What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Specialist V position at Texas Health and Human Services?
Date: Mar 30, 2026
Location:
AUSTIN, 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: Research Specialist VJob Title: Research Specialist VAgency: Health & Human Services CommDepartment: HHS Provider Finance SHARSPosting Number: 15391Closing Date: 04/13/2026Posting Audience: Internal and ExternalOccupational Category: Business and Financial OperationsSalary Range: $5,425.33 - $8,886.16Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24Shift: Day
Additional Shift
Telework: Eligible for TeleworkTravel: Up to 5%Regular/Temporary: RegularFull Time/Part Time: Full timeFLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 0231,0531,4505,4591,8051,8825,8850,15AX,35F,38A,49A,683X,783X,CYB14,IS,ISS,OSS
Brief Job Description
This position is hybrid with (currently) two in-office days per week in Austin. Applicants from outside Texas must be willing to relocate within 30 days of hire.
The Research Specialist V (RS V) performs work for the Provider Finance Department under supervision of the Manager of Fees, Data, and Research. The RS V performs advanced (senior level) research related to rate setting and reimbursement methodologies used in Texas and other states, Medicaid state and federal regulations, HHSC program data, and research necessary to develop Acute Care reimbursement rates and supplemental payment programs for Medicaid and other client services programs administered by the agency. Research may also include analysis of fee-for-service and managed care claims data. Research will be performed under minimal direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs)
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Research and Analysis: Oversees and manages legislatively required and ad-hoc research projects from beginning to end. Coordinates, plans, develops, and implements research projects by designing research objectives, creating report outlines and structures, determining the methodologies for data acquisition, conducting analysis, and generating research findings. May involve collaboration with other HHSC divisions and the utilization of advanced statistical techniques to assess research results and the validity of methods. (30%)
Reporting and Dissemination: Prepares internal reports on analysis results to be presented to other staff and HHSC leadership. Delivers oral presentations on findings to various provider and stakeholder organizations and HHSC leadership. Utilizes data visualization techniques to develop charts, tables, and maps. Communicates complex results in a manner that can be easily understood by various audiences. (25%)
Evaluation and Review: Develops plans for approach to research projects, considers merits of possible analytical models or statistical methods, conducts highly advanced research on payment programs. Reviews results of analysis for accuracy, communicates actionable feedback, develops quality control measures. (15%)
Consultation and Technical Assistance: Provides research assistance to Acute Care staff as it relates to fiscal calculation reviews and rate implementation. Assists with the drafting of memorandums and rule amendments. Interacts and updates project management staff. Provides consultation and technical advice on research methods and techniques to staff on the research team and other rate analysts in the department. (15%)
Data collection and querying: Executes data querying on claims and encounter data utilizing tools such as Business Objects and SQL-based querying platforms. (10%)
Other duties as assigned. (5%)
Knowledge Of
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
N/A
Initial Screening Criteria
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree required. Experience may be substituted on a year for year basis. Experience in data analysis and use of Excel, at a minimum. Formal statistical or literature review research experience in academic setting preferred. Experience with Medicaid and/or healthcare finance preferred. Experience with SQL, Tableau, and/or an analytics tool such as SAS, Stata, SPSS, R, or Python preferred.
Additional Information
N/A
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.
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.
Nearest Major Market: Austin
Location:
AUSTIN, 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: Research Specialist VJob Title: Research Specialist VAgency: Health & Human Services CommDepartment: HHS Provider Finance SHARSPosting Number: 15391Closing Date: 04/13/2026Posting Audience: Internal and ExternalOccupational Category: Business and Financial OperationsSalary Range: $5,425.33 - $8,886.16Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24Shift: Day
Additional Shift
Telework: Eligible for TeleworkTravel: Up to 5%Regular/Temporary: RegularFull Time/Part Time: Full timeFLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 0231,0531,4505,4591,8051,8825,8850,15AX,35F,38A,49A,683X,783X,CYB14,IS,ISS,OSS
Brief Job Description
This position is hybrid with (currently) two in-office days per week in Austin. Applicants from outside Texas must be willing to relocate within 30 days of hire.
The Research Specialist V (RS V) performs work for the Provider Finance Department under supervision of the Manager of Fees, Data, and Research. The RS V performs advanced (senior level) research related to rate setting and reimbursement methodologies used in Texas and other states, Medicaid state and federal regulations, HHSC program data, and research necessary to develop Acute Care reimbursement rates and supplemental payment programs for Medicaid and other client services programs administered by the agency. Research may also include analysis of fee-for-service and managed care claims data. Research will be performed under minimal direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs)
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Research and Analysis: Oversees and manages legislatively required and ad-hoc research projects from beginning to end. Coordinates, plans, develops, and implements research projects by designing research objectives, creating report outlines and structures, determining the methodologies for data acquisition, conducting analysis, and generating research findings. May involve collaboration with other HHSC divisions and the utilization of advanced statistical techniques to assess research results and the validity of methods. (30%)
Reporting and Dissemination: Prepares internal reports on analysis results to be presented to other staff and HHSC leadership. Delivers oral presentations on findings to various provider and stakeholder organizations and HHSC leadership. Utilizes data visualization techniques to develop charts, tables, and maps. Communicates complex results in a manner that can be easily understood by various audiences. (25%)
Evaluation and Review: Develops plans for approach to research projects, considers merits of possible analytical models or statistical methods, conducts highly advanced research on payment programs. Reviews results of analysis for accuracy, communicates actionable feedback, develops quality control measures. (15%)
Consultation and Technical Assistance: Provides research assistance to Acute Care staff as it relates to fiscal calculation reviews and rate implementation. Assists with the drafting of memorandums and rule amendments. Interacts and updates project management staff. Provides consultation and technical advice on research methods and techniques to staff on the research team and other rate analysts in the department. (15%)
Data collection and querying: Executes data querying on claims and encounter data utilizing tools such as Business Objects and SQL-based querying platforms. (10%)
Other duties as assigned. (5%)
Knowledge Of
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
- research and survey methods, principles, techniques, and philosophies.
- statistical concepts, methods, and their application to research analysis.
- quality assurance methods, measurement, testing, and evaluation.
- data linkage techniques.
- Managing multiple and competing priorities.
- the use of statistical analysis, database, and matching software.
- Working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.
- Communication and public speaking.
- plan, organize, and participate in complex research projects.
- analyze or evaluate research data and findings.
- analyze and interpret complex statistical data.
- analyze a problem and recommend an effective solution.
- communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- draft and/or edit narrative reports.
- explain technical information to others.
- organize, track, work independently, and complete simultaneous difficult/complex tasks with varying deadlines.
- establish and maintain effective work relationships.
- work effectively in a team setting.
- exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and making recommendations.
- learn and effectively apply new procedures and techniques.
N/A
Initial Screening Criteria
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree required. Experience may be substituted on a year for year basis. Experience in data analysis and use of Excel, at a minimum. Formal statistical or literature review research experience in academic setting preferred. Experience with Medicaid and/or healthcare finance preferred. Experience with SQL, Tableau, and/or an analytics tool such as SAS, Stata, SPSS, R, or Python preferred.
Additional Information
N/A
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.
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.
Nearest Major Market: Austin
Salary : $5,425 - $8,886