Senior Policy Analyst

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Harlingen, 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) seeks highly qualified and motivated candidates to fill a Program Specialist VI 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 Program Specialist VI performs highly advanced consultative work involving complex research, analysis, and policy development related to eligibility for programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, CHIP, and other state and federal programs administered by HHSC and AES.
The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative environment, demonstrates strong analytical and communication skills, and excels in coordinating policy development efforts across diverse stakeholders.
Applicants selected for hire will be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, TANF, and other programs administered by HHSC.
• Knowledge of federal and state legislative and policy development processes.
• Skill in researching, interpreting, and analyzing complex policy data.
• Skill in preparing clear and concise policy documents.
• Skill in communication, problem-solving, and independent decision-making.
• Ability to organize work, manage multiple projects, and collaborate effectively.
• Ability to represent the department as a subject matter expert.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public policy, social work, public health, or a related field preferred; relevant work experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience conducting policy analysis.
• Experience working with SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, CHIP, or other AES/HHS programs.
• Experience synthesizing complex information and preparing clear policy documents.

Responsibilities

• Policy Research & Analysis
• Completes complex research assignments and interprets federal and state guidance using advanced analytical skills.
• Delivers accurate analysis within established timelines and presents findings clearly.
• Reviews and synthesizes data to support policy decision-making.
• Policy Development & Implementation
• Drafts, reviews, and edits policy documents including bulletins, memos, and handbook updates.
• Prepares briefings, memos, and materials that support leadership decisions.
• Supports policy implementation tasks to ensure successful rollout, accuracy, and consistency.
• Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication
• Serves as a subject matter expert in meetings and workgroups.
• Provides timely and accurate clarification on escalated policy issues.
• Builds productive working relationships with internal and external partners.
• Project Management & Leadership
• Coordinates project development and management activities, operationalizing project goals.
• Tracks policy issues, identifies challenges, and offers solutions.
• Manages multiple assignments simultaneously and reviews TAC rules, amendments, waivers, and IT updates.
• Staff Support & Mentorship
• Provides guidance and mentorship to team members.
• Supports staff development by offering clear and patient technical assistance.
• Other duties as assigned

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