Policy Analyst

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•KILLEEN, TX

22h•$4,523 - $5,889•Hybrid

About The Position

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks highly qualified and motivated candidates to fill a Policy Analyst position within the Access and Eligibility Services (AES) Program Policy – Policy Coordination Support team. 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 Analyst performs complex policy research, analysis and policy development related to eligibility for the following programs administered by HHSC and AES: Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities (MEPD), Texas Works Medicaid for Families, Pregnant Women and Children, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Job responsibilities include conducting complex policy research on federal and state policies and best practices; managing an internal mailbox; owning and overseeing the forms governance process, including coordination with the forms warehouse and print vendors; maintaining the repository of eligibility forms and notices; completing legislative bill analysis, as needed; reviewing, interpreting, and analyzing federal and state statutes, rules and regulations, guidance and procedures; identifying options and making recommendations for senior and executive leadership decisions; preparing high-quality briefing materials and policy documents, including bulletins and broadcasts; effectively communicating policy and research orally and in writing; and participating in projects to implement policy and system changes. 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 that may be eligible for telework in accordance with agency policy. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business need. This position will be expected to travel to Austin for required in-person meetings. Selected candidate must have the ability to provide a personal home internet service if teleworking. One PSV position is available for the Policy Coordination Support team.

Requirements

Knowledge of Texas Works Medicaid, MEPD, CHIP, SNAP, and/or TANF programs administered by HHSC or other state and federal programs.
Knowledge of state and federal legislative and policy development processes.
Strong skills in researching, interpreting, and analyzing complex data and policies.
Skill in identifying policy options and impacts for decision makers.
Skill in synthesizing complex information and translating it into clear and concise policy documents.
Strong skills in communicating verbally and in writing and presenting information publicly.
Skill in problem solving and independent decision-making.
Skill in critically evaluating issues and proactively seeking solutions.
Ability to manage multiple projects and coordinate workgroups and meetings.
Ability to collaborate and develop effective professional relationships with coworkers and stakeholders.
Ability to prioritize time and manage multiple project deadlines.
Ability to develop work plans and organize work.
Ability to develop accurate and concise policy documents.
Ability to represent AES as a policy subject matter expert.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree with major coursework in a relevant field preferred (e.g., public policy, social work, and public health). Work experience may substitute for education on a year for year basis.
At least three years current, full-time work experience with human services program management, public administration, or public policy analysis.
Experience with state and 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.
Experience reviewing and preparing advanced level deliverables; such as memos, reports, or other technical writing work products.

Nice To Haves

Experience with and knowledge with state and federal programs including Medicaid, CHIP, MEPD, Women’s Health Programs, SNAP, and/or TANF programs and eligibility policy is highly preferred.
Preference will be given to candidates with legislative session experience, including legislative bill analysis.
Preference will be given to candidates with familiarity with the HHS Brand Guide and Plain Language standards.
Preference will be given to candidates with experience and familiarity with working on project teams.

Responsibilities

Performs complex research and analysis of federal and state laws, legislation, rules, regulations, and guidance relating to state and federal programs administered by HHSC and AES for impacts and considerations.
Conducts research on national best practices and application for Texas programs.
Prepares high-quality documents to support program planning, policy development, implementation and decision making (e.g., bulletins, broadcasts, form updates, analysis, briefing documents, memoranda, presentations, talking points, rules, State Plan amendments, waiver applications).
Represents Program Policy and AES on policy development and implementation projects, especially related to forms and notices; provides program policy expertise and works collaboratively to solve problems and ensure timely completion of goals and objectives.
Participates in project implementation and coordinates workgroups and meetings.
Oversees the forms governance process and maintains the repository of eligibility forms and notices.
Coordinates, compiles and drafts responses to requests for policy information from agency leadership, external stakeholders, legislative staff and the media.
Provides guidance and technical assistance to agency staff on relevant policy matters.
Collaborates with team members to support AES, Program Policy and team priorities.
Effectively communicates issues with leadership and works collaboratively to identify solutions.
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.