System of Care 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: System of Care Program Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist VI 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: BHS MHP Mental Health Block Gr 
Posting Number: 15884 
Closing Date: 04/29/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $6,701.75 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 15% 
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 
 
 
 

Job Description

The Program Specialist VI performs advanced (senior-level) consultative, analytical, and programmatic work and reports to the Texas Systems of Care Director within the Children’s Mental Health (CMH) Unit. This position contributes to implementation of statewide children’s mental health priorities by advancing and embedding the System of Care (SOC) framework across the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and through sustained collaboration with memorandum of understanding (MOU) partnering agencies.

The Program Specialist VI plays a critical role in fostering and strengthening cross-agency partnerships among HHSC programs and external child-serving systems including Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD), Texas Department of Family Protective Services (DFPS), Texas Educational Agency (TEA), Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ),Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and community-based partners. Through coordination, alignment of policies and practices, and shared planning efforts, the position promotes and guides the implementation of integrated, family-driven, and youth-guided services for children and youth, particularly those involved in multiple public service systems. The Program Specialist VI works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment and may serve as a lead worker providing guidance, coordination and technical assistance to staff and external partners.

Essential Job Functions

Provides advanced leadership, coordination, and technical assistance to support the implementation and sustainability of System of Care principles across HHSC programs and works in collaboration with external partners to embed System of Care values and practices into policies, programs and service delivery approaches. 40%

Works on cross-agency projects as assigned by the Texas Systems of Care Director. Works with internal and external partners on projects and initiatives that support legislative mandates, agency goals and objectives and key initiatives. 30%

Coordinates cross-system efforts to improve care coordination and service integration for children and youth involved in multiple systems, including TJJD, DFPS, TEA and other child-serving systems. 10%

Analyzes proposed and enacted federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations impacting HHSC programs and children’s mental health services; provides consultation and recommendations to ensure alignment and compliance. 10%

Represents CMH and HHSC on internal and external councils, committees, advisory groups, and work groups focused on systems integration, cross-agency collaboration and children’s behavioral health. 10%

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of HHSC policies and procedures; project management theories and practices applicable to mental health projects that are complex in scope.
Skill in project management. 
Skill in problems solving and conflict resolution.
Skill in developing and implementing communications strategies. 
Skil in manageing multiple and competing priorities.
Skill in leadership, communication, and public speaking.
Skill in the use of computer software - Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Skill in developing, writing and editing executive documents and briefings.
Ability to understand and effectively interpret agency and program rules, policies, and procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to build coalitions.
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate and analyze facts.
Ability to demonstrate strong organizational skills; prioritize workload.
Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Ability to serve as a lead working providing direction to others. 
Ability to demonstrate strong leadership and interpersonal skills; works well with all levels of staff and maintains effective working relationships.
Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with external partners, and individuals and groups with diverse needs and priorites. 
Ability to convene large groups. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements, and Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s Degree in public policy, mental health, social work, psychology, counseling or applicable social service degree preferred. At least three years' experience coordinating implementation of large scale behavioral health projects. Lived experience as a parent/caregiver of a child with a mental health challenge preferred. 

Additional Information:

N/A

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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.