Program Specialist I Jobs

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The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Medicaid & CHIP Services (MCS) department seeks highly qualified candidates to fill multiple full-time positions for our Fall 2023 Fellowship Program. The fellows chosen for this program will support our mission to deliver quality, cost-effective services to Texans. Our division provides health care and long-term services and supports to low-income children and their families, pregnant women, former foster care youth, individuals with disabilities and people aged 65 and older.

The ideal candidates are motivated graduate students (or recent graduates of a master’s level program) who enjoy a challenge, thrive on using innovative solutions to solve complex problems and want to make a positive difference in people’s lives. With several areas within MCS seeking fellows, there is opportunity to tailor the fellowship experience to your passions while also getting a holistic understanding of the Medicaid program, in Texas.

We strive to foster a culture that enhances employee engagement and performance. As a fellow, you will participate in a formal program with a cohort of other fellows. Our program kicks off with an orientation focused on the services we offer, how we deliver those services and how we operate as a division. In addition to having a supervisor, you will also get to meet with MCS leadership staff, be appointed an individual mentor, have an opportunity to learn about cross-divisional projects, provide input as a member of your team, and work on substantive assignments.

There are several areas of MCS in which fellows may be placed. These areas are:

• Office of Policy and Quality: manages quality assurance tools, quality monitoring programs, incentive payment programs and all other performance improvement initiatives, and provides policy-related guidance and technical assistance to MCOs, stakeholders, and other HHS areas.

• Managed Care: provides financial management, helps managed care members with program enrollment and oversees several managed care programs.

• Operations: has five main areas—Operations Management, Contract Administration and Provider Monitoring, IDD Program Eligibility and Support, Medicaid Technology Modernization, and Vendor Drug Program—which handle a wide range of responsibilities related to operations across MCS.

• The Office of the Medical Director: is comprised of physicians, dentists, nurses, and support staff who provide clinical consultation and oversee service utilization in Medicaid managed care and fee-for-service programs.

• Strategic Business Operations: coordinates activities related to major initiatives, system and business process improvement, communication strategy and planning across the MCS Division.

Essential Job Functions:

Essential job functions will vary by area but will generally include the below.

• Developing process improvements to modernize monitoring and reporting systems
• Other duties as assigned
• Organizing and tracking project timelines
• Attending meetings with stakeholders and other HHSC staff
• Supporting the development and monitoring of contracts with vendors and other public entities
• Drafting, editing, and proofreading memos, correspondence and other materials
• Developing processes for implementing new initiatives
• Reviewing and interpreting technical documentation

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities vary by MCS area but may include the following:

• Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel), Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in team environment
• Excellent writing and research skills
• Demonstrated interest in business operations, project management, health and/or public policy
• Experience with data analysis and interpretation
• Skills in managing multiple and competing priorities
• Ability to work independently and proactively get involved with initiatives
• Ability to think creatively and support creative thinking in others
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Must be a graduate student or recent graduate (within last 12 months) of a master’s or doctoral program
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Initial Selection Criteria:

Must be a graduate student or a recent graduate (within last 12 months) of a master’s or doctoral program.

Must be based in Austin, TX and/or available to work in Austin during Fellowship.

Additional Information:

This fellowship is a temporary employment position with the Medicaid/CHIP Division of Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Our division is working on a hybrid schedule and some in-office days will be required each week in addition to monthly Fellowship program workshops.

MOS Code:

There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the responsibilities, and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if they meet the qualifications for this position.

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In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Job Type: Temporary

Pay: $3,081.33 - $3,500.00 per month

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Austin, TX 78751