Program Specialist V - Critical Incident Specialist

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligibility

Travel up to 25%

Competitive benefits

Job summary

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Behavioral Health Medicaid Programs (BHMP) unit seeks a Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Waiver Critical Incident Reporting SME, or Program Specialist V, to oversee and support YES Waiver services for youth with serious emotional disturbances.

This full-time role provides high‑level consultative services, data analysis, and training to community providers, with potential telework and up to 25% travel.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in human services, business administration, public health, public affairs, public policy or a related field.
• Experience with Medicaid programs and data tracking using Excel is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide high level technical assistance and training to YES Waiver service providers for critical incident reporting.
• Analyze critical incident reports to inform program improvements and ensure timely action.
• Develop policies and procedures, monitor service delivery, and ensure policy adherence.

Skills

data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services / public health / public policy

Job description

• Skill in promoting data-driven decision making

Date: Jul 31, 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: Program Specialist V - Critical Incident Specialist

Job Title: Program Specialist V

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: BH Waivers-YES Waiver-CMH

Posting Number: 19313

Closing Date: 08/30/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Community and Social Services

Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $7,253.83

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21

Shift: Day

Telework: Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 25%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location: AUSTIN

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST

MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS

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 Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Waiver Critical Incident Reporting (CIR) Subject Matter Expert (SME), or Program Specialist V, position. BHMP is driven by the programs mission and vision to deliver quality, cost effective services to Texans. The Program Specialist V works under the general direction of the YES Waiver Director or the designee with considerable latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment. Specialist functions as part of a team specifically designated to work on oversight and management of the YES Waiver for youth with serious emotional disturbances. The YES Waiver program provides an array of services appropriate to each person's needs to enable them to live and experience a successful life in their community. Services are designed to minimize the risk of out-of-home placement.

The Program Specialist V will perform complex consultative services and technical assistance work that involves working with community-based providers. Duties include: providing high level technical assistance and training to YES Waiver service providers for critical incident reporting including restrictive interventions and abuse neglect and exploitation (ANE). Provides consultative services, analysis, and technical assistance to design, implement, and monitor solutions and improvements resulting from assessments of critical incident reports within the program pertaining to all child health, safety, and welfare incidents to ensure the best outcome for participants served.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Provides complex consultative services and technical assistance to plan, implement, and monitor mental health program services. Works closely with community-based providers and local mental health authorities. (15%)
• Develops policies and procedures related to implementation and monitoring of program services. Ensures that providers receive training on new policies and procedures, and that periodic monitoring takes place. (15%)
• Receive and tracks critical incidents and conducts trend analysis to inform program improvement efforts. Participates in quality monitoring program to ensure that identified problems are acted upon and resolved promptly. Works with team members to determine when course corrections are required when program or program provider is not achieving goals or objectives. (40%)
• Receive and tracks critical incidents and conducts trend analysis to inform program improvement efforts. Participates in quality monitoring program to ensure that identified problems are acted upon and resolved promptly. Works with team members to determine when course corrections are required when program or program provider is not achieving goals or objectives. (10%)
• Participates in internal and external work groups and task forces and represents the agency in these groups. Provides subject matter expertise on assigned topics and informs decision-making by ensuring proposal documents and communications are well -researched, accurate and relevant to current priorities. (10%)
• Other duties as assigned (10%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the program area and of agency policies, procedures, and standards.
• Knowledge of Texas public mental health system, and of HHSC Texas Resilience and Recovery (TRR) program.
• Knowledge of local, state and federal laws and regulations relevant to long-term care and Medicaid home and community-based programs.
• Knowledge of Medicaid rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and skills.
• Knowledge of differing cultures/ethnic groups and values.
• Knowledge of Texas laws relating to child protective services
• Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.
• Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and negotiating and implementing solutions.
• Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.
• Skill in promoting data-driven decision making
• Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced environment, to oversee/manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, and to meet deadlines.
• Ability to evaluate and interpret policies and procedures.
• Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment
• Ability to analyze data for completeness and accuracy and to resolve issues promptly.
• Ability to interact with multiple, diverse stakeholder groups.
• Ability to maintain regular work hours.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to plan, assign and/or supervise the work of others.
• Ability to gather, assemble, correlate and analyze facts to interpret and apply policies and procedures.
• Ability to balance team and individual responsibilities.
• Ability to exercise judgment and work independently with moderate direction.

Initial Screening Criteria

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in human services, business administration, public health, public affairs, public policy or a related field is required. Experience with Medicaid programs, data tracking using Excel, and experience with mental health programs.

Additional Information

N/A

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 need.

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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

Nearest Major Market

Austin