Developmental Disabilities Division: DHHS Program Specialist
: Job Details :

DHHS Program Specialist (Open)

Are you a strategic thinker who excels at transforming policy into real-life impact? Do you want your work to shape how essential services reach individuals and families across Nebraska? We're looking for an experienced, forward-thinking professional to assist with the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs that support some of our state's most vulnerable populations. In this role, you won't just analyze data or write policies; you'll help shape how direct services are delivered across the state. You'll interpret federal and state regulations, design effective policies, assess service systems, and collaborate closely with agency partners and community stakeholders. Whether your background is in public administration, behavioral science, human services, or health care, we value your expertise and your passion for driving meaningful change. If you're ready to use your skills to support in creating lasting, equitable impactthis is your opportunity.

Job Duties:

• Plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate program activities to oversee the operational and technical functions of services delivery.
• Draft and implement policies, procedures, and program regulations to ensure consistent application across staff and service providers.
• Participate in public and administrative hearings that involve policy and procedure revisions.
• Research, analyze, and interpret federal regulations, state statutes, and other states' laws, regulations, and policies to recommend appropriate changes to Nebraska policies and procedures.
• Prepare reports, position papers, impact statements, and related documents to formulate policy material by conducting research and meeting with department staff, agency representatives and health and/or developmental disabilities service stakeholders.
• Serve on committee, boards, councils and/or advisory groups
• Prepare, present and explain practices, policies, procedures, and program activities to agency staff, service providers, community organizations, and the public.
• Establish best practice and make recommendations to agency staff for quality program service delivery.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements / Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree, or equivalent coursework/training, in public administration, social/behavioral sciences, healthcare, human services, or other program related field. Professional experience working in a human/social service or health care agency with responsibility for planning or evaluation services, programs or operational policies and practices may substitute in lieu of the educational requirement.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with Medicaid or HCBS programs, writing federal funding requests, and continuous quality improvement systems. Knowledge and/or experience with delivery of home and community-based services or in serving vulnerable populations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge: Principles and practices of HCBS service delivery; procedures and policy development; methods and techniques of program planning; federal and state laws, rules, regulations and procedures pertaining to health and human service programs; public funds and budgeting methods; quality assurance mechanism; principles and techniques of planning, monitoring and evaluating human service programs and service delivery systems.

Skills: Interpreting and/or clarifying policy to interested groups; conducting formal presentations to provide education and share information.

Ability: Communicate verbally and written in a professional efficient manner. Work collaboratively in a team setting and maintain positive relationships with agency staff, providers, and community organizations. Must be able to read legal documents and understand regulations. Exercise independent critical thinking skills, prioritize and multi-task while maintaining accuracy.