Functional Title: Program Specialist (PFD LTSS Non-Medicaid and DFPS Rates) Job Title: Program Specialist VI Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: SP26 DFPS Rate Setting Posting Number: 20437 Closing Date: 10/23/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations Salary Range: $5,098.66- $8,304.83 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Telework: Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 5% 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 Other Locations: MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS Brief Job Description: Under direct supervision of the Manager of DFPS and Non-Medicaid Rates Team within the Provider Finance Department (PFD) Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) section, Program Specialist (PS) VI performs advanced, complex program and policy work related to the development, implementation, monitoring, and maintenance of cost reporting processes and payment rates and reimbursement methodologies for non-Medicaid programs and services, including pro forma and cost report-based rate modeling. PS VI assists in cost reporting processes, the development of cost reporting instructions, addressing cost report inquiries, the development of rate models and fiscal estimates in support of HHSC's Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) for rate-setting activities. PS VI works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment. Essential Job Functions (EJFs): 1. Provider Cost Reporting Oversight. (35%) - Participates in provider cost-reporting activities, including reporting requirements, submission timelines, provider instructions, data collection, review processes, and follow-up. - Reviews provider cost reports and supporting documentation for completeness, consistency, reasonableness, and compliance with applicable requirements. - Identifies data-quality concerns, analyzes cost-reporting trends, and coordinates resolution of complex reporting or reimbursement issues. 2. Reporting, Communication, and Training. (25%) - Develops reports, memoranda, summaries, presentations for executive leadership, as well as guidance documents for provider communications, and other materials describing rate-setting analyses, reimbursement methodologies, cost-reporting requirements, and fiscal impacts. - Provides technical assistance and training to providers, program staff, and other stakeholders on cost reporting, reimbursement concepts, rate-setting processes, and data-submission requirements. - Responds to complex stakeholder inquiries and explains cost reporting processes, financial analysis, rate-setting functions, and reimbursement information to technical and nontechnical audiences. (3) Assists in Rate Setting and Reimbursement Methodology Development. (20%) - Assists in developing, analyzing, implementing, and maintaining payment rates, reimbursement methodologies, and related financial models for assigned non-Medicaid programs and services. - Conducts financial, statistical, and policy analyses to support rate recommendations, methodology changes, fiscal impact estimates, and leadership decision-making. - Assists in the preparation and maintance of rate-setting workpapers, calculation files, assumptions, supporting documentation, and recommendations for review and approval. 4. Program Coordination and Policy Support. (15%) - Collaborates with program, finance, budget, legal, contract, data, and information technology staff to obtain data, implement rate-setting activities, and address reimbursement-related issues. - Assists with development and maintenance of policies, procedures, desk references, process documentation, and implementation plans related to assigned programs. - Supports audits, legislative requests, public-information requests, stakeholder meetings, and other provider finance initiatives. 5. Other Duties as Assigned. (5%) - Performs related work and special projects as assigned to support Provider Finance and LTSS operational priorities. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): Knowledge of: - Financial analysis, accounting concepts, budgeting, cost allocation, and reimbursement principles. - Data analysis methods and techniques (preferred). - Principles and practices of rate setting and payment methodology development (preferred). - Program evaluation, policy analysis, and report development. - Applicable state and federal laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to assigned programs. Skill in: - Analyzing complex financial, statistical, and programmatic information. - Developing and maintaining spreadsheets, financial models, workpapers, and data files. - Interpreting data and communicating findings to technical and nontechnical audiences. - Preparing clear, accurate, and concise reports, correspondence, training materials, and presentations. - Organizing workload, managing multiple projects, and meeting established deadlines. - Using personal computers and standard business software, including Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Ability to: - Apply sound judgment and independent decision-making to complex program and financial issues. - Develop defensible rate-setting analyses and reimbursement recommendations. - Explain technical financial and reimbursement concepts clearly to providers, program staff, leadership, and other stakeholders. - Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. - Work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team environment. - Maintain confidentiality of sensitive provider, financial, and program information. Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: N/A. Initial Screening Criteria: Graduation from a four-year college or university is required. Relevant experience in state government, reimbursement methodology, finance, communications, training, or a related field may substitute on a year-for-year basis. Demonstrated experience in: coordinating a program within a state agency; deliverying customer service; developing or providing stakeholder communications; deliverying virtual/in-person training; cost reporting processes; or reimbursement methodologies is preferred. Additional Information: Applicants must complete the online application in full and include a clear summary of experience that shows how they meet the initial screening criteria. Telework flexibility may be available in accordance with agency policy; in-office presence is currently required two days a week but may be modified based on business need. Occasional travel may be required for meetings, trainings, or stakeholder engagement. Military occupation specialty (MOS) codes related to this position are available through the Texas State Auditor's Office Military Crosswalk. 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.