Field Policy Services & Support Lead

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

9d•$5,798 - $7,800•Hybrid

About The Position

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks highly qualified and motivated candidates to fill the Field Policy Services and Support Lead position within the Access and Eligibility Services (AES) Field Policy team in Policy & Quality. Field Policy Services and Support team provide front-line field staff with policy clarifications, and include communication with, and travel to regions, for Eligibility Operations. The Field Policy Services and Support Lead works collaboratively within Policy and Quality and across other areas to identify innovative and effective solutions for clients, stakeholders, and staff. AES is driven by its mission to connect Texans to services and support by helping individuals and families in need of food, medical care, cash assistance and other social services. This position performs complex (senior level), highly advanced, program and operational policy work, as well as project management activities. The Program Specialist VII will also manage the development and implementation of highly complex, highly visible federally and state directed initiatives. Duties involve performing senior-level consultative and technical work related to the analysis, planning, development, implementation, and maintenance of program policy. The Field Policy Services and Support Lead performs advanced policy research, analysis and policy development related to eligibility programs administered by HHSC. This position is not supervisory but may assign, oversee, and prioritize work of others. The position will work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The Program Specialist VII reports to the Director for Field Policy Services and Support in Policy and Quality. 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 capability to telework in accordance with agency policy. Selected candidate must have the ability to provide a personal home internet service. Selected candidate will be expected to travel to Austin periodically for relevant in-person meetings. Applicants selected for hire will be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

Requirements

Knowledge of Medicaid (MEPD and TW), CHIP/HTW, SNAP, and TANF programs and the other state and federal programs administered by HHSC and AES
Knowledge of government organization and administration
Knowledge of state and federal legislative and policy development processes
Knowledge of HHSC processes related to the administration or provision of benefits
Skill in using personal computer application software such as MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe Pro, MS Project, or similar programs
Skill in program and project management and the ability to lead project teams and work with multiple stakeholders
Skill in planning and organization
Skill in researching and analyzing complex policy issues, state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and sub-regulatory guidance
Skill in writing and oral communication, including the ability to make public presentations on policy, synthesize and write technical information in an understandable format, and produce high-quality, sophisticated reports
Skill in updating and maintaining high-traffic AES SharePoint sites
Skill in identifying policy options and impacts for decision makers
Skill in synthesizing complex information and translating it into clear and concise policy documents
Skill in problem solving and independent decision-making
Skill in critically evaluating issues and proactively seeking solutions
Skill in developing and evaluating policies and procedures; and making recommendations and decisions
Ability to thrive 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
Ability to assign and lead the work of others
Ability to perform work with a high degree of attention to detail and implement creative solutions to problems
Ability to manage projects and coordinate workgroups and meetings
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 department as a subject matter expert
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 work together with Policy & Quality and the agency to accomplish objectives
Ability to balance multiple assignments, projects, and responsibilities
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in operations, business, public affairs, social work, policy, social work, public health, or a related field preferred; relevant work experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
Four years work experience with MEPD and Texas Works programs (Medicaid, CHIP, HTW, MBCC, SNAP, and TANF), or other AES/HHS programs.
Recent TIERS experience (within last three years) related to eligibility determinations is preferred.
Experience applying local, state, and federal laws relating to the Texas Works and MEPD programs.
Experience developing or overseeing advanced level deliverables, reports, or other technical writing work products.
Experience in project management and policy development.
Experience in gathering, assembling, correlating, analyzing facts, and preparing concise reports.

Nice To Haves

Recent TIERS experience (within last three years) related to eligibility determinations is preferred.

Responsibilities

Planning for and overseeing the development and ongoing operation of programs and services
Leading, planning, and coordinating projects
Analyzing policy to support Eligibility Operations field staff
Developing and providing training
Preparing and reviewing high-quality briefing materials and policy documents used by field staff
Providing subject matter expertise on policy for agency staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, provider organizations, and the general public
Ensuring compliance and resolution of program issues
Effectively communicating policy and research orally and in writing
Participating in and facilitating meetings with internal and external stakeholders
Making recommendations for senior and executive management decisions
Preparing high quality written reports, correspondence, and other documents
Maintaining, updating, and monitoring SharePoint sites
Works with the Field Policy Director and Manager to lead team members to support AES, Field Policy, and team priorities.
Effectively communicates issues to management and works to identify solutions.
Serves as the lead program specialist on the team, providing direction and assigning work to others.
Collaborates with other areas and HHS divisions to oversee the analysis, development, documentation, and implementation of program policies.
Prepares high-quality research, analyses, and written updates, summaries, and other assigned documents.
Provides subject matter expertise and technical assistance to provider-specific policy staff, other agency staff, state and federal government agencies, and community organizations, working to solve problems and ensure the timely completion of goals and objectives.
Leads project implementation by establishing and facilitating workgroups and meetings.
Represents Field Policy and AES on policy development and implementation projects.
Leads the development and implementation of complex program initiatives.
Develops and administers project management tools to support this work (e.g., work plans, timelines, option development, memoranda, analyses, issue papers, status updates, presentations, agendas, risk mitigation strategies, fiscal impact analyses, and reports).
Sets goals and objectives, makes assignments, provides direction, and reviews the work products of others.
Acts as a liaison to other program staff and agencies concerning programs and initiatives managed by the unit.
Provides input, technical assistance, and guidance to HHS staff in the development and implementation of program changes and new initiatives.
Coordinates the resolution of and responses to inquiries and complaints, identifies trends and emerging issues, and recommends policy changes.
Plans, prioritizes, and performs complex research and analysis on federal and state laws, legislation, rules, regulations, and guidance related to state and federal programs administered by HHSC and AES, and advises on impacts and considerations for HHSC.
Coordinates, drafts, and reviews responses to requests for policy information from agency leadership and external stakeholders.
Provides guidance and technical assistance to agency staff on relevant policy matters.
Prepares and reviews high quality documents to support state office and eligibility operational staff with program planning, policy development, implementation, and decision making (e.g., analyses, briefing documents, memoranda, presentations, talking points, rules, job aids, and guides).
Coordinates with community and professional groups and public stakeholders to provide information and technical assistance, identify needs, and resolve issues.
Delivers oral presentations and prepares written materials, as appropriate, and supports the establishment and facilitation of interagency workgroups and committees.
Performs other duties, as assigned.