Lead Program Manager

Texas Health and Human Services; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid employee health insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Generous time off

Job summary

HHSC Access and Eligibility Services in Houston seeks a Lead Program Manager to plan, develop, and implement major agency programs and provide expert guidance to staff and partners. The role requires strong policy knowledge, program analysis, and the ability to manage complex projects while maintaining high standards of service; travel up to 40% is expected.

Applicants typically hold high school diploma with 60 college hours or a degree; prior supervisory experience in SNAP/Medicaid contexts is

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• 60 college hours required; degree preferred.
• Experience in SNAP/Medicaid program management is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and implement major agency programs.
• Provide consultative services to staff and partners.
• Supervise the work of others when needed.
• Prepare administrative reports and studies.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Project management

Data analysis

Education

High School diploma or GED

60 college hours from an accredited college/university

Degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Date: Aug 27, 2026
Location: HOUSTON, 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: Lead Program Manager Job Title: Manager IV Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: TW Reg 06 Mgmt EOAPD Posting Number: 20664 Closing Date: 09/10/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Community and Social Services Salary Range: $5,797.66 - $9,508.25 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25 Shift: Day Telework: Travel: Up to 40% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Facility Location: Job Location City: HOUSTON Job Location Address: 5425 POLK ST Other Locations: MOS Codes: 0203,0207,0302,0520,0602,0802,1802,5502,6302,6502,7202,7208,7210,7220,111X,112X,113X,114X,16GX,41AX 611X,612X,631X,632X,641X,648X,86M0,86P0,8U000,9G100,SEI15

Brief Job Description

Are you a highly motivated, compassionate and dedicated individual looking for a rewarding career assisting the most vulnerable citizens of Texas in need of food, medical care, cash assistance and other social services?

If so, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Access and Eligibility Services (AES) division is looking for individuals who want to join an exciting, dynamic team working in a high-performing and innovative environment. AES provides an integrated and streamlined approach to connect individuals to services and supports that: reduce institutionalization, allow individuals to remain in their communities, and promote economic and personal self-sufficiency. AES is built upon its’ core values of respect, ownership, collaboration, and integrity with a goal of delivering best-in-class customer service to clients and stakeholders.

Our staff are well organized, able to multi-task, possess the ability to learn policy regulations, able to thrive in a challenging, fast-paced, and evolving environment, have good communication skills, a positive attitude, strong work-ethic and a desire to help others. If you also possess these skills, then we are looking for you.

We want you to join our team!

The Lead Program Manager performs highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work. Work involves planning, developing, and implementing a major agency program and/or providing consultative services and technical assistance to program staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, or the general public. May plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others. Works under limited direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Job requires detailed oriented individuals with ability to apply complex policies and procedures. This position may require up to 40% of travel.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Identifies the need for new programs.
• Develops and implements effective techniques for evaluating agency programs.
• Develops policy and procedure manuals.
• Analyzes the applications and variations of programs and develops action plans to improve or initiate programs.
• Collects, organizes, analyzes, and prepares material in response to requests for information and reports.
• Oversees the completion of and monitors required performance reports and recommends appropriate changes.
• Oversees the studies and analyses of operations and problems and the preparation of reports of findings and recommendations.
• Oversees surveys, inspections, or reviews to determine compliance with certification requirements, laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Provides consultative services and technical assistance to plan, implement, and monitor effective programs and services.
• Provides guidance to staff in the development and integration of new methods and procedures.
• Works with and speaks to community and professional groups to coordinate, improve, and stimulate interest in the program and to secure support for local programs.
• Consults with public and private agencies involved in the program to resolve problems, identify training needs, and discuss program effectiveness.
• Determines trends and resolves operational problems.
• Prepares administrative reports, studies, and specialized research projects.
• May plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.
• Performs related work as assigned.
• Must be able to work occasional overtime, as required by management, outside of normal hours of operation, which may include weekends when called upon.
• Must be able to work in a highly stressful and fast paced environment under constant pressure to meet required deadlines.

Knowledge Of

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Local, state, and federal laws and regulations relating to the program area.
• Public administration and management techniques.
• Statistical analysis processes
• Program planning and implementation

Skill In

• Communicating verbally and in writing

Ability To

• Gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts.
• Devise solutions to problems.
• Prepare concise reports.
• Develop and evaluate policies and procedures.
• Plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria

• High School diploma or GED equivalent is required.
• Sixty (60) semester hours from an accredited college or university is required. Two (2) years of management experience within a SNAP, cash assistance, or Medicaid program may be substituted for education requirement.
• A Degree from an accredited college or university is preferred.
• A minimum of four (4) years’ experience, gained within the last 5 years’, in managing a SNAP, Medicaid, Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities (MEPD), or Cash Assistance program/unit.
• Current experience within two (2) years of SNAP, Medicaid, Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities (MEPD), Cash Assistance, or other Medicaid eligibility programs.
• Experience planning, organizing, implementing, and monitoring projects or complex programs, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Experience analyzing system performance and operational procedures, to assist program managers to identify error trends and devise effective corrective action plans.
• Experience using computer software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Texas Integrated Eligibility Redesign System (TIERS) and Eligibility Workload Management System (EWMS) experience is preferred.
• Application indicates the willingness to work beyond normal work hours of 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
• Application indicates the willingness to travel.

Additional Information

Access and Eligibility Services Field Office normal hours of operation are Monday-Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm. Employees may be required to work overtime, as required by management, outside of normal hours of operation, which may include weekends.

Applicants selected for hire will be required to pass a fingerprint criminal history background check.

Applicants may not have a history of substantiated fraudulent activity against HHSC or any program it administers. Applicants who have a non-fraud overpayment with an outstanding balance must agree to repay the overpayment balance as a condition of employment.

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: Houston