Program Specialist - Personal Assistance Services

Hiring Agency: Health & Human Services - Agency 25
Location: Lincoln, NE
Hiring Rate: $24.862 per hour – non-exempt

About the role

The Department of Health and Human Services is seeking a motivated individual with a passion for "helping people live better lives" to join our Medicaid and Long-Term Care team as a Program Specialist – Personal Assistance Services. The Personal Assistance Services (PAS) program administers and oversees non-medical assistance for individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions, enabling them to perform daily activities, live independently in the community, or work. Services include help with bathing, dressing, toileting, and meal preparation, often funded through Medicaid waivers or state-specific initiatives.

Under limited supervision, the Program Specialist plans and coordinates the development, administration, and evaluation of a statewide health and human services program(s); serves as a resource and consultant to provide technical assistance/advice to agency staff, clients, and service providers; researches and develops program policy; and performs quality assurance analysis and evaluation of assigned program(s).

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and respond to requests for PAS participants requesting more than 40 hours of services per week.
• Review weekly PAS reports.
• Conduct participant reviews for duplication of services.
• Review service authorizations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent coursework/training, in public administration, social/behavioral sciences, healthcare, human services, or other program-related field.
• Professional experience working in a human/social service or health care agency with responsibility for planning or evaluation services, programs, or operational policies and practices may substitute for the educational requirement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous work with Medicaid and/or Personal Assistance Services.

Skills

Knowledge of:

• The principles and practices of public administration.
• Procedure and policy development.
• Methods and techniques of program planning.
• Federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to health and human services programs.
• Public funds and budgeting methods.
• The principles and techniques of adult learning.
• Quality assurance mechanisms.
• Principles and techniques of planning, monitoring, and evaluating human services programs and service delivery systems.

Skill in:

• Interpreting and/or clarifying policy to interested groups.
• Conducting formal presentations to provide education and share information.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, and direct a major program.
• Work collaboratively in a team setting.
• Analyze, develop, and organize materials.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with agency staff, service providers/contractors, community organizations, and clients.
• Communicate electronically, on paper, or in person to promote, explain, discuss, advise, and interact with interested groups on various program issues and problems.
• Prepare and review technical documents such as summaries of state and federal regulations, action plans, reports, contracts, and grants.
• Understand, interpret, and apply instructions, laws, rules, policies, and procedures pertinent to the program.
• Exercise independent critical thinking skills.
• Maintain liaison with community representatives and other governmental agencies.

Schedule

Monday – Friday; 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Pay

$24.862 per hour

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement, and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency, and employment status.