Policy Advisor

Date: May 9, 2025

Location: AUSTIN, TX

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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 Policy Advisor (Program Specialist VI). This position is hired by and reports to the Director of Policy and Project Management in the Vendor Drug Program (VDP). VDP is driven by its mission to deliver quality, cost-effective outpatient drug benefits to Texans. This position makes a significant contribution to VDP’s mission by performing highly advanced, senior-level consultative and technical assistance work related to outpatient drug policies and projects for Medicaid and CHIP.

Duties include development of VDP outpatient drug policies and procedures; planning, prioritizing, coordinating, and implementing policy analysis and program management activities with other MCS and agency staff; collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to develop outpatient drug policy; and leading and serving as VDP liaison to pertinent workgroups. This position participates in bill analysis during legislative session.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment that emphasizes: excellence through high professional standards and personal accountability, self-motivation and initiative, curiosity to continuously grow and learn, critical thinking for effective execution, teamwork to achieve goals, and personal and professional integrity.

This position will allow for constant learning opportunities and a chance to impact the healthcare provided to individuals receiving Medicaid services. VDP offers a collaborative and supportive working environment. This position is located in the Austin area, and applicants must live in the Austin area.

Essential Job Functions

(50%) Policy analysis, development, and implementation. Provides highly advanced (senior-level) research, analysis, evaluation, and technical assistance work for VDP. Oversees the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of materials in response to requests for program information and reports. Develops, implements, and manages complex projects related to VDP policy.
(20%) Policy consultation. Provides technical assistance and guidance related to the outpatient drug benefit to MCS staff, HHSC staff, other HHS agencies, and other state agencies.
(20%) Collaboration and communication. Provides advanced-level coordination and collaboration with internal and external entities. Leads policy projects with limited notice and accelerated timelines to produce expert and diverse division results. Uses strong oral and written communication skills to work with varying departments, agencies, staff persons, clients and providers.
(5%) Escalates any issues that present a potential risk to the program.
(5%) Performs other duties as assigned and required to meet the mission and goals of MCS.
Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Attends works on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of the legislative process, health care programs, and policies.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the Medicaid and CHIP programs.
Knowledge of government organization and administration.
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems; to provide technical assistance in preparing/editing reports; to communicate effectively; to make executive-level assignments.
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 interpret legal documents such as contracts and legislation.
Skill in planning and organizing.
Ability to perform work with a high degree of attention to detail.
Ability to problem-solve.
Ability to work collaboratively with multi-levels of staff persons, and both internal and external agencies.
Ability to work cooperatively as a team member in a fast-paced, deadline-orientated environment.
Ability to work independently and operate effectively within established guidelines and timeframes.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria

At least two years’ experience researching and analyzing complex health policy issues and interacting with internal and external stakeholders. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a field relevant to the assignment is generally preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

Additional Information

Candidates selected for an interview will be required to complete an in-basket exercise.

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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.