Program Specialist V

Job Description:
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks highly qualified candidates to fill the Program Specialist V position with Community Services (CS), Community Care Services (CCS) including, Community Care Services Contracts (CCSC) and Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) sections. HHSC is driven by its mission statement “We Serve Texas.” The ideal candidate will thrive in an environment that emphasizes fidelity to our mission, collegiality to internal and external stakeholders, nurturing talent within our team, open and transparent communication, and agility to adapt quickly to challenges and changes.

This position performs advanced (senior level) financial management and oversight of technical and contract-related projects and projects that support expenditure forecasts; financial and operational impact; performance measures, and project deliverables for assigned contracts, projects, programs, and procurements. Manages financial and budget operations for assigned contracts and projects. Monitors financial deliverables and performance for assigned contracts and projects supporting essential program functions. Performs highly advanced program and financial analyses and supports strategic planning for significant agency programs. Monitors monthly expenditures for assigned contracts and projects. Acts as a program financial management liaison for CCS, including communicating financial information to internal and external stakeholders. Work involves developing guidelines and processes for financial operations and monitoring; setting priorities and standards for achieving performance goals; coordinating and evaluating program activities; and developing and evaluating financial requests. Work involves the examination, investigation, and review of contract budget and accounting records, financial statements, management practices, and internal controls to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and/or regulations as well as HHSC policies, regulations, for related projects and procurements. Prepares reports containing findings, recommendations, and corrective actions required of the contractors. Actively performs special projects regarding financial management for CCS. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Essential Job Functions:
EJF1
Performs advanced financial monitoring of assigned contracts, programs, projects, and procurements that support expenditure forecasts; financial and operational impact; performance measures; and contract or project deliverables. Work involves the examination, investigation, and review of accounting records, financial statements, management practices, and internal controls to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and/or regulations as well as HHSC policies. Work also involves the preparation of financial reports containing findings, recommendations, and corrective actions. Assists with coordination, processing, and monitoring of purchase requests, ePro forms, requisitions, invoices, vouchers, payment requests, and performs all financial program support for CCSC. Tracks, monitors, and reports on status of requisitions and invoices.
(Percentage of Time Spent on Tasks = 35%)

EJF2
Plans, coordinates, assigns, and reviews the financial analysis, forecasting, and status of contracts, procurements, programs, and projects. Drafts and performs final review and/or approval of financial reports, contract financial deliverables and invoices, and budget expenditures; supporting backup documentation; associated follow-up correspondence; and all other written materials related to the financial component as assigned. Reviews projects for financial completeness; for compliance with financial standards; for uniformity in methods; and for adherence to financial statutes, agency rulings and procedures. Reviews, processes, and tracks invoices and payments for contracts, programs, and projects.
(Percentage of Time Spent on Tasks = 30%)

EJF3
Reviews and interprets new legislation and other applicable federal or state laws and regulations as well as department policies and procedures that affect assigned contracts, projects, programs, and procurements. Prepares and provides financial and operational impact analyses of legislative proposals. Serves as technical advisor on financial matters. Makes recommendations for changes in the procurement and financial tracking processes.
(Percentage of Time Spent on Tasks = 15%)

EJF4
Conducts and assists with special investigations, research studies, and internal and external audits for assigned contracts, projects, programs, and procurements. Prepares ad hoc reports/analyses as requested by federal funders and programmatic staff to assist in quality improvement initiatives as well as reporting purposes.
(Percentage of Time Spent on Tasks = 10%)

EJF5
Serves as a liaison with internal and external stakeholders. Represents CCS programs in meetings to provide consultation on financial matters for assigned contracts, procurements, programs, and other projects. Serves on workgroups and projects as needed.
(Percentage of Time Spent on Tasks = 10%)
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of complex accounting systems, journals, and source documentation required for compliance with contract language, state, and federal regulations.
Knowledge of financial analyses and examination procedures for regulated entities of financial and industry terminology and practices, and of statistical analysis.
Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
Knowledge of grant and contract administration including state and federal grant guidelines (State of Texas Uniform Grant Management Standards and the federal Uniform Grant Guidance).
Knowledge of the principles and practices of contract administration, management, and monitoring.
Knowledge of contract performance management and monitoring procedures.
Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policy and procedures relevant to contracts.
Knowledge of accounting, finance, auditing, and/or budgeting. CAPPS Financials, HHSAS Financials or similar financials and accounting application experience is preferred.

Skill in communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
Skill in project management.
Skill in effective oversight to include planning, development and implementation of systems and processes.
Skill in computer operations, in applicable software, and in data modeling.
Skill in Microsoft Office products, superior skills in Excel and/or other data base programs.

Ability to identify and analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and propose effective solutions.
Ability to interpret and analyze statutes and state/federal rules and regulations.
Ability to analyze, evaluate, summarize and present financial and management records for accuracy and conformance to procedures, rules, and regulations.
Ability to draft and prepare clear and concise reports and correspondence regarding findings.
Ability to convey complex financial information in a manner that is easily understandable.
Ability to assign and/or track the work of others.

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