DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.
Employee Benefits:
DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.
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Functional Title: Eligibility Determination Worker
Job Title: Program Specialist I
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: HIV Medications Program
Posting Number: 18360
Closing Date: 07/14/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services
Salary Range: $3,581.33 - $4,476.83
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-17
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 15%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 201 W HOWARD LN STE 200
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS
Job Description:
Performs routine consultative services and technical work to assist in the planning, development, implementation, and coordination of the daily operations and special projects of the Texas HIVMedication Program (THMP). Evaluates and applies operational processes based on program policies and procedures to determine eligibility for THMP clients. Trains other staff, governmental agencies, HIV service agencies, and the public on program eligibility criteria and application processing procedures.
Provides consultative and technical services to agency program staff, other governmental agencies, community/professional organizations, and the public to help coordinate and improve client access to the program and to promote client adherence to physician-prescribed medication regimens. Contribution to the development of program literature and educational material. Develops, implements, and maintains data collection and analysis programs using available software applications. Assists the Program Manager with planning, assigning, and evaluating work duties performed by others. Work is performed under the supervision of the Program Manager with moderate supervision and limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Job Functions:
(10%) Provides support to the Regional Coordinator and collaborates with other program staff in the development of eligibility guidelines and screening processes (including applications, forms, and instructions). Assists in ensuring eligibility guidelines and screening processes maintain compliance with Ryan White payer of last resort requirements, and coordinates client needs with other available community resources and services. Assists in reviewing policies related to the assigned region at least annually and preparing justifications for changes identified as necessary.
(30%) Assists with eligibility determinations for new, recertification, and self-attestation applications for medication assistance through the Texas HIV Medication Program in the assigned region. Applications include those for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), Texas Insurance Assistance Program PLUS (TIAP-PLUS), and other special or pilot programs administered by the THMP. These applications have been reviewed, demographic information entered into the Texas HIV Medication Program (THMP) database, TakeChargeTexas (TCT), and verification information entered after review to ensure accuracy and completeness. Reviews proof of HIV diagnosis, financial eligibility, Texas residency, and insurance status, including both documentation provided by the applicant and verification information provided with the application, to determine if the application is approved or incomplete.
(15%) Assists in determining eligibility denials for applicants who do not meet program criteria by providing an initial determination. All eligibility denials will receive a secondary review by the Regional Coordinator for the Eligibility Determination Worker’s assigned region, who makes the final eligibility determination. Additionally, will transfer any requests for special exceptions, challenging situations, and appeals to the Regional Coordinator. Other THMP Coordinators and Team Leads are available for these functions in the Regional Coordinator’s absence.
(10%) Composes a letter of determination to the applicant and the Community Agency Enrollment Worker (AEW) who assisted with the application, with the letter of denial, approval, pending, or incomplete application. Denial letters will include the reason for the denial and information on other available HIV Medication services, and Incomplete Application denial letters will include what information was missing and how to reapply. Approval letters will be uploaded to TCT, sent to the applicant, Community AEW, and the assigned pharmacy.
(10%) Inputs all eligibility information into the THMP database, including updating demographic information previously entered into the system, noting the documentation and relevant details of how the eligibility determination was made, and selecting the type of eligibility determination.
(10%) Compiles and evaluates statistical data used to develop THMP eligibility projections. Provides weekly statistical information to the THMP Manager, including productivity counts and quality improvement review data. Assists with preparing administrative reports for THMP's Advisory Committee. Reviews and prepares research findings relative to project development. develops, implements, and maintains data collection and analysis programs using available software applications. Assists in the THMP Quality Management Committee and quality management activities. Assists in program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation.
(10%) Serves as a liaison with local ADAP Enrollment Workers who assist with application completion in the region, assisting with explaining the application process and requirements of the THMP. Performs THMP outreach efforts, assisting in planning and delivering training and workshops specific to the eligibility process for the assigned region. Assists with cross-training THMP staff.
(5%) Marginal function - relevant and timely projects as assigned by the Program Manager. Other duties as assigned include, but are not limited to, actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP)activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern and/or a different location.
=100%
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
None
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of current social, economic, and public health issues related to HIV/AIDS; public health laws and regulations; educational techniques and procedures; and medical terminology and medications commonly used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS and STDs.
Skill in performing applicant eligibility determination using identified screening criteria; in composing, organizing, proofreading, and editing requisitions, reports, and correspondence for accuracy and clarity; in instructing others; and in using personal computers for data entry, running reports, and developing correspondence using Excel and Word.
Ability to train others; to interpret Public Health laws and regulations; to analyze and assess public health needs; to perform data entry with speed and accuracy; to effectively communicate verbally and in writing; to develop, implement, and evaluate policies and procedures; to understand andadhere to applicable laws and rules regarding confidential information; to plan, organize and coordinatemultiple projects while meeting strict deadlines under minimal supervision; to handle and processmaterials that are highly time-sensitive and that require rapid processing; and to verify client eligibilityusing third-party verification processes.
Initial Screening Criteria:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in social work, public health, or health care administration is preferred.
Experience may be substituted for the education preference. One year of directly related experience can substitute for two years of college.
Examples of experience include eligibility determination, information verification, maintaining digital records, communicating with clients and external stakeholders, and interpreting guidelines.
- Experience using manual and/or automated systems to determine eligibility.
- Experience in verbal and written communication.
- Experience working with a team, setting priorities, and meeting deadlines.
- Experience in working with Protected Health Information (PHI).
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Experience working in a professional customer service environment.
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Experience in working in TakeChargeTexas (TCT) preferred.
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 for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.
ADA Accommodations:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at [email protected].
Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:
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The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
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Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
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DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 form
