Behavioral Health Program Policy Team Lead

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) Department seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Behavioral Health Program Policy Lead (Program Specialist VII). 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 serving as the lead subject matter expert (SME) for behavioral health program policy. The Program Specialist VII will perform highly advanced (senior-level) consultative and technical work related to behavioral health policy and services in Medicaid and CHIP. The ideal candidate: Has a minimum of 4 years of experience in the field of health and human services, Has a minimum of 2 years of experience with behavioral health policy analysis, Has excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage high bandwidth projects and initiatives, Thrives in an environment that emphasizes teamwork to achieve goals, Demonstrates excellence through high professional standards and personal accountability, Embraces curiosity to continuously grow and learn, Has strong critical thinking skills, and Is a self-starter, able to plan and initiate projects with limited direction. The selected candidate will also have a proven track record of working in partnership with other team members to achieve results, will embrace and solve specific challenges facing an organization, brings fresh ideas to complex problems, and leads in a fast-paced and demanding work environment. The position is not supervisory, but may be expected to train, lead, and prioritize the work of others on the team. The selected candidate will work closely with project stakeholders and other agency partners and have exposure to other Medicaid programs and services. Interest in and ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders is essential for this position. The Program Specialist VII reports to a manager in MCS Program Policy. The individual selected for this position will serve as a lead subject matter expert and may delegate or provide direction to other program specialists on the team. This position will allow for constant learning opportunities and a chance to impact the healthcare provided to millions of people across the state of Texas. The Program Policy unit offers a collaborative and supportive working environment.

Requirements

Has a minimum of 4 years of experience in the field of health and human services
Has a minimum of 2 years of experience with behavioral health policy analysis
Has excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage high bandwidth projects and initiatives
Thrives in an environment that emphasizes teamwork to achieve goals
Demonstrates excellence through high professional standards and personal accountability
Embraces curiosity to continuously grow and learn
Has strong critical thinking skills
Is a self-starter, able to plan and initiate projects with limited direction
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university (experience may substitute for education on a year to year basis).
Experience of 4 years in a field focusing on health and human services, including but not limited to the delivery of healthcare, public health, behavioral health, state government, or another related field.
Experience of 2 years in behavioral health policy analysis.
Experience developing or overseeing advanced (senior-level) deliverables, reports, or other technical writing work products.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Experience in a field related to Medicaid and/or CHIP policy preferred.

Responsibilities

Collaborates with other Health and Human Services agencies and areas to oversee the analysis, planning, and implementation of program initiatives and operational policies related to behavioral health services delivered through the various Medicaid managed care programs and CHIP. These program policies may be related to benefits, administration of the programs, or other topics.
Uses data to prepare high quality research, analysis, and written updates, summaries, and other documents as assigned, including identification of risks/issues and mitigation strategies.
Develops materials for the preparation for or follow up to workgroups and meetings conducted for internal and external stakeholders.
Has knowledge of and interprets agency rules and federal and state laws, oversees compliance with program policies and procedures, and rules and takes corrective action if needed.
Develops recommendations relating to changes in programs and operational policies related to Medicaid and CHIP and provides input related to behavioral health quality initiatives.
Seeks direction as necessary from supervisor when making final decisions about legal or financial commitments. Leads efforts to implement direction from supervisor.
Analyzes state and federal legislation and regulation to develop recommendations program impact, coordinates with affected program areas and stakeholders, and leads efforts to make changes necessary to policy, rules, state plans, and contract language.
Collects, prepares, and conveys responses in letter correspondence format for legislators.
Monitors program compliance.
Develops contract language, amendments, and procurement documents.
Consults with stakeholders, staff of other HHS agencies and departments, providers, and vendors to resolve problems, identify training needs, and discuss program effectiveness.
Speaks to community and other professional groups to improve and answer complex questions about Office of Policy led programs, and oversees other staff in preparation for working with formal committees, councils, or workgroups.
Develops internal policies and procedures.
Uses data and works with other program and policy staff to identify trends and address technical problems.
Acts as a liaison with agencies and internal programs to explain and lead technical assistance on federal, state, and program requirements and provide program and policy guidance.
Recommends and directs activities to produce a more effective program.
Identifies staff training needs and develops guidance to support staff development.
Performs related work as assigned.

Benefits

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.
Excellent health benefits
Lifetime monthly retirement annuity
Generous leave benefits
HHSC is a qualifying organization for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments.
Leadership commitment to invest in and foster your professional growth and knowledge of the Texas Medicaid program and your career advancement.
Impacting the lives of thousands of Medicaid clients that depend on Medicaid services throughout Texas.
Being on the ground level of healthcare policy implementation, including the opportunity to work closely with stakeholders such as federal partners, providers, advocates, managed care organizations, and other healthcare contractors.
Engagement with the Texas legislative process, including the opportunity to analyze and inform legislators of potential impact of proposed bills.
Being part of a team at the forefront of interpreting, implementing, and developing policies with statewide impact.
The opportunity to learn 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;