Program Specialist (PFD LTSS Non-Medicaid and DFPS Rates)

FALL CREEK FARM & NURSERY; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 57,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% health insurance for full-time

Defined benefit pension plan

Generous time off benefits

Career advancement opportunities

Telework eligible

Job summary

Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC) in Austin, TX seeks a Program Specialist VI to oversee cost reporting and rate-setting activities for non-Medicaid programs in the DFPS area. Under supervision, you develop, implement, and monitor cost reporting processes and reimbursement methodologies.

The role requires graduation from a four-year college, and experience in state government or reimbursement methods is preferred.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a four-year college or university is required.
• Relevant experience in state government, reimbursement methodology, finance, communications, training, or a related field may substitute on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Oversee provider cost-reporting activities, including submission timelines and data collection.
• Develop reports, summaries, and guidance documents describing rate-setting analyses and fiscal impacts.
• Assist in developing, analyzing, and maintaining payment rates and financial models for non-Medicaid programs.
• Collaborate with program, finance, budget, legal, and IT staff to obtain data and address reimbursement issues.
• Support audits, legislative requests, and stakeholder meetings.

Skills

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Reimbursement principles

Rate setting

Excel

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Career Opportunities: Program Specialist (PFD LTSS Non-Medicaid and DFPS Rates) (20437)

Posting ID20437-Posted -Health & Human Services Comm-SP26 DFPS Rate Setting-Business and Financial Operations-Eligible for Telework-c. $5000 - $6999 per month

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: Program Specialist (PFD LTSS Non-Medicaid and DFPS Rates)
Job Title: Program Specialist VI
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: SP26 DFPS Rate Setting
Posting Number: 20437
Closing Date: 10/23/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations
Salary Range: $5,098.66-$8,304.83
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: None
Telework: Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 5%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST
Other Locations: None
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS

Brief Job Description:

Under direct supervision of the Manager of DFPS and Non ‑ Medicaid Rates Team within the Provider Finance Department (PFD) Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) section, Program Specialist (PS) VI performs advanced, complex program and policy work related to the development, implementation, monitoring, and maintenance of cost reporting processes and payment rates and reimbursement methodologies for non-Medicaid programs and services, including pro forma and cost report-based rate modeling . PS VI assists in cost reporting processes, the development of cost reporting instructions, addressing cost report inquiries, the development of rate models and fiscal estimates in support of HHSC’s Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) for rate-setting activities. PS VI works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

1. Provider Cost Reporting Oversight. (35%)

• Participates in provider cost-reporting activities, including reporting requirements, submission timelines, provider instructions, data collection, review processes, and follow-up.
• Reviews provider cost reports and supporting documentation for completeness, consistency, reasonableness, and compliance with applicable requirements.
• Identifies data-quality concerns, analyzes cost-reporting trends, and coordinates resolution of complex reporting or reimbursement issues.

2. Reporting, Communication, and Training. (25%)

• Develops reports, memoranda, summaries, presentations for executive leadership, as well as guidance documents for provider communications, and other materials describing rate-setting analyses, reimbursement methodologies, cost-reporting requirements, and fiscal impacts.
• Provides technical assistance and training to providers, program staff, and other stakeholders on cost reporting, reimbursement concepts, rate-setting processes, and data-submission requirements.
• Responds to complex stakeholder inquiries and explains cost reporting processes, financial analysis, rate-setting functions, and reimbursement information to technical and nontechnical audiences.

3. Assists in Rate Setting and Reimbursement Methodology Development. (20%)

• Assists in developing, analyzing, implementing, and maintaining payment rates, reimbursement methodologies, and related financial models for assigned non-Medicaid programs and services.
• Conducts financial, statistical, and policy analyses to support rate recommendations, methodology changes, fiscal impact estimates, and leadership decision-making.
• Assists in the preparation and maintenance of rate-setting workpapers, calculation files, assumptions, supporting documentation, and recommendations for review and approval.

4. Program Coordination and Policy Support. (15%)

• Collaborates with program, finance, budget, legal, contract, data, and information technology staff to obtain data, implement rate-setting activities, and address reimbursement-related issues.
• Assists with development and maintenance of policies, procedures, desk references, process documentation, and implementation plans related to assigned programs.
• Supports audits, legislative requests, public-information requests, stakeholder meetings, and other provider finance initiatives.

5. Other Duties as Assigned. (5%)

• Performs related work and special projects as assigned to support Provider Finance and LTSS operational priorities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Financial analysis, accounting concepts, budgeting, cost allocation, and reimbursement principles.
• Data analysis methods and techniques (preferred).
• Principles and practices of rate setting and payment methodology development (preferred).
• Program evaluation, policy analysis, and report development.
• Applicable state and federal laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to assigned programs.

Skill in:

• Analyzing complex financial, statistical, and programmatic information.
• Developing and maintaining spreadsheets, financial models, workpapers, and data files.
• Interpreting data and communicating findings to technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Preparing clear, accurate, and concise reports, correspondence, training materials, and presentations.
• Organizing workload, managing multiple projects, and meeting established deadlines.
• Using personal computers and standard business software, including Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Ability to:

• Apply sound judgment and independent decision-making to complex program and financial issues.
• Develop defensible rate-setting analyses and reimbursement recommendations.
• Explain technical financial and reimbursement concepts clearly to providers, program staff, leadership, and other stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive provider, financial, and program information.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from a four-year college or university is required. Relevant experience in state government, reimbursement methodology, finance, communications, training, or a related field may substitute on a year-for-year basis.

Demonstrated experience in: coordinating a program within a state agency; deliverying customer service; developing or providing stakeholder communications; deliverying virtual/in-person training; cost reporting processes; or reimbursement methodologies is preferred.

Additional Information:

Telework flexibility may be available in accordance with agency policy; in-office presence is currently required two days a week but may be modified based on business need.

Occasional travel may be required for meetings, trainings, or stakeholder engagement.

Military occupation specialty (MOS) codes related to this position are available through the Texas State Auditor’s Office Military Crosswalk.

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.