Senior Policy Analyst

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

2d•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) Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) division seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Senior Policy Analyst (Program Specialist V). This position is hired by and reports to the Director of Policy and Project Management in the Vendor Drug Program (VDP). VDP is driven by its mission to deliver quality, cost-effective outpatient drug benefits to Texans. This position makes a significant contribution to VDP’s mission by performing highly advanced, senior-level consultative and technical assistance work related to outpatient drug policies and projects for Medicaid and CHIP. Duties include development of VDP outpatient drug policies and procedures; planning, prioritizing, coordinating, and implementing policy analysis and program management activities with other MCS and agency staff; collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to develop outpatient drug policy; and leading and serving as VDP liaison to pertinent workgroups. This position participates in bill analysis during legislative session. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment that emphasizes: excellence through high professional standards and personal accountability, self-motivation and initiative, curiosity to continuously grow and learn, critical thinking for effective execution, teamwork to achieve goals, and personal and professional integrity. This position will allow for constant learning opportunities and a chance to impact the healthcare provided to individuals receiving Medicaid services. VDP offers a collaborative and supportive working environment. This position is located in the Austin area, and applicants must live in the Austin area. Telework is currently allowed for three days out of the week but is subject to change.

Requirements

Knowledge of Medicaid, CHIP, state and federal legislative process, health care programs and policies.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the Medicaid and CHIP programs.
Knowledge of government organization and administration.
Ability to perform work with a high degree of attention to detail.
Ability to problem-solve.
Skill in planning and organizing.
Ability to identify issues that present a potential risk to the Medicaid programs, MCS or agency, including identifying political impacts.
Ability to work independently and operate effectively within established guidelines and timeframes.
Ability to work collaboratively with multi-levels of staff persons, and both internal and external agencies.
Ability to work cooperatively as a team member in a fast-paced, deadline-orientated environment.
At least one year of experience researching and analyzing complex health policy issues and interacting with internal and external stakeholders is required.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a field relevant to the position is required.

Responsibilities

Policy analysis, development, and implementation. Provides advanced (senior-level) research, analysis, evaluation, and technical assistance policy work for VDP. Oversees the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of materials in response to requests for policy information and reports. This includes completing bill analysis during the Texas legislative session, which involves researching, analyzing, understanding, and communicating impacts of the bills on VDP. Develops, implements, and manages complex projects related to VDP policy.
Policy consultation and provider education. Provides technical assistance related to the outpatient drug benefit to MCS staff, HHSC Forecasting, HHSC Actuarial Analysis, other HHS agencies, and other state agencies. Provides subject matter expertise and technical consultation related to the development, evaluation, and implementation of VDP educational materials and initiatives for pharmacies, prescribers, or other internal and external stakeholders.
Collaboration and communication. Provides advanced-level coordination and collaboration with internal and external entities. Leads projects with limited notice and accelerated timelines to produce expert and diverse division results. Uses strong oral and written communication skills to work with varying departments, agencies, staff persons, clients and providers.
Escalates any issues that present a potential risk to the program.
Performs other duties as assigned and required to meet the mission and goals of MCS. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Attends works on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy.