DHHS Program Specialist

State of Nebraska; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 51,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

State of Nebraska's Health & Human Services agency is seeking a DHHS Program Specialist to analyze data, monitor program performance, and support quality improvement across statewide services. You will develop and refine policies, prepare required reports, and guide service providers while coordinating with multiple stakeholders.

The role emphasizes data-driven decision making, QA processes, and ongoing learning to strengthen program effectiveness and outcomes for Nebraskans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent coursework in public administration, social/behavioral sciences, healthcare or related field.
• Experience in human/social services or health care with planning/evaluation responsibilities.
• Proficiency in Excel for data analysis and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Plans, monitors, and evaluates health and human services programs.
• Reviews laws, regs, and requirements to update policies and procedures.
• Prepares federal/state reports and supports program evaluation and QA processes.
• Coordinates with agencies and service providers to ensure compliance and performance.

Skills

Excel

Data analysis

Quality assurance

Program evaluation

Regulations

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

The work we do matters!Hiring Agency:Health & Human Services - Agency 25Location:Lincoln, NEHiring Rate:$24.862Job Posting:JR2026-00029905 DHHS Program Specialist (Open)Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):10-31-2026Job Description:Join the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as a Program Specialist and help strengthen the quality and effectiveness of statewide health and human services programs. In this role, you’ll analyze data, monitor program performance, support federal reporting requirements, and help develop quality improvement strategies that lead to better outcomes. You’ll collaborate with agency staff and service providers, provide technical guidance, and help turn data into meaningful improvements that support quality services for Nebraskans.Examples of work:Plans, implements, monitors, and evaluates health and human services programs to ensure effective day-to-day operations.Reviews and interprets federal and state laws, regulations, and requirements to develop and update program policies and procedures.Researches program requirements and prepares policies, reports, and other documents in coordination with department staff, other agencies, and service providers.Prepares required federal and state reports, forms, and related documentation.Evaluates program effectiveness, identifies training needs, and develops and delivers training to agency staff and service providers.Develops quality assurance processes and program improvement plans to monitor performance and improve service delivery.Conducts desk audits, analyzes data, and prepares reports and recommendations.Researches best practices and recommends improvements to strengthen program quality and service delivery.Coordinates with other department divisions and outside agencies to obtain resources and support effective program operations.Monitors service providers for compliance with program policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and contract requirements.Reviews service and payment records to identify potential improper service utilization and ensure compliance with established program standards.Other duties as assigned.Requirements / Qualifications:Minimum 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 in lieu of the educational requirement.Preferred Qualifications:Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis and reporting.Experience working with data to identify trends, evaluate program performance, and prepare reports.Experience with Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers or other Medicaid programs.Experience developing and implementing quality assurance processes, quality improvement plans, and performance metrics.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Knowledge of: Public administration; policy and procedure development; program planning; federal and state laws and regulations related to health and human services programs; quality assurance; and methods for monitoring and evaluating programs and service delivery.Skill in: Interpreting and explaining policies.Ability to: Work collaboratively with team members and build positive working relationships with agency staff, service providers, contractors, community organizations, clients, and other government agencies; analyze, develop, and organize information; communicate clearly in writing, electronically, and in person; prepare and review reports, action plans, and summaries of state and federal regulations; interpret and apply laws, rules, policies, procedures, and instructions; use critical thinking and independent judgment to address program issues; and coordinate with community representatives and other agencies.If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/BenefitsWe 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. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefitsEqual Opportunity StatementThe State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.