Rural Texas Strong Program Specialist

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
Other Locations:
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.

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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.

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.