Rural Texas Strong Program Specialist

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks a Rural Texas Strong Program Specialist to lead and oversee the Rural Health Transformation initiatives in the CMS program. You will collaborate with grant specialists and procurement staff to deliver non-IT initiatives and provide strategic guidance across departments.

The role reports to the Rural Texas Strong Program Director within the Provider Finance Department and requires senior-level consultative skills, extensive initiative, and

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college with major in public administration or related field.
• Three years’ experience with managing federal grants and programs.
• Three years’ experience with grant implementation and program monitoring.
• Three years’ experience with project management and coordination.
• Three years’ experience in cross-divisional collaboration preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform technical, training, research, planning, policy, program assessment and administrative activities.
• Support the RHT program initiatives related to information technology.
• Liaise with staff, government agencies, community organizations, or the public to explain program requirements.
• Monitor compliance with requirements, laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Provide consultative services and technical assistance for planning, development and implementation of initiatives.

Skills

Rural health knowledge

Budget processes

Program management

Procurement processes

Cross-divisional collaboration

Data analysis

MS Office

Effective communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public administration or related field

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Outlook

Visio

Job description

Date: Sep 8, 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: Rural Texas Strong Program Specialist

Job Title: Program Specialist VII

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: OBBBA RHTP PFD Admin

Posting Number: 21102

Closing Date: 10/08/2026

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

Additional Shift

Telework: Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 20%

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

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

Brief Job Description

The Rural Texas Strong Program Specialist reports to the Rural Texas Strong Program Director in the Provider Finance Department within the Chief Financial Officer Division at the Health and Human Services Commission. This position will be responsible for the successful initiation, daily oversight, and delivery of initiatives related to the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This role will be primarily responsible for non-information technology related initiatives and work in conjunction with grant specialists and procurement staff. This position will provide consultative services and technical assistance work involving the planning, developing, and implementation of approved initiatives. This includes assistance to other program staff, government agencies, rural health providers, and vendors. This role performs highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work and works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Performs a variety of technical, training, research, planning, policy, program assessment, and administrative activities related to assigned program(s). (40%)


• Provides support to and collaborates in the planning, development, implementation, analysis, and documentation of the RHT program initiatives related to information technology. (25%)


• Serves as a liaison to staff, government agencies, community organizations, or the general public to assist in explaining program specifics and requirements. (15%)


• Monitors and reviews compliance with requirements, laws, regulations, policies, and procedures for assigned program. (15%)


• Performs related work as assigned. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to rural healthcare.


• Knowledge of budget processes and performance management.


• Knowledge of program management processes and techniques.


• Knowledge of health and human services programs and procurement processes preferred.


• Knowledge of rural hospital administration or operations is preferred.


• Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance.


• Skill in the use of computers and applicable software, such as: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Visio; communicating effectively; drafting executive level briefing documents.


• Ability to gather, assemble, and analyze facts; prepare report, develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures; communicate effectively; and served as a leader providing direction to others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria

• Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with major course work in public administration, business administration, or another related field. Experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.


• Three years’ experience with managing federal grants and programs.


• Three years’ experience with grant implementation and program monitoring.


• Three years’ experience with project management and coordination.


• Three years’ experience in cross-divisional collaboration in a large organization is preferred.

Additional Information

This position will be required to report to the North Austin Complex twice per week or as needed.

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