Program Policy Director

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

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) Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) department seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Director of Program Policy (Director II). MCS is driven by its mission to deliver quality, cost-effective services to Texans. This position makes a significant contribution to MCS’s mission by leading program policy and program development initiatives across delivery models, across all populations served by Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and across all services available to individuals served by our programs.The position will report to the Deputy Director of Program Policy and oversee one of three program policy units. As a director and member of the leadership team, tasks will include advanced (senior-level) managerial work providing direction and guidance in strategic operations and planning of the office. The director will establish the strategic plan, goals and objectives for the program policy unit. The director will have oversight of a team of approximately 15 full-time equivalents (FTEs), including two managers. The position will work under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.The director will oversee program policy development, program management, stakeholder relations, training activities, legislative session bill analysis processes and implementation, project implementation, and management of staffing and program budgets. Primary areas of oversight include program policy related to Medicaid and CHIP, fee-for-service and managed care delivery models, behavioral health services, Medicaid services for children including children in conservatorship, nonemergency medical transportation, and more.The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment that emphasizes the following: flexibility, teamwork to achieve goals, excellence through high professional standards and personal accountability, curiosity to continuously grow and learn, critical thinking for effective execution, and integrity to do things right even when what is right is not easy.This position will allow for constant learning opportunities and a chance to impact the healthcare and supports provided to individuals enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP. The program policy unit offers a collaborative and supportive working environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university or ten years experience in a leadership position in a health and human services organization.
Five years’ full-time work experience in the health and human services field.
At least two years experience supervising staff or leading a team.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to Medicaid, CHIP, and health and human services
Knowledge and experience with the Texas legislative process
Business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, and leadership techniques
State and federal Medicaid and CHIP, or health care-related, laws and regulations
Project and program management principles and practices
Policy development tools, resources, methods, and practices
Principles and practices of public administration and management
Leadership and staff development principles and practices
Critical thinking and problem solving
Analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting complex written material
Managing multiple, sometimes conflicting, priorities without jeopardizing deadlines or system milestones
Effective verbal and written communication, including adjusting communications to fit the intended audience
Establishing and maintaining productive and credible working relationships both internally and externally
Developing long-range and short-term plans
Using Microsoft Office Suite
Plan, assign, prioritize, supervise, and evaluate the work of others
Hire, train, and develop staff
Lead development of Medicaid and CHIP Services program policy, contractual requirements, and rules in the Texas Administrative Code
Direct the implementation of multiple programs, projects, and processes across a large diverse team
Coordinate and lead the team to meet multiple varying deadlines with high-profile complex work and competing priorities
Provide leadership that promotes teamwork and motivates staff
Identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and devise and implement sound solutions related to complex policy issues
Take initiative and be resourceful
Think creatively and support creative thinking in others
Perform well in a team environment, including working collaboratively to accomplish objectives
Produce accurate, high-quality results
Negotiate with individuals and groups, develop professional networks, and identify the internal and external dynamics that impact the work of the organization
Work independently with extensive latitude for independent judgment

Nice To Haves

Experience in health policy development.
Experience working in Medicaid or CHIP programs.
Experience working with managed care organizations.
Five years' full-time experience performing consultative, supervisory, managerial, professional, or technical work during which the applicant regularly analyzed work problems from an administrative aspect and interpreted complex written material.

Responsibilities

Develops program goals, strategies and initiatives to align with MCS priorities and the HHSC strategic plan.
Directs, hires, trains, and develops professional and technical staff for the unit.
Ensures development and timely submission of program policy deliverables and implementation of state and federal directives, responses to state and federal audits within established timeframes, and compliance with consent decrees and court orders.
Collaborates with policy leadership to direct the implementation of the MCS program policy state and federal bill analyses, exceptional item requests, and oversees staff responsible for tracking and analyzing legislation impacting Medicaid and CHIP programs.
Directs and provides effective written and oral communication.
Works collaboratively across MCS to identify innovative and effective solutions for individuals receiving services and staff, including fostering relationships and building rapport across teams.
Performs other duties as assigned.