The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks highly qualified and motivated candidates to fill a Senior Policy Analyst position within the Access and Eligibility Services (AES) Program Policy team.

AES is driven by its mission to connect Texans to services and supports by helping individuals and families in need of food, medical care, cash assistance and other social services.

The Senior Policy Analyst performs complex policy research, analysis and policy development related to eligibility for the following programs administered by HHSC and AES: Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities (MEPD), Texas Works Medicaid for Families, Pregnant Women and Children, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Job responsibilities include coordinating and conducting complex research on federal and state policies and best practices; completing legislative bill analysis; reviewing, interpreting, and analyzing federal and state statutes, rules, regulations, guidance and procedures; preparing high-quality briefing materials and policy documents; identifying options and making recommendations for senior and executive leadership decisions; effectively communicating policy and research orally and in writing; and leading projects to implement policies and system changes.

The ideal candidate will thrive in an environment that emphasizes innovation through new ideas, striving for excellence by taking pride in their work, embracing differences as a source of strength, accomplishing more through partnership, leading by example, and learning for continuous improvement.

This position is a statewide position with the option to telework in accordance with agency policy and will be expected to travel to Austin for required in-person meetings. Selected candidate must have the ability to provide a personal home internet service.

Multiple candidates may be selected to fill positions on the Program Policy team. The respective policy portfolio for selected candidates will be determined during the interview and selection process.

Essential Job Functions:
Plans, prioritizes and performs complex research and analysis on federal and state laws, legislation, rules, regulations, and guidance relating to state and federal programs administered by HHSC and AES and advises on impacts and considerations for HHSC. Conducts research on national best practices and application for Texas programs.

Prepares high-quality documents to support program planning, policy development, implementation and decision making (e.g., analysis, briefing documents, memoranda, presentations, talking points, rules, State Plan amendments, waiver applications).

Leads project implementation, establishing and facilitating workgroups and meetings. Represents Program Policy and AES on policy development and implementation projects, providing program policy expertise and working collaboratively to solve problems and ensure timely completion of goals and objectives.

Coordinates, drafts and reviews responses to requests for policy information from agency leadership, external stakeholders, legislative staff or the media. Provides guidance and technical assistance to agency staff on relevant policy matters.

Collaborates with team members to support AES, Program Policy and team priorities. Effectively communicates issues to management and works collaboratively to identify solutions.

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

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of Texas Works Medicaid, MEPD, CHIP, SNAP, and TANF programs and other state and federal programs administered by HHSC and AES.
Knowledge of state and federal legislative and policy development processes.
Strong skills in researching, interpreting, and analyzing complex data and policies.
Skill in identifying policy options and impacts for decision makers.
Skill in synthesizing complex information and translating it into clear and concise policy documents.
Strong skills in communicating verbally and in writing and presenting information publicly.
Skill in problem solving and independent decision-making.
Skill in critically evaluating issues and proactively seeking solutions.
Ability to manage multiple projects and coordinate workgroups and meetings.
Ability to collaborate and develop effective professional relationships with coworkers and stakeholders.
Ability to prioritize time and manage multiple project deadlines.
Ability to develop work plans and organize work.
Ability to develop concise policy documents.
Ability to represent the AES as a policy subject matter expert.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
N/A

Initial Selection Criteria:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree preferred with major coursework in a relevant field (e.g., public policy, social work, and public health). Work experience may substitute for education. Applicants will initially be screened for experience with TW and MEPD Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, and TANF programs and eligibility policy; experience with state and federal policy development processes; experience researching, interpreting, and analyzing complex data and policies; and experience synthesizing complex information and translating it into clear and concise policy documents.

Additional Information:
Applicants may not have a history of substantiated fraudulent activity against HHSC or any programs it administers. Applicants who have a non-fraud overpayment with an outstanding balance must agree to repay the overpayment balance as a condition of employment.

HHSC offers competitive benefits including free health coverage for you and affordable health plans for your family, dental and life insurance plans, paid holidays, accrued vacation and sick leave, promotional opportunities and the gratification of making a positive impact on individuals and families in need.
More information regarding available benefits can be found at: https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance.
A list of the State of Texas holidays is available at: http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Holidays.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is committed to hiring veterans and creating a work environment that values and retains the skills that service members bring to the job. A veteran is an individual who has served in *the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Marine Corps of the United States or the United States Public Health Service under 42 U.S.C. Section 201 et seq., as amended; *the Texas military forces as defined by Section 437.001 of Texas Government Code; or *an auxiliary service of one of those branches of the armed forces; and *has been honorably discharged from the branch of the service in which the person served. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/Job Descriptions.aspx. VETERANS: Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs! Go to www.texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications and skill sets. Also, you can compare this position to military occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor’s Office by pasting this link into your browser: http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/Job Descriptions.aspx. For more information on military occupational specialty codes, see the Military Crosswalk Guide.

MOS Code:
There are no direct military occupation(s) related to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements 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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