Program Specialist VI

About the Role

This position is hybrid, requiring two in-office days per week in Austin. Applicants from outside Texas must be willing to relocate within 30 days of hire. The Program Specialist VI will provide operational support in the collection and management of data to support the development of payment rates, while ensuring the integrity, security, and accessibility of the agency's data. This role ensures other users can easily use the database or system to find the information they need and that systems perform as they should, liaising with vendors as needed to maintain the system.

Responsibilities

• Coordinating with internal agency staff and external vendors as it relates to complex systems for collecting statistical and cost data
• Acting as system and database administrator for external cost reporting system
• Maintaining spreadsheets, large databases, procedures, data instruments, and data tracking systems
• Providing training and operational support/guidance to agency staff and contracted providers on cost reporting systems, state statutes and regulations, and HHSC policies and procedures
• Providing operational support of the cost reporting and tracking systems
• Interfacing with diverse groups, including other agency staff, medical/provider associations, workgroups, client advocates, attorneys, state/federal auditors, audit managers and audit staff throughout the state, and interested parties regarding data collection and the rate-setting process
• Monitoring resource email box for external and internal inquiries; determining appropriate handling of inquiries in accordance with state requests to other business areas, as necessary, and maintaining documentation of how inquiries were handled
• Participating in fulfilling open records request submissions, ensuring research is completed in a timely manner
• Participating in team meetings, trainings, and other administrative and operational duties related to cross-coordination with other members of the team
• Ensuring providers training documentation is tracked and maintained
• Performing other duties as assigned to support agency priorities and business operations

Essential Job Functions

• Provider Assistance & Support (50%) – Provides assistance and support in the form of providing, exchanging, and verifying information and answering inquires, addressing issues, troubleshooting, and/or resolving problems or complaints as it relates to cost reporting. Communicates complex information to internal and external parties and interfaces effectively with diverse groups including agency staff, program staff, auditors, contracted providers, provider representatives, workgroups, general public, and other interested parties regarding the accurate completion of cost reports, surveys, and requests for information involving data collection issues.
• Coordination (20%) – Coordinates with internal staff, external vendors, and stakeholders on complex systems related to statistical and cost data collection; supports administrative and operational functions through active participation in meetings, trainings, and team activities.
• Policy, Procedures and Standards (10%) – Assists in the development of policies and procedures or standards ensuring compliance with rules and guidelines to produce improvements and more effective programs.
• Resource Inbox (15%) – Monitors resource email box for external and internal inquiries; determines appropriate handling of inquiries in accordance with state and agency policies, procedures, rules, and statutes. Transfers requests to other business areas, as necessary, and maintains documentation of how inquiries were handled.
• Other duties (5%) – Performs other duties as assigned to support agency priorities and business operations.

Qualifications

Initial Screening Criteria: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Business Administration, Public Administration, Management Information Systems, or a related field. Relevant work experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within Texas Health and Human Services, another state agency, or a large public-sector organization
• Experience working in a customer service role
• Experience working on business support team/role
• Master's degree in Information Systems, Business Administration, Public Administration, Data Analytics, Management, or a related field

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of: system administration practices for web-based applications and vendor-supported systems; information security, privacy, and data integrity principles; business analysis methodologies and operational support processes; training development and delivery techniques for technical and non-technical audiences; project coordination and stakeholder engagement practices
• Skill in: troubleshooting system issues and coordinating resolutions with vendors and technical support teams; researching, organizing, and documenting technical and business information; developing user guides, training materials, and procedural documentation; providing customer service and technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders; verbal and written communication with diverse stakeholder groups; monitoring and responding to inquiries while maintaining accurate records and documentation; managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously; communicating effectively with technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to: ensure the accuracy, security, accessibility, and integrity of agency data; coordinate effectively with agency staff, contracted providers, vendors, auditors, and external stakeholders; interpret and apply statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures to operational activities; train and support users with varying levels of technical expertise; investigate, analyze, and resolve complex system, data, and operational issues; maintain detailed records, documentation, and audit trails; communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences; work independently while contributing effectively as a member of a cross-functional team; exercise sound judgment when handling confidential information and responding to inquiries

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
• Defined benefit pension plan
• Generous time off benefits
• Numerous opportunities for career advancement

Pay & Schedule

• Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $8,304.83 per month
• Schedule: Day shift, Monday-Friday
• Telework: Eligible for telework (hybrid, two in-office days per week in Austin)
• Travel: Up to 5%
• Employment Type: Regular, Full-time
• FLSA Status: Exempt