Senior Policy Advisor

Texas Health and Human Services Commission
4601 West Guadalupe Street, Austin, TX 78751
Posted 

Job Description

Date: Aug 29, 2025
Location: AUSTIN, TX

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: Senior Policy Advisor
Job Title: Management Analyst V
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: POLICY AND PUBLICATION
Posting Number: 8623
Closing Date: 09/28/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-27
Salary Range: $7,015.16 - $11,864.52
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework:
Travel: Up to 5%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST
Other Locations: Austin
MOS Codes: 0510,0570,4502,4505,8016,8840,8852,8862,8870,11A,14FX,165X,171X,35PX,37A,37F,3N0X6,46A,612X,632X
641X,70A,70D,70E,712X,732X,INF,IS,SEI13,SEI15,YN,YNS


Job Description:

The Management Analyst V serves as a Senior Policy Advisor for the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG), reporting to the Deputy Inspector General for Policy and Strategic Initiatives. The Senior Policy Advisor is knowledgeable about Texas Medicaid fee-for-service and managed care programs as well as Medicaid benefits and program policy. The Senior Policy Advisor performs senior-level research, complex policy analysis, cross-functional project management and coordination to support the OIG’s mission, vision, values and core functions. In partnership with OIG core functional areas, the Senior Policy Advisor identifies, evaluates and proposes new work, formulating strategic, data-informed recommendations. The Senior Policy Advisor develops and presents briefing documents, reports and presentations for OIG leadership and develops reference materials concerning key topics. The Senior Policy Advisor directs and participates in continuous program and process improvement activities. In partnership with OIG and other HHS staff, the Senior Policy Advisor analyzes and interprets federal and state statutes, regulations, policies and contracts. The Senior Policy Advisor frequently communicates with OIG executive leadership, both orally and in writing and represents the OIG at meetings and on interagency workgroups. As a lead for assigned projects, the Senior Policy Advisor may plan, assign, and oversee the work of others. The Senior Policy Advisor works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:

(35%) On a routine basis, this position provides OIG leadership with data-informed, research-based support to inform future audits, inspections, investigations, evaluations and data reviews. This support includes identifying potential research topics—which may span the entire Texas health and human services (HHS) system and the programs and services delivered by Texas Medicaid providers and contractors. In addition, this support includes conducting independent research (e.g., literature reviews, information and data collection and analysis, stakeholder interviews) to evaluate a topic’s impact on Texas health care programs and making recommendations to OIG leadership.

(20%) This position serves as a project lead for implementation of cross-functional, priority projects involving core OIG functions, as well as smaller scale projects, as needed. Projects require research, organization and communication skills, knowledge of OIG core functions, and a solid understanding of Medicaid programs, benefits, and policies.

(15%) In collaboration with OIG staff and other internal and external stakeholders, this position evaluates potential program integrity vulnerabilities concerning complex and nebulous topics and develops recommendations, as needed, including potential contract amendments, policy changes and trainings.

(15%) This position responds to inquiries from OIG and other HHS staff that must be timely and tracked. Responses require collaboration with various OIG areas and may also require in-depth research relating to Medicaid policy and/or programs. Responses must be accurate, clear and concise.

(10%) This position develops reference materials for OIG and other HHS staff. In addition, this position represents the OIG on internal and external workgroups and meetings.

(5%) This position is responsible for tracking and verifying metrics related to Policy and Strategic Initiatives work and performs other duties, as assigned. Keeps manager informed as required or as necessary.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of Texas Medicaid programs.
Knowledge of state and federal statutes, regulations, policies, and other guidance relevant to Texas Medicaid programs.

Skills researching, analyzing, and interpreting complex federal and state statutes, regulations, contracts and policies.
Skills managing high-profile, cross-functional projects.
Skills synthesizing, analyzing, and relaying information in easily understandable and concise documents and oral presentations.
Skills collaborating with teams to develop recommendations for OIG leadership’s consideration that are attainable, reasonable, and likely to meet the goals and expected outcomes of the initiatives.
Skills establishing and maintaining effective and supportive working relationships with all levels of staff.
Skills using office equipment and software (e.g., Microsoft Office suite).

Ability to learn and reason through complex, nebulous subject matter, and distill research into pragmatic, actionable, data-informed recommendations.
Ability to manage large, complex projects.
Ability to identify and collaborate with key stakeholders.
Ability to clearly communicate with a variety of audiences, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to appropriately prioritize and manage work and to produce quality work, at times within short deadlines.
Ability to work under limited supervision; exercise sound, independent judgment; set priorities; meet deadlines and adapt to shifting project developments.
Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives and implement effective solutions.
Ability to prepare well-written, concise briefing documents and reports, and visually dynamic presentations.
Ability to professionally represent the OIG.

Initial Screening Criteria:

  • Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
  • A major in public policy, public affairs or public health, and/or a Juris Doctorate degree is preferred.
  • Experience in public policy. Experience in Texas Medicaid policy and programs is preferred.
  • Experience researching, interpreting, analyzing and presenting to management/leadership on complex subject matter.
  • At least eight years full-time consultative, social service, or professional work.


Additional Information:

The OIG is responsible for preventing, detecting, auditing, inspecting, reviewing, and investigating fraud, waste, and abuse in the provision of HHS in Medicaid and other HHS programs. Potential employees of OIG are subject to criminal background checks in accordance with the HHS Human Resources policy. Selected applicants must submit to a fingerprint based, criminal background check through Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to determine if an applicant has a conviction for a Class A misdemeanor within the last five years or a felony that constitutes a bar to employment.

OIG will request that all applicants considered for an interview provide responses to essay questions. Failure to respond to the request may disqualify an applicant from the interview process.

The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum allowable by state law. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888—894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.


Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.


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 to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.


ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.


Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.


HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.



Nearest Major Market: Austin

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