Human Services Programs Research Specialist

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 61,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid health insurance for full‑t­

Defined benefit pension

Generous time off

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in Austin seeks a Research Specialist V to drive advanced research and analytics for critical state programs such as Medicaid and SNAP. You will design studies, develop analytic methods, and produce technical reports for policy analysts and decision-makers.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, oversee project design, and mentor staff while ensuring data quality and impactful insights for Texans.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited 4-year college with major coursework in social science, business, statistics, or related field.
• Three or more years of working experience in public policy and/or state/federal government assistance programs is required.
• Three or more years of experience with acquisition, collection, management, analyses and dissemination of health and human services-related data and/or other large datasets preferred.
• Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Responsibilities

• Plans and conducts highly advanced research on the agency’s programs, designing study procedures for program evaluation such as TANF, Food Stamps, and Medicaid.
• Writes advanced scripts and code for computer-based statistics applications and applies advanced statistical methods to data.
• Prepares reports, studies, and data deliverables for administration, legislature, and policy analysts.
• Provides consultation and guidance to internal staff and other agencies on reporting methods and testing new analytical approaches.
• Maintains data processes, documentation, and standard operating procedures across the team.

Skills

SAS/SPSS

SQL

MS Office

Data visualization

Verbal & written communications

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in social science, business, statistics, or related field

Tools

SAS

SPSS

SQL

Job description

Date: Oct 5, 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.

Functional Title: Human Services Programs Research SpecialistJob Title: Research Specialist VAgency: Health & Human Services CommDepartment: DAP Analytics & Decision SupPosting Number: 22090Closing Date: 10/19/2026Posting Audience: Internal and ExternalOccupational Category: Computer and MathematicalSalary Range: $5,425.33 - $7,155.75Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24Shift: DayAdditional Shift: Days (First)Telework: Eligible for TeleworkTravel: Up to 5%Regular/Temporary: RegularFull Time/Part Time: Full timeFLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST

Other Locations: Austin

MOS Codes: 0231,0531,4505,4591,8051,8825,8850,15AX,35F,38A,49A,683X,783X,CYB14,IS,ISS,OSS

Research Specialist (RS) V within the Human Services Programs team under the Office of Data, Analytics, and Performance (DAP) at the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS). This position offers the unique opportunity to drive meaningful policy decisions for essential state programs like Medicaid and SNAP using highly advanced data analytics. You will work at the forefront of health and human services innovation, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to shape data systems that directly impact millions of lives across Texas.

Core Responsibilities

• Program Evaluation & Research: Developing and implementing advanced research and study designs for state programs including Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, and TANF.
• Statistical Analysis: Applying advanced statistical methods to eligibility data and writing complex code/scripts for computer-based statistical applications.
• Reporting & Policy Support: Preparing technical reports, studies, and data deliverables to assist administration, legislative entities, and policy analysts in decision-making.
• Collaboration & Consultation: Providing data reporting guidance to internal staff, testing new analytical methodologies, and working with HHS IT to build necessary data systems.
• Leadership: Coordinating and guiding the work of other team members.
  
  

Essential Job Functions (EJFs

EJF 1 (30%) Plans and/or conducts highly advanced research on the agency’s programs. Plans and designs study procedures for program evaluation such as TANF, Food Stamps, and Medicaid related programs; Develops and implements research methods and analytical procedures; assesses validity of statistical methods and/or procedures for appropriate application; applies advanced statistical methods to health and human services related data; coordinates project design, planning, statistical analysis, and/or reporting; and writes advanced scripts and code for computer based statistics applications.

EJF 2 (30%) Prepares a variety of reports, studies, and other deliverables containing analyses of health and human services data related to TANF, Food Stamps, and Medicaid related programs, the methods and procedures used, and relevant sources referenced for the administration and policy analysts, Texas Legislature, Governor’s Office, other state agencies, and special interest groups.

EJF 3 (20%) Provides consultation and assistance to internal staff and other HHS agencies in developing methods and strategies for effective reporting of data and analyses. Provides for testing and evaluation of newly developed knowledge, methods, and techniques. Defines requirements for development/modification of agency interface files and tests for accuracy, reliability, and validity. Consults in policy development and revision to determine impact on reporting capabilities and current/future research.

EJF 4 (15%) Maintains a data culture that supports the mission of the Office of Data, Analytics, and Performance. Documents processes and ensure efficient file storage. Works to ensure proper assignment tracking reporting using department systems. Prepares and updates team and department standard operating procedures and processes.

EJF 5 (5%) Performs other duties necessary to achieve the mission of the Health and Human Services, including special projects and assignments.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge of scientific research methods, statistical techniques, mathematics, and their application to research analysis.

Knowledge of Health and Human Services programs, policies and demographic data (e.g., TANF,

SNAP, Medicaid) as well as data limitations.

Skill in using SAS, SPSS, or other statistical software.

Skill in using SQL, or other database management software.

Skill in MS Office Suite.

Skill in graphical and tabular presentation of data.

Skill in verbal and written communications.

Ability to manage, manipulate, and analyze complex databases.

Ability to plan, organize, and conduct research projects.

Ability to work in teams that may cross departments and/or agencies, and to communicate effectively with team members.

Ability to develop and interpret statistical data charts and tables.

Ability to interpret and publish research findings.

Ability to exercise independent judgment and show initiative.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria

Graduation from an accredited 4-year college or university with major coursework in social science, business, statistics, or related field. Education and experience may be substituted for each other, for up to four years.

Three or more years of working experience in public policy and/or state/federal government assistance programs is required.

Three or more years of experience with acquisition, collection, management, analyses and dissemination of health and human services-related data and/or other large datasets preferred.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

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