HCBS-AMH Operations Lead/Project Manager

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 56,901 - 92,681; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid employee health insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Generous time off benefits

Opportunities for career advancement

Job summary

A state health agency in Austin is seeking a Program Specialist VI to lead operations for the HCBS-AMH program. This role involves significant project management, supporting Medicaid services while ensuring compliance with policies. Ideal candidates will have a bachelor’s degree and experience in project management or business analysis. The position provides a comprehensive benefits package, including fully-paid health insurance and a defined benefit pension plan.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or higher degree from an accredited college.
• Experience in project management and business analysis preferred.
• Knowledge of Medicaid rules and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Support project management of major program initiatives.
• Monitor and manage complex program projects to completion.
• Coordinate internal and external audits.
• Manage policy and procedure manual updates for EVV.

Skills

Project Management

Strategic Planning

Statistical Analysis

Process Improvement

Excellent Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in IT, Public Administration, or Business Administration

Tools

Project Management Software

Job description

Date: Feb 27, 2026

Location: AUSTIN, TX

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Position Details

Functional Title: HCBS-AMH Operations Lead/Project Manager

Job Title: Program Specialist VI

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: BH Waivers-HCBS-AMH

Posting Number: 14373

Closing Date: 03/29/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Community and Social Services

Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $8,304.83

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23

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: Exempt

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST

Other Locations: Austin

Brief Job Description

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Behavioral Health Medicaid Programs (BHMP) unit seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the Home and Community-Based Services - Adult Mental Health (HCBS-AMH) Operations Lead Program Specialist VI position. BHMP is driven by the program mission and vision to deliver quality, cost effective services to Texans. The HCBS-AMH Program Operations Lead works under the general direction of the HCBS-AMH Manager or the designee with considerable latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment. This position functions as part of a team specifically designated to work on oversight and management of the Medicaid State Plan Amendment, 1915(i) program, called Home and Community-Based Services - Adult Mental Health (HCBS-AMH) for persons with serious mental illness. The HCBS-AMH program provides an array of services appropriate to each person's needs to enable them to live and experience a successful tenure in their community. Services are designed to support long-term recovery from mental illness and to divert placement in correctional facilities, hospital emergency departments and psychiatric hospitalization. Primary functions of this position encompass multiple program areas, including but not limited to: IT Project Management (CMBHS), Policy updates and changes related to Electronic Visit Verification (EVV), Open Enrollment and Contracting, Budget and Forecasting, Audits, Open Records Requests, and Reporting. Functional responsibilities include: Supporting project management of major and critical program and contract initiatives including audit finding resolutions, internal policy implementation, and the development and implementation of 1915(i) plan and contract amendments. Monitors and coordinates timelines and successful deliverable completion on multiple projects. The Program Specialist VI will serve as the Electronic Visit Verification liaison, contract management point of contact for Open Enrollment contracts, Clinical Management and Behavioral Health Systems (CMBHS) lead and performs highly advanced consultative and technical work related to HCBS-AMH program policies and processes in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Work involves evaluating systems and procedures, including evaluating operation and procedure manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently through streamlined and documented processes. Performs project management function for process improvement and continuous program improvement. Coordinates internal and external audits. Trains others on the development, implementation, and interpretation of internal policies and procedures.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Provides CMBHS and other technical support, analysis and project management support for HCBS-AMH program team, internal and external stakeholders, and providers. Responsible for IT projects spanning requests for trainings, change requests, reporting, or upgrades, and project work-streams affecting HCBS-AMH program services and providers. (25%)
• Monitors and manages complex program projects to completion. Compiles and distributes project information such as status reports. Monitors and manages project quality to ensure project deliverables (e.g., solicitation components, new procedures, new policies) are acceptable and fulfill the needs of HCBS-AMH. (25%)
• Monitors and manages complex program projects to completion. Compiles and distributes project information such as status reports. Monitors and manages project quality to ensure project deliverables (e.g., solicitation components, new procedures, new policies) are acceptable and fulfill the needs of HCBS-AMH. (25%)
• Oversees, plans, directs, and implements program process improvement and continuous program improvement efforts. Interprets historical, current, and projected data to identify problems, causes, and areas for which procedural or system improvement is indicated. Develops, reviews, evaluates, advices management, and receives approval for recommendations for improvement. Implements approved recommendations. (20%)
• Manages the policy and procedure manual updates for Electronic Visit Verification (EVV). Ensures any needed changes are included in the manual and staff are trained when processes change. (15%)
• Coordinates and manages all internal and external audits for HCBS-AMH program. Responds to and tracks all Open Records Requests. (10%)
• May plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others and perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the program area; of public administration and management techniques; of statistical analysis processes; and of program planning and implementation.
• Knowledge of local, state and federal laws and regulations relevant to long-term care and 1915 (i) waivers.
• Knowledge of Medicaid rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of project management theories and practices.
• Knowledge of process-driven quality improvement
• Skill in gathering, assembling, analyzing and evaluating facts and devising solutions to operational problems.
• Skill in communication, both written and verbal, including public speaking.
• Skill in strategic planning and project management.
• Skill in writing, revising and streamlining processes, procedures and policy.
• Skill in operating computers and applicable computer software.
• Ability to make accurate and appropriate decisions requiring interpretation of state law, federal regulations and applicable policies and procedures.
• Ability to effectively manage projects.
• Ability to evaluate processes to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Ability to effectively lead teams and individuals who perform diverse and highly complex functions, inspiring creative problem solving and independence.
• Ability to direct, assign, and evaluate the work of project staff.
• Ability to prepare reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

Project Management Professional, Lean Six Sigma Certification, or Certified Business Analysis Professional preferred.

Initial Screening Criteria

Bachelor’s or higher degree from an accredited college in the IT field, public administration, business administration or related study. Education may be substituted with relevant experience.

Demonstrated Project Management and/or Business Analysis experience in successful large IT or complex program projects preferred.

Experience in strategic planning, or providing complex quality assurance consultation to, or oversight of, projects, assignments or special initiatives preferred.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, And Veterans

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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.

Pre-Employment Checks And Work Eligibility

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.

Nearest Major Market: Austin