Waiver Program Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Functional Title: LTSS Project & Program Specialist PSIV Job Title: Program Specialist IV Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: LongTermSvcs & Supports Policy Posting Number: 21132 Closing Date: 09/23/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Community and Social Services Salary Range: $5,521.16- $6,779.25 Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group: TEXAS-B-20 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Days (First) Telework: Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 10% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt Facility Location: Job Location City: AUSTIN Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST Other Locations: Austin MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS
Brief Job Description:
The Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) team within the Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) Office of Policy is seeking accomplished program and project management professionals dedicated to improving critical services for Texans. In this role, you will lead the development, implementation, and oversight of complex program policies and initiatives that drive the quality and success of long-term care programs for thousands of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and related conditions across Texas.
Reporting to the Manager of Long-Term Services and Supports, the Program Specialist IV serves as a lead on high-impact projects, coordinating cross-functional teams to deliver results on time and within scope. Responsibilities center on end-to-end program and project management, including strategic planning, stakeholder coordination, policy development, risk mitigation, and performance evaluation. Successful candidates will demonstrate expertise in managing complex projects and a commitment to delivering measurable outcomes for the State of Texas.
This position operates with limited supervision and offers moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment.
Work includes:
• Analysis of state and federal Medicaid policies that impact waiver programs.
• Facilitating and participating in workgroups and meetings with internal and external stakeholders and policy specialists to develop, implement, oversee, and evaluate initiatives for waiver program services.
• Preparing written project updates, summaries, briefings, reports, plans, bill analyses, and other documents for internal and external communication related to waiver program policies.
• Delivering executive and leadership briefings, presenting to stakeholders, providing subject matter expertise on program policy, reviewing and advising on waiver amendments, and drafting and finalizing policies and other time-sensitive materials.
Essential Job Functions:
Demonstrates reliable attendance according to agency leave policy and proactively contributes to additional projects as assigned.
(40%) Leads strategic analysis, development, implementation, and documentation of federal and state legislation and regulations. Crafts compelling legislative analyses, delivers insightful responses to diverse stakeholders, and creates impactful presentations.
(40%) Drives and facilitates meetings related to Medicaid LTSS, including workgroups and subcommittees, to develop innovative program materials. Sets ambitious goals and objectives, delegates assignments, and ensures excellence in work products. Collaborates cross-functionally within HHSC to interpret and apply program policy and rules.
(10%) Produces exemplary written communications, including project updates, executive memos, analytical summaries, and legislative reports.
(10%) Serves as a subject matter expert, leading or actively contributing to workgroups and meetings for assigned Medicaid waiver programs.
This position offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on the Medicaid system, working closely with diverse teams and stakeholders to shape the future of long-term services and supports in Texas.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
N/A
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:

• Medicaid HCBS waiver programs, long-term care programs and policies, the state and federal legislative process, and laws and regulations governing Medicaid.
• State and federal laws and regulations governing the Medicaid program.
• Long-term care services for the IDD population.
• Project management principles and best practices, including setting timelines, monitoring progress, and ensuring deliverables.

Skill in:

• Project oversight, including monitoring deadlines and ensuring adherence to policies and procedures.
• Facilitating meetings and ensuring that participants meet their deliverables.
• Researching and analyzing program and policy issues
• Communicating effectively - orally and in writing.
• Successfully initiating, overseeing, and delivering projects from start to finish.
• Leading projects throughout their lifecycle, from initiation and oversight to completion and delivery.

Ability to:

• Manage competing priorities, work under pressure, negotiate among multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and establish effective working relationships.
• Work cooperatively and effectively in a team environment and with diverse groups and interests.
• Exercise good judgment and work independently with limited direction.
• Use applications in a Microsoft environment and Project Management tools.
• Exercise sound judgment in making decisions.
• Identify project risks and gaps and develop recommendations to address issues.
• Manage projects that are multi-departmental, multi-agency or enterprise-wide.

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Two years' experience working in a related health and human services position.
2. Experience in direct care, case management, oversight, or policy development related to 1915(c) Medicaid waiver programs, public health, state government, social work, or another related field. Experience in a field related to LTSS preferred.

Preferred: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in a related field.
Additional Information:
• Additional information about the programs these positions support can be found in the 2025 edition of the Texas Medicaid Pink Book.
• These positions are based in Austin, TX. While teleworking opportunities are available, contingent on performance, these positions will not be 100% telework.
• State of Texas employees participate in outstanding benefits:
o Excellent health benefits,
o Lifetime monthly retirement annuity,
o Generous time off benefits.
Additional benefits of joining the MCS Office of Policy include:
• Leadership committed to investing in your professional growth, expanding your knowledge of the Texas Medicaid program, and supporting your career advancement.
• Making a profound impact on the lives of thousands of Medicaid clients who depend on LTSS throughout Texas.
• Working at the forefront of healthcare policy implementation, with opportunities to collaborate closely with federal partners, providers, advocates, managed care organizations, and other healthcare stakeholders.
• Engagement with the Texas legislative process to analyze and inform legislators of potential impact of proposed bills.
• Joining a team that leads the interpretation, implementation, and development of policies with statewide impact.
• Opportunities to engage with multiple facets of the healthcare delivery system, including managed care, fee-for-service, federal/state Medicaid partnerships, and other areas related to Medicaid program administration.
• Note: Factors including, but not limited to, HR Policies, budgetary limitations, qualifications, experience, and tenure will determine the final salary offer.
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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.