MCS Program Policy Manager V

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. 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. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage. The Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) Manager V, under the direction of a Director for Program Policy in the MCS Office of Policy, performs advanced (senior level) managerial work overseeing the daily operations and activities of Medicaid and CHIP program policy work. The STAR Health and Behavioral Health Program Policy Manager V position leads a team of approximately six eight program specialists responsible for highly-complex program policy related to topics such as Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) fee-for-service and managed care services, services for children in state conservatorship, behavioral health services, and mental health parity. The manager and team liaises and works closely with staff at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. The manager: Recruits, hires, and trains staff; Establishes goals and standards for the team; Evaluates staff progress toward meeting goals; Identifies problems and develops effective solutions; and Regularly interacts and works with internal and external stakeholders. This position must be able to work under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Each manager interacts routinely with executive staff, other HHSC staff, other state agencies, federal partners, managed care organization staff, external stakeholders, and the public. The position may perform additional duties during legislative sessions. The ideal candidate has excellent writing and interpersonal skills and thrives in a fast-paced 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. These positions will allow for constant learning opportunities and a chance to impact the healthcare provided to individuals receiving Medicaid or CHIP services. The Program Policy unit offers a collaborative and supportive working environment. Essential Job Functions (EJFs): Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy. Works collaboratively across MCS to identify innovative and effective solutions for individuals receiving services and staff. (40%) - Plans, assigns, and provides direction to the staff in the unit. Provides guidance and oversight for staff activities such as development of complex healthcare policy, implementation of federal and state laws and rules, decision documents for executive leadership, stakeholder presentations, Texas Administrative Code rule amendments, state plan amendments, contract amendments, reports, requests for proposals, and responses to legislative, provider, and stakeholder requests for information. Assists staff with negotiations and problem-solving. Reviews and approves staff work products in accordance with MCS policies and procedures. (25%) - Establishes goals and standards for the team and monitors progress for meeting goals and standards. Ensures development and timely submission of program policy deliverables. Oversees the allocation of staff resources to achieve timely program policy outcomes and meet measurable goals; monitors and evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of staffing levels. (20%) Manages and hires staff for the unit in accordance with HR policy and MCS policies and procedures. Motivates staff through positive and constructive feedback and identifies and helps plan opportunities for staff professional development. Tracks, monitors, and keeps Director informed of team activities, staff workload, and emerging issues requiring escalation. Identifies areas of needed change and makes recommendations to the Director to improve operations. (10%) Represents the agency and Medicaid and CHIP Services department at meetings, conferences, committee meetings, workgroups, panels, stakeholder meetings, legislative hearings, and other forums. Presents complex materials in understandable formats. Works with and speaks to community, advocacy, and professional groups to coordinate initiatives, improve programs, provide technical assistance, identify needs, and resolve issues. (5%) Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

State and federal Medicaid and CHIP or health care-related laws and regulations
Project and program management principles and practices
Principles and practices of public administration and management
Analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting complex written material
Managing multiple, sometimes conflicting, priorities without jeopardizing deadlines or system milestones
Effective verbal and written communication, including adjusting communications to fit the intended audience
Establishing and maintaining productive and credible working relationships both internally and externally
Using Microsoft Office Suite
Lead development of Medicaid and CHIP Services program policy, contractual requirements, and rules in the Texas Administrative Code
Plan, assign, prioritize, supervise, and evaluate the work of others
Hire and train staff
Identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and devise and implement sound solutions related to complex policy issues
Take initiative and be resourceful
Think creatively and support creative thinking in others
Perform well in a team environment, including working collaboratively to accomplish objectives
Provide leadership that promotes teamwork and motivates staff
Produce accurate, high-quality results
Negotiate with individuals and groups, develop professional networks, and identify the internal and external dynamics that impact the work of the organization
Work independently with minimal supervision
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
Five years’ full-time work experience in the health and human services field. A master’s degree may substitute for up to two years of the work experience.
Supervisory experience, team lead experience, or experience in a role such as a senior advisor.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in public health, social work, public affairs, or public administration.
Experience in Medicaid and CHIP Services, including experience working in the Texas Health Steps program.
Five years' full-time experience performing consultative, supervisory, managerial, professional, or technical work during which the applicant regularly analyzed work problems from an administrative aspect and interpreted complex written material.

Responsibilities

Plans, assigns, and provides direction to the staff in the unit.
Provides guidance and oversight for staff activities such as development of complex healthcare policy, implementation of federal and state laws and rules, decision documents for executive leadership, stakeholder presentations, Texas Administrative Code rule amendments, state plan amendments, contract amendments, reports, requests for proposals, and responses to legislative, provider, and stakeholder requests for information.
Assists staff with negotiations and problem-solving.
Reviews and approves staff work products in accordance with MCS policies and procedures.
Establishes goals and standards for the team and monitors progress for meeting goals and standards.
Ensures development and timely submission of program policy deliverables.
Oversees the allocation of staff resources to achieve timely program policy outcomes and meet measurable goals; monitors and evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of staffing levels.
Manages and hires staff for the unit in accordance with HR policy and MCS policies and procedures.
Motivates staff through positive and constructive feedback and identifies and helps plan opportunities for staff professional development.
Tracks, monitors, and keeps Director informed of team activities, staff workload, and emerging issues requiring escalation.
Identifies areas of needed change and makes recommendations to the Director to improve operations.
Represents the agency and Medicaid and CHIP Services department at meetings, conferences, committee meetings, workgroups, panels, stakeholder meetings, legislative hearings, and other forums.
Presents complex materials in understandable formats.
Works with and speaks to community, advocacy, and professional groups to coordinate initiatives, improve programs, provide technical assistance, identify needs, and resolve issues.
Performs other duties as assigned.