance related to issues of fraud, waste, or abuse in Texas Health and Human Services programs. The position operates with limited direction, allowing for significant initiative and independent judgment.

The SUR Division includes three key units: Hospital Utilization Review (HUR), Nursing Facility Utilization Review (NFUR), and Acute Care Surveillance (ACS). The Program Specialist V is responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing various staff service activities, which encompass special and administrative tasks, accounting, budgeting, purchasing, human resources, travel arrangements, training, and facilities management. The Program Specialist V develops and maintains records and filing systems, handles records retention tasks, and collaborates with staff to dispose of records according to the agency’s retention schedule. Working with limited supervision, this position allows for considerable initiative and independent judgment. The Program Specialist V also performs other duties as necessary to ensure consistency, timeliness, and accountability in operations.

Essential Job Functions

(50%) Provides assistance with the desk review process by establishing and maintaining contact with Nursing Facilities (NF) to ensure ongoing email communications, collaborating with the NF to arrange access to desk review videos for entrance conferences, and engaging with the appropriate Regional Administrative Assistant (RAA) to obtain desk review samples and maintenance of records. The coordinator will also designate and work with a Lead Nurse to oversee the review responsibilities, ensuring that all documentation related to the desk review is accurate, complete, and properly filed.

(35%) Responsibilities include assisting the Acute Care Surveillance (ACS) team with organizational reporting, budget management, and procurement processes such as purchase orders and tracking requests per state, OIG, and HHSC guidelines. Assist with ACS case assignment, case generation and other ACS administrative tasks. Act as a liaison amongst other program staff and other HHSC divisions.

(10%) Provides advanced consultative services and technical assistance in development and implementation activities. Identifies issues and facilitates resolutions throughout the SUR department. Participate in legislative processes and bill analysis. Coordinates filing, record-keeping, and retention procedures, ensuring effective electronic and paper document management.

(5%) Performs other ad hoc duties as assigned. Keeps manager informed as required or as necessary.

Knowledge Skills Abilities

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office of Inspector General (OIG).
• Understanding of the principles and practices of public administration and management.
• Proficiency in project management, including prioritizing multiple project deliverables, work processes, and timelines.
• Strong skills in researching, analyzing, and evaluating complex federal and state legislation, as well as program policy and operational issues.
• Expertise in developing and evaluating policies and procedures, assessing risks and creating contingency plans, and making informed recommendations and decisions.
• Ability to lead staff processes, set priorities, and monitor progress effectively.
• Proficient in problem-solving and independent decision-making.
• Knowledge of project management techniques.
• Skilled in using standard office equipment and software, including the Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools, and other presentation software.
• Ability to serve as an agency spokesperson on matters related to project management and operations.
• Capability to analyze and solve problems and make decisions that will impact overall business operations.
• Proficient in setting and managing priorities judiciously.
• Ability to organize and develop work plans, coordinate multiple assignments, and adhere to strict deadlines.
• Ability to interact professionally with senior executive leadership within HHS, stakeholders, other state government agencies and officials, as well as state legislators and their staff.
• Capable of managing projects effectively and producing quality work within tight deadlines.
• Ability to plan, assign, and supervise the work of others.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral, demonstrating politeness, courtesy, and discretion.
• Ability to think strategically and creatively to develop effective and feasible solutions to complex problems.
• Capable of working independently within the context of role expectations and responsibilities.

Licensure, Certification or Registration

None

Initial Selection Criteria

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in human resources, public or business administration, or a related field preferred. Education and experience can be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience with Medicaid, Texas Medicaid Provider Procedures Manual (TMPPM) required.
• Experience in project management preferred.
• Experience in health care policy research preferred.
• Experience in healthcare data research and analysis preferred.