Date: Aug 8, 2025
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: Program Specialist V
Job Title: Program Specialist V
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: AES CA ASSOC COMM
Posting Number: 7830
Closing Date: 08/22/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21
Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $7,253.83
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 20%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION:

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks highly qualified candidates to fill the Program Specialist V position within the Access & Eligibility Services (AES). AES is driven by the mission to connect Texans to services by helping individuals and families in need of food, medical care, cash assistance, and other social services. The Program Specialist V position directly supports Community Engagement (CE) Programs. CE is dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, promoting ongoing learning, fostering innovation, and implementing best practices to effectively empower individuals with access to essential public assistance programs and resources.
This position will serve as the Nutrition Incentive Program (NIP) Program Specialist within the AES division and will also provide support to other Community Engagement programs through special projects. The NIP Program Specialist is a critical role within HHSC. This position is dedicated to increasing the purchase of fruits and vegetables by low-income households participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by providing an incentive at the point of purchase. The primary goal is to improve access to fresh, locally grown produce, support Texas farmers and retailers, and boost local economies. The NIP will make healthier foods more affordable to low-income households, reduce food insecurity, and promote improved physical and mental health outcomes.
The Program Specialist V acts as a liaison to internal and external stakeholders to ensure appropriate coordination and collaboration efforts. Represents programs in meetings with internal and external departments and on committees as needed. Develops and contributes to the preparation of accurate, quality, and timely documents and work products (e.g., reports, information/action memorandum, procurement and contract documents, summaries, etc.). Works with appropriate staff to facilitate continuous program and process improvements and identification of opportunities for program operations to improve services and reduce costs. Assist with day-to-day operations, including the handling of escalated issues, legislative analysis and communications, and development and review of critical documents. May train, lead, assign, and/or prioritize the work of others. In addition to the primary responsibilities as the NIP Program Specialist, this position will also be responsible for assisting other Community Engagement programs with special projects, as assigned. These special projects may include, but are not limited to, research and analysis, program development, and stakeholder engagement. The Program Specialist V works under minimal direction, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The ideal candidate will thrive in an environment that emphasizes innovation through new ideas, striving for excellence by taking pride in your work, embracing others’ differences as a source of strength, accomplishing more through partnership, leading by example, and learning for continuous improvement. Perform other duties as assigned based on program and business needs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of project management strategies and procedures.
• Knowledge of government organization and administration.
• Knowledge of the Community Partner Program
• Knowledge of SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, and CHIP services.
• Knowledge of TIERS, State Portal, Datamart, YourTexasBenefits.com, and/or the mobile app to provide information and solve issues.
• Skill in establishing project goals and deliverables and managing multiple priorities.
• Skill in tracking and monitoring project progress.
• Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions.
• Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.
• Skill in analyzing and evaluating complex program and policy issues.
• Skill in communication and public speaking.
• Ability to interpret data and develop reports and effective operating procedures.
• Ability to organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing, to diverse audiences.
• Ability to lead in an environment of change.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff at all levels of an organization, agencies, providers, stakeholders, and elected officials.
• Ability to develop and implement effective customer service systems.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work among contracted and non-contracted staff.
• Ability to perform work with a high degree of attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and operate effectively within established guidelines and timeframes.
• Ability to lead project teams, work with multiple stakeholders, and provide oversight to contracted vendors.
• Ability to write and revise standards and procedures.
• Ability to evaluate and make recommendations for program improvements.
• Ability to train others and provide technical assistance.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Applicants may not have a history of substantiated fraudulent activity against HHSC or any programs 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.
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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.

Please refer the Job description for details