Program Specialist IV

Job Description:
Why Join the Community Partner Program at HHSC?

Join the dynamic team at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) as the Community Partner Program, Program Specialist IV District Support Lead. Within the Access and Eligibility Services (AES) Community Access Division, we are on a mission to bridge Texans with essential services such as nutritious food, healthcare, financial support, and more. We seek a highly motivated, compassioned, and dedicated individual seeking a rewarding career dedicated to assisting the most vulnerable citizens of Texas, providing vital services such as food, medical care, and cash assistance? If yes, The Community Partner Program invites you to join our dynamic team in an innovative and high-performance environment. The Community Partner Program (CPP) District Support Lead (DSL) works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment. The DSL reports to the District Supervisor, support the Community Support Specialists and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to expand awareness of CPP programs. Supports CSS (Community Support Specialist) and provides expertise in various HHSC (Health & Human Services Commission) benefits programs such as Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The DSL work involves providing consultative services and sharing best practices and resources with Community Partners. Responsibilities include team support in absence of supervisor, CSS support, partner recruitment, coordination of stakeholder engagement, participation in program development, planning, implementation, analysis and evaluation activities, and delivery of training and informational presentations. The DSL will work independently and as a team member with offices in multiple locations across the state. Community engagement and partner support may often require work outside of regular hours. The DSL will travel up to 65% within assigned region and occasional travel may be required to other work locations. Performs other duties as assigned or required to maintain efficient department operations.

This role is not just a job; it’s an opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of many, fostering a healthier and more supported community across Texas. If you’re passionate about driving change and eager to contribute to a team that goes above and beyond to serve, we want to hear from you.

The Community Partner Program is not only a qualifying organization for the Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making qualifying monthly payments, but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity as well as Texa$aver (k) and Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

The Program Specialist IV District Support Lead works under the direction of the CPP Program Supervisor V.
Essential Job Functions:
Program Support and Training (30%):

Will provide ongoing support, training, and technical assistance. Program support includes technical assistance, troubleshooting and problem-solving, in-person visits and remote contact, training, newsletters, and presentations. Plans, coordinates, and facilitates stakeholder meetings to provide programmatic updates and training. Training includes information on HHSC benefits programs, CPP policies and procedures, and . Assist with Community Partner Program Forums. Represents HHSC at external stakeholder meetings, events, and workshops as requested.

Partnership Recruitment and Retention (25%):
Conducts assessment of governmental, faith- and community-based organizations within the assigned region
(County/Counties). Identifies prospective governmental, faith- and community-based organizations to assist leadership in meeting yearly recruitment goals for program expansion. Engages, informs, and educates local organizations to recruit new Community Partners and maintains a record of all recruitment activities. In accordance with the CPP recruitment plan, DSL will conduct recruitment presentations, identify potential community partners, and achieve recruitment goals for the year. Assists with onboarding new community partner organizations by coordinating and collaborating with CPP staff to formalize partnerships via a non-financial agreement.
Data Collection, Assessment/Evaluation, and Program Development (20%):
Documents information on all program activities using HHS designated database. Participates in ongoing evaluation, data collection, and quality improvement initiatives to strengthen the work of the CPP. Identifies, and analyzes self-service data, and assists in reviewing, verifying, and resolving trends in CPP, eligibility, and TIERS data collected through the self- application, CPP Website, and State Portal. Identifies trends, best practices and provides recommendations for projects and opportunities for improvement and assists in preparing programs and evaluation reports.
Supervisory Support (15%):
Supports the District Supervisor with day-to-day management of and training of staff. Acts as District point of contact in the absence of the District Supervisor. Performs other duties such as holding meetings, providing directions to staff, assisting in performance review and staff development including coaching and counseling.

Performs Other Duties as Assigned (10%):
Duties as assigned by the supervisor. Participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
•Knowledge of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability) and other privacy laws and policies.
•Knowledge of HHSC Community Partner Program
•Knowledge of SNAP, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), Medicaid, CHIP, Healthy Texas Women, and MEPD (Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities) (Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities) programs
•Knowledge of HHS benefit eligibility policy, processes, procedures, and systems.
•Knowledge and skills for communicating and coordinating with diverse groups/staff
•Skill in effective communication both orally and in writing.
•Skill in program organization, administration, and problem solving.
•Skill in meeting facilitation, organization, and planning.
•Skill in providing individual and group training and technical assistance related to technology and program.
•Skill in meeting project goals and deliverables, managing multiple, competing priorities, and tracking and monitoring and evaluating project progress.
•Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions.
•Ability to provide proof of a valid driver’s license.
•Ability to utilize personal vehicle to travel 65% of the time.
•Ability to use personal computer application software (Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook).

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