Program Advisor for the Deputy Executive Commissioner of Policy and Quality (PSVII)

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

24d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) Division seeks a highly qualified senior-level candidate to fill the position of Program Advisor (Program Specialist VII) for the Deputy Executive Commissioner (DEC) of Policy and Quality. The Program Advisor performs highly advanced (senior-level) research, analysis, consultative services, and editing deliverables for executives. This position will serve as the key coordination point for the DEC with the Deputy State Medicaid Director and State Medicaid Director’s offices by managing internal reviews of memorandum, legislative reports, and other critical deliverables. The Program Advisor reports directly to the DEC and works closely with the Senior Policy Advisor for the DEC. The ideal candidate is detailed-oriented, thrives in a stimulating, fast-paced environment, manages conflicting priorities, has a proven track record of working in partnership with other team members to drive strategy and results and applies a system-level perspective to the production of excellent work. This position works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. As the Program Advisor, this position primarily spans the Office of Policy and the Office of Quality and Program Improvement in MCS. The position plans, oversees, and manages the development and ongoing operation of highly complex, highly visible federal and state directed initiatives, and assists the DEC with overseeing the daily operations of the unit. The individual will develop work plans, manage schedules, monitor and report on progress, and communicate with unit staff stakeholders, agency leadership, and others. The position also oversees, and may directly supervise, the work of other staff. This position will foster coordination within MCS and across other divisions in HHSC to produce high quality work.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university (six years of relevant work experience in the health and human services field may be substituted for this four-year educational requirement).
• Four years of full-time work experience in the health and human services field (a master’s degree may substitute for one year of work experience).
• Experience preparing project or decision materials for leadership level consideration.
• Experience developing formal correspondence, reports, or other documents on behalf of HHSC, or similar, leadership.
• Knowledge of: Medicaid and CHIP, including managed care programs.
• Knowledge of: Project management processes and tools.
• Knowledge of: Federal laws, regulations, and processes regarding Medicaid and CHIP.
• Knowledge of: The legislative process and legislation analysis.
• Skill in: Program and project management.
• Skill in: Research, policy analysis, and policy development.
• Skill in: Leading teams and working with multiple stakeholders.
• Skill in: Synthesizing complex concepts into clear, concise deliverables or talking points.
• Skill in: Written and oral communication, including public presentations, and producing sophisticated reports.
• Skill in: Communicating with executives both orally and in writing.
• Skill in: Meeting facilitation.
• Skill in: Using personal computer application software such as MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint, Teams, or similar programs.
• Ability to: Work cooperatively as a team member in a fast-paced, deadline orientated environment.
• Ability to: Plan and organize work.
• Ability to: Perform work with a high degree of attention to detail.
• Ability to: Lead others.
• Ability to: Build consensus.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree.
• Experience preparing project or decision materials for executive level consideration.

Responsibilities

• Manages and prioritizes correspondence to the DEC for reviews, approvals, and routing to division and/or agency leadership. Assists in the assignment of work to DEC program areas. Provides support to the DEC leadership team related to correspondence. Develops external communication materials and ensures communication to MCS and HHS Executive Leadership, internal, and external stakeholders is consistent with agency standards. Exercises discretion and sound judgement in the management of correspondence and special projects. Coordinates with MCS team members and other HHS divisions. (30%)
• Assists the DEC with daily operations and with overseeing a variety of operational functions and initiatives. Prioritizes, assigns, tracks, monitors, and reports on program initiatives lead by peers throughout the various stages of planning and implementation. Prepares and approves high-quality letters, memoranda, analyses, reports, job descriptions, presentations, agendas, bill analysis and other assigned writing tasks. Prepares responses to public, stakeholder, and legislative inquiries. Identifies staff training needs and develops guidance to support staff development. (30%)
• Serves as lead on the development and implementation of complex program initiatives. Plans, oversees, and manages the development and ongoing operation of assigned special projects including those related to federal and state directed initiatives. Develops work plans, monitors and reports on progress, and communicates with unit staff, stakeholders, agency leadership, and others. Prepares quality research, analysis, and written updates, summaries, and other documents as assigned. Develops materials for the preparation or in follow up to workgroups and meetings conducted with internal and external stakeholders. Interprets agency rules and federal and state laws, and oversees compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules. Oversees and assists staff with the development and implementation of program options impacting HHSC agencies, including program analysis, option development, timelines, and fiscal impact analyses. Sets goals and objectives, makes assignments, provides direction, reviews and approves work products. (15%)
• Collaborates with other organizational areas within MCS and with other health and human services divisions. Acts as liaison to other program staff and other agencies concerning programs and initiatives being managed by MCS. Provides input and technical assistance and guidance to staff (internal and other HHS agencies) in the development and implementation of program changes and new initiatives. (15%)
• Works with and speaks to community and professional groups, other HHSC programs, other state agencies, legislative staff, the Medicaid managed care organizations, and public stakeholders, to provide information, technical assistance, identify needs and resolve issues. Provides oral presentations and written materials, as appropriate. (5%)
• Performs other duties, as assigned. (5%)

Benefits

• comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
• defined benefit pension plan
• generous time off benefits
• numerous opportunities for career advancement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees