Policy Analyst

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•El Paso, TX

1d•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 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). 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 required to report to the office at least 3 days a week if living in or within 50 miles of Austin or if outside Austin upon request related to return to office guidance. Selected candidate will also be expected to travel to Austin for required in-person meetings. Multiple candidates may be selected to fill positions on the Program Policy team. The respective policy portfolio for selected candidates will be determined during the interview and selection process.

Requirements

Knowledge of Texas Works Medicaid, MEPD, CHIP, SNAP, and TANF programs and other state and federal programs administered by HHSC and AES.
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 (e.g., public policy, social work, and public health) is preferred. Work experience may substitute for education on a year for year basis.
Applicants will initially be screened for experience with Texas Works and MEPD Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, and TANF programs and eligibility policy; experience with state and federal policy development processes; experience researching, interpreting, and analyzing complex data and policies; and experience synthesizing complex information and translating it into clear and concise policy documents.

Nice To Haves

Ability to provide a personal home internet service.
Selected candidate will be required to report to the office at least 3 days a week if living in or within 50 miles of Austin or if outside Austin upon request related to return to office guidance.
Selected candidate will also be expected to travel to Austin for required in-person meetings.

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., analysis, briefing documents, memoranda, presentations, talking points, rules, State Plan amendments, waiver applications).
Represents Program Policy and AES on policy development and implementation projects, provides program policy expertise and works collaboratively to solve problems and ensure timely completion of goals and objectives.
Leads project implementation and coordinates workgroups and meetings.
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.