Texas Health Steps Provider Relations Representative

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

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: Texas Health Steps Provider Relations Representative 
Job Title: Program Specialist II 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Region 11 
Posting Number: 14713 
Closing Date: 04/16/2026 
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: Days (First) 
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 60% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: LAREDO 
Job Location Address: 1500 N ARKANSAS 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under the supervision of the THSteps Program Supervisor with latitude for independent judgement and action, the Provider Relations Specialist is responsible for maintaining and growing the Medicaid provider pool in Texas. Performs moderately complex (journey-level) consultative services and technical assistance work. Provides consultative services and technical assistance to Texas Health Steps providers medical and dental, program staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, or the general public. 

Markets Specialized Health and Social Services program(s) to community and professional groups to encourage and/or improve interest in the program.

Monitors and reviews participant compliance with Texas Health Steps program policies and procedures. Assists as first-line contact for Medicaid and non-Medicaid provider issues in regard to the THSteps program.

Performs complex work in THSteps provider relations, recruitment and retention services in cooperation with Texas Medicaid Health Plan and Managed Care Organizations.

Essential Job Function (EJFs):

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

(45%) Provider Technical Assistance - Identifies and articulates provider issues, develops solutions, and implements strategies in cooperation with appropriate agency contract entities, regional staff and provider groups for the purpose of recruitment and retention of a provider base that is adequate to meet THSteps client needs.  Provides technical assistance and coordinates/provides training for established providers, develops mechanisms for identifying provider assistance needs early and responding in a timely manner by appropriate referral or personal intervention in coordination with TMHP and MCO plans. Documents and initiates action on provider and consumer complaints. Telephonic and/or (occasional) face to face interaction to analyze provider's inquiry and/or complaint, recommend solutions and resolve the provider's concerns whenever possible on first call contact. Develops & maintains positive relationships with physicians, providers, and practice managers within the provider network. Identifies new areas for provider recruitment.

(35%) Program Activities - Coordinates THSteps activities and maintains quarterly contact with identified partner entities to facilitate community support for program objectives, dissemination of THSteps program information and address program issues.  Works in the community and with professional groups to coordinate, improve and stimulate interest in programs for children's health. Coordinate and prepare THSteps provider education quarterly meetings and workshops. Supports HHSC Texas Health Steps and other state agencies in promoting the EPSDT and compliance activities.

(20%) Administrative Duties & Special Assignments - Attend program related workshops and in-services. Participate as a team member in improving program services. Conducts and or facilitates special projects for THSteps as directed by Regional Administration and/or THSteps Central Office. Assist with coordination of utilization reviews. Maintain statistical reports as required. Performs administrative duties as assigned. Maintains reporting delivery system outputs, and activities to identify gaps in resources. Actively participate and/or serve in a supporting role to meet the agencies obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Techniques for collection (sampling methods), organization, analysis, and interpretation of data.
• Medicaid services, eligibility and related programs.
• DSHS and THSteps Program goals, strategies and provider requirements.
• Health care delivery systems and issues.
• Agency and program goals, operations, procedures, requirements and performance standards.
• Current Public Health trends and practices.
• Computer software (Microsoft Office Suite - Word, Excell, Access, Powerpoint, Outlook).
• TMHP policies and procedures.
• MCO plans in assigned HSR11 and its counties.

Skill in:

• Public speaking and presentations.
• Effective written communication.

Ability to:

• Negotiate with complex Medicaid provider systems, groups and individuals.
• Work independently.
• Compile professional reports and present findings of data in clear, concise way.
• Make assessments of THSteps Program issues and evaluate implications on a broad level and scope.

Licensure, Certification, or Registration (Required):

Must possess a valid Class C Texas diver license, or equivalent license from another state.

Initial Screening Criteria

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college of university in Business, Public Health, Social Work, or related field. 

One (1) year experience in provider relations, account management, or customer service. 

Five (5) years of relevent work experience may be used in lieu of degree 

Must be able and willing to travel a minimum of 60%. 

Additional Information:

Must have their own reliable transportation and appropriate insurance to operate a motor vehicle. 

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