The Texas Workforce Commission - Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VRD) is seeking a Long Term Services and Supports Program Specialist VI to join the Vocational Rehabilitation Program Department team. This position is located 1117 Trinity Street, Austin, Texas.
TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those currently on student or postgraduate visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.
About the Role
TWC-VRD seeks a Long Term Services and Supports Program Specialist VI (PSVI) to lead Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) integration, including Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID). The PSVI reports to the VR Specialized Services Support Manager and uses independent judgment to improve employment outcomes for VR customers with Medicaid-funded LTSS. Performs highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
- Salary: $6,000.00–$7,532.75/month
- Retirement: Defined Benefit Plan + optional 401(k)/457
- Health: 100% paid for full-time employees; 50% for dependents
- Optional: Dental, vision, life insurance
- Leave: 8 hours vacation + 8 hours sick/month; more with longevity
- EAP & more: https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits
Subject Matter Expertise & Policy:
- Serve as TWC-VR’s expert on HCBS waivers and ICF/IID programs.
- Maintain working knowledge of Vocational Rehabilitation services, including the Texas Vocational Rehabilitation Services Manual (VRSM) and changes to the Rehabilitation Act, as authorized by Title I of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended by Title IV of WIOA (29 U.S.C. § 720 et seq.).
- Acquire, maintain, and share timely LTSS guidance with VR staff statewide.
- Monitor legislation impacting LTSS and VR services.
- Coordinate with HHSC, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and stakeholders to resolve systemic issues.
- Design and implement strategies to braid VR and LTSS funding to support long-term employment outcomes.
- Develop and update policies, procedures, and guidance materials that support LTSS integration.
- Assist in identifying innovative strategies and resources to improve services for VR customers receiving LTSS.
- Create curriculum and deliver standardized statewide training with lesson plans, slide decks, and reference tools.
- Train staff on service-specific waiver offerings, comparable benefits, and financial limits.
- Negotiate cost braiding with HHSC when necessary.
- Provide timely technical assistance and consultation to VR managers and field staff.
- Build partnerships with HHSC Waiver, IDD, ICF/IID, Medicaid, Managed Care, Disability Coordination, and Special Projects units.
- Collaborate with LIDDAs, Local Mental/Behavioral Health Authorities, and Managed Care Organizations serving 1115 waiver recipients.
- Represent VR on HHSC committees (e.g., Promoting Independence, IDD Advisory).
- Support field staff in developing LTSS strategies for customers receiving HHSC services.
- Communicate with customers, families, and guardians—at staff request—about VR vs. LTSS services and refer them to HHSC complaint or resolution processes as needed.
- Research complex LTSS inquiries by coordinating with HHSC and providers; present actionable options to staff.
- Provide information and referral to VRCs and ESPs on LTSS resources and comparable services.
- Respond to stakeholder questions and coordinate agency input on VR-LTSS interactions.
- Serve as the lead for internal/external policy and procedure process changes related to LTSS integration.
- Ensure compliance with VRSM and HHSC requirements.
- Coordinate at least one annual regional outreach event to educate partners on VR-LTSS collaboration.
- Represent TWC-VR at HHSC and LTSS-related conferences.
- Coordinate with TWC VR Mental Health Specialist on the YES waiver.
- Coordinate as needed with CMS and TWS-VRS community partners.
- Provide guidance on service financial limits, cost-sharing approaches, and VR/HHSC funding alignment.
- Lead development of VR/HHSC integration guidance and represent VR in strategic interagency planning.
- Build and mentor a core team of LTSS-informed staff in each VR region.
- Perform other duties as needed.
- Three years of full-time experience in the development, implementation, or interpretation of policies and procedures in a public or private agency.
- Relevant academic credits may be applied toward experience qualifications for this position.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s + 5 years of policy-related experience in public/private agencies.
- 3–5 years working in HCBS waivers and/or ICF/IID.
- Up to 30% in-state travel required.
- No visa sponsorship available.
VETERANS:
Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs! Go to www.texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications, and skill sets. Also, you can compare this position to military occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor's Office by pasting this link into your browser: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_ProgramManagement.pdf
HOW TO APPLY:
To be considered, please complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and apply online at www.workintexas.com or on Taleo. TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those currently on student or postgraduate visas.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. A position utilizing this classification will be designated as security sensitive according to the Texas Labor Code, Section 301.042.
