Job Description
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) Department seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of the STAR+PLUS Policy Analyst (Program Specialist V). MCS is driven by its mission to deliver quality, cost-effective services to Texans. This position makes a significant contribution to MCS’s mission by developing policy for the STAR+PLUS Program and serving as the lead staff on the STAR+PLUS Handbook.
The STAR+PLUS Policy Analyst reports to and works under the general direction of a Program Policy Manager in the Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) Office of Policy. This position may take direction from the STAR+PLUS Program Lead. The Policy Analyst performs advanced consultative and technical work related to the development, implementation, and ongoing management of Medicaid programs and services, with specific focus on the STAR+PLUS Handbook. The Policy Analyst is expected to understand Medicaid laws and regulations as they relate to program issues; coordinate and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders including managed care organizations (MCOs), providers, families and advocates, advisory committee members, legislative staff, other state agencies, and HHSC staff; and prepare high quality written reports, correspondence, analyses, and other documents. Duties involve planning, developing, coordinating, and implementing agency programs and benefits; providing consultative services and technical assistance to program staff, governmental agencies, MCOs, provider associations, community organizations, and the general public; participating in and facilitating meetings with internal and external stakeholders; developing and providing training; analyzing legislation; and implementing legislative directives.
The ideal candidate has a passion for shaping health care policy for individuals with disabilities and thrives in an environment that emphasizes teamwork to achieve goals, excellence through high professional standards and personal accountability, curiosity to continuously grow and learn, critical thinking for effective execution, and integrity to do things right even when what is right is not easy. This position will allow for continuous learning opportunities and the opportunity to impact the healthcare provided to individuals in the STAR+PLUS Medicaid program.
The STAR+PLUS Policy Analyst reports to and works under the general direction of a Program Policy Manager in the Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) Office of Policy. This position may take direction from the STAR+PLUS Program Lead. The Policy Analyst performs advanced consultative and technical work related to the development, implementation, and ongoing management of Medicaid programs and services, with specific focus on the STAR+PLUS Handbook. The Policy Analyst is expected to understand Medicaid laws and regulations as they relate to program issues; coordinate and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders including managed care organizations (MCOs), providers, families and advocates, advisory committee members, legislative staff, other state agencies, and HHSC staff; and prepare high quality written reports, correspondence, analyses, and other documents. Duties involve planning, developing, coordinating, and implementing agency programs and benefits; providing consultative services and technical assistance to program staff, governmental agencies, MCOs, provider associations, community organizations, and the general public; participating in and facilitating meetings with internal and external stakeholders; developing and providing training; analyzing legislation; and implementing legislative directives.
The ideal candidate has a passion for shaping health care policy for individuals with disabilities and thrives in an environment that emphasizes teamwork to achieve goals, excellence through high professional standards and personal accountability, curiosity to continuously grow and learn, critical thinking for effective execution, and integrity to do things right even when what is right is not easy. This position will allow for continuous learning opportunities and the opportunity to impact the healthcare provided to individuals in the STAR+PLUS Medicaid program.
Essential Job Functions:
(25%) Works collaboratively within Program Policy and across MCS to identify innovative and effective solutions for clients, stakeholders, and staff. Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
(25%) Oversees and manages the policy development process from start to finish for the STAR+PLUS Handbook: drafting new policy and reviewing nominated policy updates; coordinating, collaborating, and facilitating meetings with staff across MCS and the agency about the policy updates; soliciting and responding to MCO feedback; seeking direction as necessary from the STAR+PLUS Program Lead, Manager, and Director when making final policy decisions; and effectively communicating updates to leadership. Coordinates responses to Medicaid inquiries and resolution of complaints, identifies trends and emerging issues, and recommends policy changes. Works with HHSC staff and external stakeholders to identify risks or issues and oversees the development of mitigation strategies. Provides subject matter expertise and technical assistance related to the STAR+PLUS program to MCS and other agency staff, governmental agencies, MCOs, provider associations, community organizations, and the general public.
(25%) Collaborates with other areas of MCS and HHSC to develop and implement Medicaid programs and policies. Prepares high quality research, analysis, and written updates, summaries, and other documents as assigned; develops materials for, participates in, and facilitates meetings with internal and external stakeholders; has knowledge of and interprets agency rules and contracts and oversees compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules and takes corrective action if needed. Analyzes legislation and suggests changes to legislative language.
(20%) Plans, monitors, and evaluates program policy and legislative implementation, including operational policy outside of the handbook, such as contract, administrate rule, manual and procedural requirements. Sets goals and manages the long-term planning for STAR+PLUS Handbook policy. Consults with stakeholders, staff of other HHS agencies and departments, providers, and vendors to resolve problems, identify training needs, and discuss program effectiveness. Develops internal policies and procedures; works with other program staff in determining trends and resolving technical problems; provides technical assistance on program requirements; and recommends and coordinates internal activities to produce a more effective program. Develops and provides trainings on STAR+PLUS policies.
(5%) Keeps supervisor informed on pertinent issues in a timely manner and performs other work as assigned.
(25%) Works collaboratively within Program Policy and across MCS to identify innovative and effective solutions for clients, stakeholders, and staff. Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
(25%) Oversees and manages the policy development process from start to finish for the STAR+PLUS Handbook: drafting new policy and reviewing nominated policy updates; coordinating, collaborating, and facilitating meetings with staff across MCS and the agency about the policy updates; soliciting and responding to MCO feedback; seeking direction as necessary from the STAR+PLUS Program Lead, Manager, and Director when making final policy decisions; and effectively communicating updates to leadership. Coordinates responses to Medicaid inquiries and resolution of complaints, identifies trends and emerging issues, and recommends policy changes. Works with HHSC staff and external stakeholders to identify risks or issues and oversees the development of mitigation strategies. Provides subject matter expertise and technical assistance related to the STAR+PLUS program to MCS and other agency staff, governmental agencies, MCOs, provider associations, community organizations, and the general public.
(25%) Collaborates with other areas of MCS and HHSC to develop and implement Medicaid programs and policies. Prepares high quality research, analysis, and written updates, summaries, and other documents as assigned; develops materials for, participates in, and facilitates meetings with internal and external stakeholders; has knowledge of and interprets agency rules and contracts and oversees compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules and takes corrective action if needed. Analyzes legislation and suggests changes to legislative language.
(20%) Plans, monitors, and evaluates program policy and legislative implementation, including operational policy outside of the handbook, such as contract, administrate rule, manual and procedural requirements. Sets goals and manages the long-term planning for STAR+PLUS Handbook policy. Consults with stakeholders, staff of other HHS agencies and departments, providers, and vendors to resolve problems, identify training needs, and discuss program effectiveness. Develops internal policies and procedures; works with other program staff in determining trends and resolving technical problems; provides technical assistance on program requirements; and recommends and coordinates internal activities to produce a more effective program. Develops and provides trainings on STAR+PLUS policies.
(5%) Keeps supervisor informed on pertinent issues in a timely manner and performs other work as assigned.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of state and federal laws governing Medicaid, managed care, or health and human services.
Knowledge of government administration, program management, or project management techniques.
Strong planning and organizational skills.
Skill in written and oral communication, including the ability to make public presentations, write technical information in an understandable format, and produce sophisticated research reports.
Ability to perform work with a high degree of attention to detail and implement creative solutions to problems.
Ability to work independently and operate effectively within established guidelines and timeframes.
Ability to work cooperatively as a team member in a fast-paced, deadline-orientated environment.
Ability to balance multiple assignments, projects, and responsibilities.
Ability to develop, evaluate, and analyze policies and procedures.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products.
Registration or Licensure Requirements:
N/A
N/A
Initial Selection Criteria:
1) Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university and at least one-year full-time work experience in health and human services; or
2) A master’s degree in public affairs, social work, public health, or related field; or
3) A combination of relevant work experience and education that equates to 5 total years.
Preferred Screening criteria:
Master’s degree in public affairs, social work, public health, or related field.
Work experience with Medicaid, Medicare, or CHIP.
1) Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university and at least one-year full-time work experience in health and human services; or
2) A master’s degree in public affairs, social work, public health, or related field; or
3) A combination of relevant work experience and education that equates to 5 total years.
Preferred Screening criteria:
Additional Information:
State of Texas employees participate in outstanding benefits: - Excellent health benefits, - Lifetime monthly retirement annuity, - Generous time off benefits.
Additional benefits of joining the MCS Office of Policy include:-The ability to telework, contingent on performance. - Leadership commitment to invest in and foster your professional growth and career advancement. - Having an impact on the lives of millions of Texans that depend on Texas Medicaid and CHIP throughout Texas. - Exposure to the Texas legislative process to analyze and inform legislators of potential impact of proposed bills. - Joining a team at the forefront of interpreting, implementing, and developing healthcare policy that has statewide impact. - The opportunity to lead and engage with multiple domains of the healthcare delivery system, including managed care, fee-for-service, federal/state Medicaid partnerships and other activities related to the administration of the Medicaid program.
State of Texas employees participate in outstanding benefits: - Excellent health benefits, - Lifetime monthly retirement annuity, - Generous time off benefits.
Additional benefits of joining the MCS Office of Policy include:
MOS Code:
There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the responsibilities, and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if they meet the qualifications for this position.
There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the responsibilities, and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if they meet the qualifications for this position.
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.
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