Policy Advisor

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • El Paso, TX

9d • 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 Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks highly qualified and motivated candidates to fill a Policy Advisor (Program Specialist VII) position within Access and Eligibility
Services (AES). 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 Policy Advisor serves as the team lead for the Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities (MEPD) policy staff who are responsible for coordinating complex policy research and policy development support for MEPD.
The MEPD program provides medical benefits to groups of low-income elderly and people with disabilities.
The Policy Advisor is responsible for
developing, implementing, and facilitating policy development, which includes, policy handbooks, bulletins, state rules, forms, state plan amendments, and waivers; coordinating and conducting complex policy research on best practices and state options; completing legislative analysis; reviewing, interpreting, and analyzing federal and state statutes, rules and regulations, guidance and procedures; providing options for senior and executive management decision; and effectively communicating policy and research orally and in writing. 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.

Requirements

• Knowledge of MEPD or other federal social service programs.
• Knowledge of state and federal statute, rules, regulations, and guidance relevant to program areas.
• Strong skills in researching, interpreting, and analyzing complex federal and state policies.
• Skill in synthesizing complicated and technical information and translating it into understandable and concise documents and oral presentations.
• Skill in developing and evaluating policies and procedures; assessing risk and developing contingency plans; and making recommendations and decisions.
• Skill in problem solving and independent decision-making.
• Skill in developing creative and workable solutions to complex problems and policy issues.
• Skill in interpersonal relationships, including the ability to work with people under pressure, negotiate among multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Skill in communicating effectively orally and in writing and at presenting information publicly.
• Ability to develop work plans and organize and direct work.
• Ability to prioritize time and manage multiple project deadlines.
• Ability to represent the department as a subject matter expert.
• Ability to plan and assign the work of others.
• 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); relevant work experience may substitute for education on a year for year basis
• At least 1 Year experience in MEPD or other social service programs and policy
• Expereince in state or federal policy development processes
• Experience researching, interpreting, and analyzing complex data and policies
• Experience synthesizing complex information and translating it into clear and concise policy documents

Responsibilities

• Plans and prioritizes policy for MEPD.
• Develops and oversees the development of policy options.
• Performs advanced research on best practices; complex (senior level) analysis of laws, regulations, and guidance; complex (senior level) analysis of impacts to programs, systems, and operations; and coordination of the development of fiscal impact analysis.
• Provides guidance, direction, and technical assistance to staff on the team.
• Prepares high-quality briefing documents, issue papers, correspondence, bill analyses, and memorandum for senior and executive management review and decision-making.
• Prepares and oversees preparation of eligibility policies, agency rules, state plan amendments, and federal waivers.
• Develops timelines and other project management documentation; and coordination and communication with senior and executive management, staff, and impacted stakeholders.
• Establishes, facilities, and set goals and objectives for multiple policy workgroups and develops and approves work products.
• Workgroups will include staff from all impacted areas within HHS and external stakeholder, as appropriate.
• Seeks guidance from and enters into discussions with federal partners on interpretation of federal statute, rules, regulations, and other guidance.
• Works with stakeholders to provide information and request input.
• Represents AES as a subject matter expert at business meetings, council and committee meetings, legislative meetings, and conferences and seminars.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level