Policy Implementation Coordinator

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Dallas, TX

1d•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), Access and Eligibility Services (AES), Policy & Quality division, is seeking to hire four Policy Implementation Coordinators for the Policy Implementation team, reporting to the Director of Policy Implementation. The Policy Implementation team ensures the successful execution of new and revised policies. The Policy Implementation Coordinator will serve as the Project Lead for Program Policy projects helping to identify impacts, coordinate resources, and lead the development and implementation of complex high‑profile federal and state initiatives. Position works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The ideal candidate will excel in a dynamic environment, demonstrating adaptability and advanced project management capabilities. They will champion innovation, uphold the highest standards of excellence, value diversity as a strategic strength, foster collaboration, lead with integrity, and commit to continuous learning and improvement. Although the team’s primary responsibility is supporting policy projects, staff may also be tasked with managing or assisting initiatives in other areas of Policy & Quality. Success in this role requires adaptability, strong project management skills, and the ability to maintain project momentum. Applicants selected for hire will be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

Requirements

Knowledge of The Texas Works programs (Medicaid, MEPD, CHIP, SNAP, TANF) and other state/federal programs administered by the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and Access and Eligibility Services (AES).
Knowledge of State and federal statutes, compliance requirements, and legislative/policy development processes.
Knowledge of Principles and practices of public administration, management techniques, and program planning/implementation.
Knowledge of Large-scale eligibility systems (e.g., TIERS) and related infrastructure.
Knowledge of Project management principles (Scope, Stakeholder Analysis, Planning, Risk Management, and Developing Schedules) and methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, Lean, and Six Sigma).
Skills in Policy & Analysis: Researching, interpreting, and analyzing complex data, statutes, and policies; identifying policy options and impacts; synthesizing technical information into clear documents.
Skills in Project Management: Creating detailed project plans, schedules, and timelines; using project management software (MS Project or Visio); identifying process gaps and aligning resources.
Skills in Communication: Strong verbal and written communication for technical and non-technical audiences. Skills in synthesizing, analyzing, and evaluating extremely complicated and technical information and translating it into easily understandable and concise documents and oral presentations for agency execution, elected officials, and the public. Proven negotiation and facilitation skills.
Skills in Leadership & Collaboration: Leading teams, coordinating workgroups, and building effective relationships with stakeholders. Skills in interpersonal relationships, including the ability to collaborate with people under pressure, negotiate among multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with various levels of personnel in governmental entities.
Skills in Problem Solving & Critical Thinking: Evaluating issues, developing creative solutions, and making informed decisions under pressure.
Skills in Technical: Proficiency with applicable computer software including, but not limited to, Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Visio, Publisher, OneNote, SharePoint and TEAMS).
Ability to Manage multiple projects and deadlines; prioritize tasks and organize work effectively.
Ability to Adapt to changing priorities and maintaining composure under pressure.
Ability to Represent Access and Eligibility Services (AES) as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and explain complex material in simple terms.
Ability to Lead and work cooperatively in a team environment.
Ability to Gather, assemble, and analyze findings; prepare concise reports and correspondence.
Ability to Apply independent judgement in making critical decisions.
Ability to Develop accurate policy documents and evaluate procedures for improvement.
Ability to Analyze or evaluate problems and develop, recommend, or present alternative solutions.
Ability to Develop, interpret, or implement policies and procedures.
Ability to Establish goals, monitor project implementation, and ensure accountability.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in public policy, public administration, social work, law business, or a related field. Experience may substitute for education on a year-by-year basis.
At least two years of experience leading, coordinating, or supporting projects/workgroups or major work initiatives including planning, tracking progress, managing stakeholders, or delivering defined outcomes.
Must have at least two years of experience working in TIERS or a comparable eligibility or case management system or at least two years of SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid experience or MEPD Part 1 and Part 2 experience. Both is preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinating projects and translating policy into system requirements
Tracking and updating projects regularly while operating with independence and sound judgment
Managing processes and procedures
Facilitating meetings
Preparing legislative bill analyses, briefing materials, and recommendations for leadership
Preparing policy documentation, including state plan amendments, waivers, and handbook revisions
Conducting policy research, analysis, and development
Supporting programs such as Texas Works Medicaid (Newborn, Children’s, Adult, Transitional, Emergency, and Pregnancy), Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities (MEPD), Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Women’s Health Program (WHP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Leads projects from concept through completion.
Works closely with Program Policy, Field Policy, Information and Technology, Field Operations, Office of Learning and Professional Development, Vendor Operations, Legal, Communications, Quality Management, and other teams to plan and execute projects including scheduling and facilitating meetings.
Applies project management methodologies to define objectives, track deliverables, set milestones, measure success, recommend improvements, and ensure timely and successful project implementation aligned with division goals.
Ability to translate policy into system requirements.
Communicates effectively, collaborates to resolve issues, and keeps leadership informed of issues, risks, and recommendations.
Maintains and organizes electronic files, records, and calendars.
Represents the Policy Implementation and Program Policy teams with internal and external stakeholders including multiple levels of government groups and officials.
Engages with workgroups and stakeholders to support Access and Eligibility Services (AES) and Policy & Quality priorities.
Responsible for maintaining effective working relationships, addressing technical issues and concerns, evaluating program effectiveness, and coordinating with workgroup partners.
Analyze complex federal and state laws, legislation, rules, regulations, and guidance to determine impacts on the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and Access and Eligibility Services (AES) programs.
Maintains knowledge of federal and state legislation, issues, developments, program requirements, policy decisions, and state processes.
Prepares high-quality documents to support program planning, policy development, implementation, and decision-making.
Ensures all products and documents are accurate and compliant with federal and state requirements.
Provides recommendations for program improvement initiatives and participates in planning and implementation of area activities.
Identifies process gaps, resource needs, risks, and develop strategies to address them.
Assigns and aligns staff resources based on project scope and priorities.
Fosters a culture of learning, innovation, and problem-solving within the team.
Completes additional tasks as required with limited supervision.