Housing 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: Housing Program Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist V 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: BH-Adult Mental Health Svcs 
Posting Number: 20864 
Closing Date: 09/16/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $7,253.83 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 20% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
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 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

This position performs advanced policy and administration work related to housing for individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Work involves providing leadership, developing, analyzing, and revising programs. Work includes facilitating activities to promote effective program design and implementation. This position is also responsible for assisting individuals transition out of a state hospital into available housing options in local communities.

This position will provide leadership and subject matter expertise related to the development and implementation of projects that serve individuals who are homeless and may have a mental illness, substance use disorder, are justice-involved, and co-morbid medical condition(s). This position will have frequent interactions with Local Mental Health Authorities, Local Behavioral Health Authorities, State Hospitals, HHSC-funded Crisis Facilities, Community Mental Health Hospitals, substance use providers, mental health deputies, and other local entities. This position is responsible for helping Local Mental Health Authorities and Local Behavioral Health Authorities and non-profit organizations support comprehensive, data-driven mental health systems that promote wellness and recovery through diverse local provider networks. This position must be able to analyze data, identify trends, monitor expenditures and performance measures, hold grantees accountable, and escalate concerns to management.

This position will have responsibilities related to the implementation of evidence-based practices, revisions to statewide guidelines and performance contract language, creation of policy interpretation memos and facilitation of statewide conference calls. This position requires strong analytical and writing skills. The position may participate in the development of Texas Administrative Code Rules, policies and regulations and contracts related to housing and homelessness. 

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Oversees the administration of housing projects and programs that impact individuals with a mental illness. Routinely provides timely and accurate technical assistance and appropriate troubleshooting to internal and external representatives.  Consults with housing services providers and grantees to assist with program management, project implementation, budget development, invoices, and supporting documentation. Consults with providers to identify opportunities for relevant training.  Responsibility includes providing routine and targeted technical assistance for housing options in Texas’ local communities and providing assistance for individuals transitioning out of state hospitals into appropriate housing options.  Oversees development and implementation of trainings related to housing.  (25%)

Responsible for assisting with the overall administration of select housing programs.  Responsible for day-to-day management of grant projects and monitoring projects’ progress toward meeting performance outcomes, and for oversight of providers’ progress related to project expenditures on an ongoing and consistent basis.  Tracks, collects, and analyzes monthly and quarterly expenditure and performance data and information to assess provider progress. This position will analyze data trends to inform targeted technical assistance and provide effective contract monitoring. Tasks also include monitoring adherence to contract requirements, performance measures and review and tracking expenditures that are in scope of the project requirements. This position will inform technical assistance and escalate concerns to the Adult Mental Health Manager. (20%)

Participates in the development and implementation of program systems, processes, procedures, and forms to ensure success of grant projects and overall program improvement.  Coordinates with internal and external representatives to develop and implement quality assurance processes; identifies program areas needing change and makes recommendations for improvement. Provides guidance to internal and external representatives regarding program policies, procedures, and best practices. Consults with internal agency representatives to ensure program compliance with applicable requirements, regulations, policies and procedures.  (20%)

Drafts and coordinates information and communication related to assigned projects which may include legislative responses and reports, public presentations, correspondence, and memoranda for internal and external representatives.  Represents program at meetings as directed, attends conferences, and briefs leadership.  (15%)

Coordinates solicitations such as Needs and Capacity Assessments, Request for Proposals and Request for Applications and solicitation development, planning meetings, and timelines. Ensures programs adhere to applicable state and federal grant and contracting requirements, and agency policy and procedures. (10%)

Coordinates with appropriate program and agency staff to conduct grant program and grant project compliance and risk assessment activities and to implement correction action or recommendations. Escalates issues in a timely manner to Unit Manager. (10%) 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

No licensing requirements. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of the Texas Resilience Recovery model in Texas, Utilization Management Guidelines, and evidence-based practices.Knowledge of Texas Health and Human Service Commission's policies and procedures. Housing services in Texas. Adult mental health and children’s mental health.

SKILLS IN:

Skill in communication including the effective organization and presentation of information, both orally and in writing. Skill in preparing written analyses and administrative reports and special projects as assigned. Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.

ABILITY TO:

Ability to work under pressure and meet close deadlines. Ability to set priorities and complete assignments on time. Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines.

Ability to prepare financial and accounting records. Ability to analyze, consolidate, and interpret accounting data. Ability to evaluate and monitor contractor performance and provide recommendations. Ability to deal effectively with state and local officials and the public. Ability to interpret and apply federal and state statutes, regulations, agency rules, policies and procedures related to contracts.  Ability to evaluate financial data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity to contract requirements. Ability to compile, organize, interpret, and communicate accounting data and results in a concise format. Ability to make independent and sound technical judgment and to analyze new situations when they are encountered.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Must have a bachelor's degree at minimum.

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.