Lead Policy Advisor

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

3d • 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 Lead Policy Advisor (Policy Analyst III). 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 complex, senior-level policy analysis work.Duties include managing complex drug and pharmacy policy analysis projects, including coordinating efforts across multiple teams and stakeholders; preparing communications for and collaborating with external stakeholders; and contributing to the development and execution of VDP’s policy strategies. This position leads bill analysis for VDP during legislative session and responses to legislative inquiries throughout the year.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, personal and professional integrity, and a positive attitude.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 eligible for telework dependent on agency and division policy. This position is located in the Austin area, and candidates must live in the Austin area.

Requirements

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the Medicaid and CHIP programs.
• Knowledge of public policy analysis principles and governmental structures; state and federal legislative and policy development processes; and relevant policy areas.
• Knowledge of the legislative process.
• Skill in researching and analyzing complex data and policies; in identifying policy options and impacts for decision-makers; in collaborating with internal and external stakeholders; in developing clear and concise written and verbal communication; in problem-solving, critical thinking, and independent decision-making; in the use of a computer and applicable software.
• Ability to research, analyze or evaluate data; to identify issues and propose solutions; to assess potential policy impacts; to develop and present alternative solutions; to conduct studies; to interpret and implement policies and procedures; to work independently and collaboratively, to manage multiple projects and deadlines; to prepare concise reports; and to communicate effectively.
• Ability to problem-solve.
• 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.
• Ability to balance team and individual responsibilities.
• Ability to oversee and/or supervise the work of others.
• At least three years’ experience researching, analyzing, developing, and implementing complex health policy issues and interacting with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience with the legislative process is required.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in public policy, political science, social sciences, law, economics, business administration, journalism, or a related field to the job is required.

Nice To Haves

• An advanced college or university degree with similar major course work in a field relevant to the job is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs highly complex policy analysis, development, and implementation, including project management, from inception to completion. This includes providing highly advanced (senior-level) research, analysis, evaluation, and technical assistance work for VDP, using and exercising advanced knowledge and assessment of federal and state laws and regulations related to the drug benefit. For policy projects, forms and leads collaborative efforts across the agency and with external stakeholders with the goal of addressing complex issues and developing and implementing successful policies. Develops and presents policy proposals, reports, and recommendations for agency leadership.
• Leads the VDP policy team in collaborating with external stakeholders. This involves leading the ongoing efforts to prepare for the quarterly stakeholder meetings, including identifying topics and coordinating efforts across VDP and the agency to prepare these topics for discussion. Reviews and works collaboratively on external communications and updates to the various manuals.
• Leads the bill analysis efforts during Texas legislative sessions for VDP. This includes coordinating with the MCS bill analysis coordinator and teams, providing direction to VDP regarding bill analysis, providing training to VDP, overseeing bill analysis efforts, and completing analysis of multiple bills as part of a team of other VDP analysts. Provides coordination and development of responses to legislative inquiries throughout the year.
• Monitors and evaluates the implementation of policies and programs, ensuring alignment with agency strategic goals and providing actionable insights for continuous improvement. Assesses complex information to help develop long-term policy strategies for VDP. Anticipates future policy trends and regulatory changes, preparing the agency for potential impacts and proactively developing policy responses. Provides some coordination or oversight of the work of others on the VDP policy team.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required to meet the mission and goals of MCS.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees