Research Specialist V

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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:
  
  Research Specialist V
• Job Title:
  
  Research Specialist V
• Agency:
  Health & Human Services Comm
• Department: DAP Aging & Disability
• Posting Number: 15206
• Closing Date: 10/30/2026
• Posting Audience:
  Internal and External
• Occupational Category:
  Computer and Mathematical
• Salary Range: $5,425.33-$7,155.75
• Pay Frequency:
  Monthly
• Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24
• Shift: Day
• Additional Shift: Days (First)
• Telework:
  Eligible for Telework
• Travel:
  Up to 5%
• 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:
  Austin
• MOS Codes: ,,,8850,15AX,35F,38A,49A,683X,783X,CYB
  14,IS,ISS,OSS

The Research Specialist (RS) V reports to the Benefits Management Review (BMR) Manager within the Office of Data, Analytics and Performance (DAP). The position performs highly advanced (senior level) research work. The RS V analyzes Medicaid, Healthy Texas Women (HTW) and Children with Special Healthcare Needs (CSHCN) medical and dental policy and associated claims and encounters. Initiates, plans, coordinates, develops, implements high level research such as fiscal estimates of proposed policy changes, proposed legislation (fiscal notes) and other projects related to Health & Human Services (HHS) that require fiscal impact analysis.

As well as supports benefit development and other programs with utilization reviews. The RS V also conducts post implementation utilization reviews (PIURs) and supports HHS with data driven decisions. Supports the Provider Finance Department rate implementation process and the Vendor Drug Program (VDP) with clinician administered drug implementations. The RS V works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

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

EJF. 1 (30%) The RS V supports ongoing projects using available information in support of policy and program development under the guidance and supervision of the DAP-BMR Manager. Initiates, plans, coordinates, and participates in research and special projects. Collects or manipulates data related to relevant topics, applies fiscal and budgetary procedures for data analyses using specialized software, spreadsheets and/or databases. Designs and writes reports that include appropriate professional quality.

Responsibilities include managing team-based research and special projects to completion, delegating tasks to team members and providing appropriate assistance, evaluation, and feedback to team members.

EJF. 2 (5%) Works with professionals involved in program and policy development to propose, research, and evaluate policy changes in Medicaid, HTW and CSHCN. Conducts estimated client services fiscal impact analyses for timely implementation of medical and dental benefits. Uses research techniques to study cost trends related to the changing structure and utilization of client services available in Medicaid, HTW and CSHCN.

Specific responsibilities include:
1) providing accurate and timely estimates of a fiscal impact for proposed legislation, medical and dental benefit;
2) improving understanding of cost-drivers and budgetary issues related to medical benefit coverage; and
3) providing well-coordinated fiscal impact and fiscal note analysis related to HHSC’s role in rule making and the legislative process.

EJF. 3 (20%) Locates data from existing sources using Business Objects and compiles results for distribution. Provides information on data availability and analytical techniques.

EJF. 4 (15%) Performs analyses using large and complex databases including Medicaid, HTW and CSHCN, vital statistics, epidemiologic, demographic, and related public health as well as human services data sources.…