Program Specialist - Personal Assistance Services

State of Nebraska; Oklahoma; On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

State employment retirement

Job summary

State of Nebraska Health & Human Services – Agency 25 in Lincoln, NE, seeks a Program Specialist for Personal Assistance Services to oversee PAS program administration, ensuring non-medical support helps individuals with disabilities live independently.

The role involves evaluating PAS requests over 40 hours, reviewing weekly reports, and authorizing services, with a Monday–Friday schedule. Compensation includes an hourly rate of $24.862 and the posting remains open until 08-18-2026.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent coursework in a related field; professional experience may substitute for education.
• Preferred: Medicaid and/or Personal Assistance Services experience.
• Strong knowledge of public administration, policy development, and program evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and respond to requests for PAS participants exceeding 40 hours per week.
• Review weekly PAS reports and monitor program implementation.
• Review service authorizations for accuracy and consistency.
• Provide technical assistance to agency staff, clients and providers.

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Health & Human Services - Agency 25

Location:

Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate:

$24.862

Job Posting:

JR2026-00028490 Program Specialist - Personal Assistance Services (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

08-18-2026

Job Description:

The Department of Health and Human Services is seeking a motivated individual with a passion for “helping people live better lives” to join our Medicaid and Long-Term Care team filling the role of Program Specialist – Personal Assistance Services.

The Personal Assistance Services (PAS) program is responsible for the administration and oversight of the PAS program and provides non-medical assistance to individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions, enabling them to perform daily activities, live independently in the community, or work. Services include help with bathing, dressing, toileting, and meal preparation, often funded through Medicaid waivers or state-specific initiatives.

Under limited supervision, the Program Specialist plans and coordinates the development, administration and evaluation of a statewide health and human services program(s); serves as a resource and consultant to provide technical assistance/advice to agency staff, clients and service providers; researches and develops program policy and performs quality assurance analysis and evaluation of assigned program(s); performs related work as assigned.

“You have the passion; we have the opportunities – let’s make a difference for Nebraskans”

In the Program Specialist Personal Assistance Services role, you will:

• Evaluate and respond to requests for PAS participants requesting more than 40 hours of services per week.
• Review of weekly PAS reports
• Participant review for duplication of services
• Review of service authorizations

Hire Rate: $ 24.862 per hour – non-exempt

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday; 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Dress Attire: Business Casual

Location: Lincoln - NSOB

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

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:

Previous work with Medicaid and/or Personal Assistance Services.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

the principles and practices of public administration; procedure and policy development; methods and techniques of program planning; federal and state laws, rules, regulations and procedures pertaining to health and human services programs; public funds and budgeting methods; the principles and techniques of adult learning; quality assurance mechanisms; principles and techniques of planning, monitoring and evaluating human services programs and service delivery systems.

Skill in:

interpreting and/or clarifying policy to interested groups; conducting formal presentations to provide education and share information.

Ability to:

plan, organize and direct a major program; work collaboratively in a team setting; analyze, develop and organize materials; establish and maintain positive relationships with agency staff, service providers/contractors, community organizations and clients; communicate electronically, on paper or in person to promote, explain, discuss, advise and interact with interested groups on various program issues and problems; prepare and review technical documents such as summaries of state and federal regulations, action plans, reports, contracts and grants; understand, interpret and apply instructions, laws, rules, policies and procedures pertinent to the program; exercise independent critical thinking skills; maintain liaison with community representatives and other governmental agencies.

Benefits

We 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#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The 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.