Program Specialist II - Medication Ordering

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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: Program Specialist II - Medication Ordering 
Job Title: Program Specialist II 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: HIV Medications Program 
Posting Number: 15937 
Closing Date: 06/01/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support 
Salary Range: $3,793.41 - $4,857.33 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-18 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 10% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 201 W HOWARD LN STE 200 
Other Locations: Austin 
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under the supervision of the Medication, Data, and Analysis Group (MDAG) Manager, the Program Specialist II performs moderately complex consultative services and technical work to plan, develop, implement, and coordinate the daily operations and special projects of the Texas HIV Medication Program (THMP) related to the fulfillment of medication order requests. Uses effective communication to disseminate information and provide consultative services to DSHS staff, local health agencies, private physicians, pharmacies, advisory committee members, community/professional organizations, and community stakeholders regarding THMP services and the treatment of HIV. Works closely with community agencies to help identify those in need of HIV medications. Receives and processes medication orders for THMP clients from a statewide network of participating pharmacies. Accurately enters medication orders into the program Take Charge Texas (TCT) database system while preserving data entry integrity of client and medication data tables. Reviews prescription requests for compliance with applicable program guidelines relating to product safety, standards of care, and general operations; approves or rejects prescription requests as appropriate. Reviews and applies operational processes based on program policies and procedures to determine distribution for THMP clients. Participates in planning and conducting training of other staff, governmental agencies, HIV service agencies, and the public on program requirements.

Provides consultative and technical services to agency program staff, other governmental agencies, community/professional organizations, and the public to help promote client adherence to physician-prescribed medication regimens. Contributes to the development of program literature and educational material. Develops, implements, and maintains data collection and analysis programs using available software applications. Assists THMP managers with planning, assigning, and evaluating work duties performed by others, program outreach efforts, and surveys regarding the THMP application process to improve client access and eliminate barriers to medication therapy adherence. Work is performed under the general supervision of the MDAG with moderate supervision and limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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

(25%) Receives and processes HIV medication prescription orders for individual patients via phone, fax, or email. Approves or rejects patient orders and participating pharmacy override requires according to program guidelines using data links with the Medicaid Vendor Drug Program and the PIMS systems to verify clients with Medicaid have used all possible Medicaid resources prior to obtaining program services. Enters approved patient orders into program database; proofs and verifies the accuracy of data entered; generates final requisition orders and submits approved orders to the DSHS Pharmacy Division's software throughout the workday.

(25%) Serves as a public resource in creating awareness of THMP services by communicating with clients, pharmacists, medical professionals, and caseworkers to determine medication eligibility status. Coordinates and/or reviews and prioritizes incoming operational issues and requests for technical assistance related to HIV/STD data systems and monitors the status to ensure a timely resolution. Provides technical assistance to participating pharmacy staff to facilitate order entry in the TCT portal. Maintains and monitors technical assistance requests. Prepares and analyses reports to identify gaps in knowledge and assess the need for technical assistance. Provides support and collaborates in planning to ensure medication ordering guidelines and screening processes to maximize continuous medication access for program participants and coordinates client needs with other available community resources and services. Assists in revising procedures related to program medication accessibility and preparing justifications for changes required to ensure program responsiveness.

(20%) Inspects and reviews medical certification forms (MCFs) and verifies physician license status to determine compliance with THMP policies and procedures. Utilizes approved MCFs to maintain and update changes in the TCT database to client medication regimen as requested by prescribing physicians. Utilizes Microsoft Word to prepare written correspondence denying requests for medication or a combination of medications not authorized by THMP guidelines. Responds to inquiries from clients, physicians, pharmacists, and other authorized agency personnel regarding client medication changes. Enters all physician-prescribed client medication changes into the program data system daily.

(15%) Contacts and responds to pharmacies via phone or fax to obtain additional information or to specify reasons for rejecting an order. Resolves various issues (lost medications, incomplete and/or inaccurate orders, medication delivery issues) with clients and pharmacies using the TCT portal.

(10%) Provides weekly statistical information to the THMP Manager, including productivity counts and data for quality improvement reviews. Develops, implements, and maintains data collection and analysis of programs using available software applications.

(5%) Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowedge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of medications and medical terminology commonly used in the treatment of HIV.
Knowledge of data collection techniques.
Knowledge of Medicaid Vendor Drug Prescription processing system and the PIMS.
Knowledge of public health laws and regulations and current social, economic, and public health issues.
Knowledge of the drugs used to treat HIV/AIDS.
Skill in organizing workload.
Skill in proofreading and editing order requisitions, reports, and correspondence using software packages (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.)
Skill in interpreting and applying pharmaceutical dispensation terminology.
Skill in providing services for persons living with HIV/AIDS.
Ability to perform data entry with speed and accuracy.
Ability to communicate effectively with others both orally and in writing.
Ability to understand and adhere to applicable laws and rules regarding confidential information.
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate multiple projects while meeting strict deadlines under minimal supervision.
Ability to handle and process orders received that are highly time-sensitive and require rapid response time in processing.
Ability to cross-train others in daily work functions.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Ability to work effectively with others and to deal tactfully with professional personnel and the public.
Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely.

Registration, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Certification as a pharmacy tech preferred. 

Initial Screening Criteria:

High School graduation or GED required.

Experience working in TakeChargeTexas preferred.

Experience as a pharmacy tech preferred.

Additional Information:

N/A

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 HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form