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: THSteps Provider Relations Rep
Job Title: Program Specialist II
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: Region 6/5
Posting Number: 19096
Closing Date: 07/30/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services
Salary Range: $3,793.41 - $5,921.25
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-18
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework: Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 40%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: HOUSTON
Job Location Address: 5425 POLK ST
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS
Position works under the supervision of the Provider Outreach and Training Supervisor of Specialized Health and Social Services and Texas Health Steps (THSteps) Team Lead. Works with moderate latitude for use of initiative and independent judgement, performs moderately complex consultative and technical assistance in the planning, development and implementation of the THSteps program. Serves as a Provider Relations (PR) Representative. Responsible for THSteps provider relations, recruitment, referral and retention services, individually and in cooperation with the Health & Human Services' (HHS) Medicaid outreach contractors and peers. Provides consultative services resolving technical issues and providing/coordinating training for medical and dental providers. Serves as a regional contact on policy issues. Participates in program planning, development and implementation of provider relation strategies. Assists with the development of surveys, analyzes survey data, prepares detailed and comprehensive administrative reports, and assists with the development and presentation of educational programs for community and professional groups to coordinate, improve and stimulate interest in the program. May train others. Other duties as assigned includes, but are not limited to actively participating 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, assignment, and/or location and overnight travel.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs):
(35%) Provides technical assistance and/or training to THSteps Medical and Dental providers to resolve issues or enhance the knowledge of THSteps of program policy, requirements, and procedures. Provides recruitment, referral and education/training while identifying and responding to provider needs. Works with HHS’s Medicaid Administrative Claims Contractor and managed care organizations for provider assistance regarding simple billing issues. Escalates complex problems to central office timely to meet the needs of the provider. May assist providers to resolve transportation problems with Medical Transportation and other related programs at the request of the provider. Monitors client access issues for assigned area. Develops educational packets, training presentations, announcements, marketing materials and survey tools.
(25%) Contacts enrolled THSteps providers at least once annually, to offer assistance to providers by either site visit, electronic mail or by telephone. Ensures that provider information is updated annually in appropriate database as determined by central office or regional needs. Participates in program planning development, training, and implementation by providing technical assistance and consultative services to plan, implement and monitor effective THSteps services.
(15%) Contacts potential medical and dental providers to explain THSteps program and seek their interest in enrolling as a THSteps provider for recruitment efforts. Develops strategies to increase the number of THSteps providers in the region, specifically in rural counties. Identifies provider training needs in coordination with regional Managed Care Coordinator for Managed Care Organization (MCO) groups. Coordinates with Local Health Departments and internal Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) programs for intra-agency, cross-programmatic groups/programs. Participates in community activities for the promotion of THSteps program. Collaborates with/speaks to community and professional groups, assists in planning and developing educational programs to coordinate, improve and stimulate interest in the THSteps program. Schedules, prepares and presents information to community, professional groups and providers regarding THSteps program and related issues. Facilitate and/or participate in assigned community meetings.
(10%) Communicates and collaborates with regional provider relations team, Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) staff, applicable regional committees, provider groups and organizations to develop, evaluate and improve recruitment strategies and enrollment activities. Coordinates and provides technical assistance to Medicaid MCOs and related programs for development and delivery of THSteps program specific training. Attends and participates in Regional and State THSteps trainings/meetings/conference calls.
(10%) Prepares and submits timely regular monthly administrative reports according to program guidelines and time frames. Tasks can include monthly reports, time and leave entry, documentation of activities with providers and listing of THSteps providers in the region. Prepares or assists in preparation of administrative reports, studies, and specialized projects. Prepares and submits specialized reports, according to guidelines and time frames, for studies/projects in assigned area.
(5%) Completes other duties as assigned by Regional Manager or Team Lead, regional leaders, or central office management, including special assignments. Performs related work and special projects as assigned (i.e. assisting in reviewing requests for proposals, serving on work groups/committees. Area liaison for designated agencies.) Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery activation.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of: training techniques, social service programs and Medicaid system and procedures.
Skill in: public speaking and presentations, effective written communication and professional training methods for adult audiences. Skill in developing and maintaining productive and effective working relationships with staff, providers and members of the community. Skill analyzing issues and devising solutions for identified problems. Skill in interpreting and researching policies, procedures and regulations. Skill using and developing training materials, using tutorials/various software (Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.)
Ability to: work effectively in teams and take directions from others and collaborate for common goal. Ability to compile professional reports and present findings of data in a clear and concise way. Ability to organize tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
The employee must possess a current valid Texas driver’s license.
Initial Screening Criteria:
Bachelor’s degree in human services, public health, psychology/sociology, social work, public affairs or a related field from a college or university is required.
Experience conducting trainings and presentations as well as providing technical assistance to others is preferred.
Experience working with Medicaid providers or in Medicaid related work is preferred.
Additional Information:
Position is open to all eligible applicants. Position may be authorized to work remotely occasionally in accordance with DSHS policies. This position will require occasional daytime travel throughout the region. Some travel may occur at night and on weekends to attend professional events such as conferences, workshops, or trainings. Mileage reimbursed in accordance with state policy. Must provide reliable transportation and driving record will be checked. Must maintain current driving license. Required to adhere to all policies including agency immunization policies. Required to serve as essential personnel in disaster response activities within regional jurisdiction, to include alternate work hours.
Your application must be complete. It must contain dates of employment, job titles, name of employer, name and phone number of supervisor, current/final salary and a description of duties performed in a way that specifically demonstrates you meet the initial selection criteria at minimum. Missing information may lead to disqualification.
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
