Behavioral Health Policy Advisor (PSVI)

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.

Job Description

The Program Policy team within the Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) Office of Policy is seeking a new team member who is passionate about improving critical services for fellow Texans. This team is focused on behavioral health issues and are responsible for developing programmatic policy requirements and ensuring the proper functioning of several managed care programs essential to the safety and independence of millions of children and adults in Texas that depend on these services.

Applicants will be considered for a Policy Advisor position (Program Specialist VI) to work on managed care initiatives, programs, and topical areas including Medicaid and CHIP managed care behavioral health services. The selected applicant will have an instrumental role in implementing policy to improve behavioral health managed care services across the state and will work closely with project stakeholders and other agency partners in that process. The Policy Advisor will serve as the lead on substance use disorder services policy in Medicaid and CHIP managed care. This position will work collaboratively as part of a team and also be a lead subject matter explorer on these critical services.

Essential Job Functions

(25%) Leads others and/or conducts advanced research, analysis, and evaluation of complex program and policy issues and initiatives.

(20%) Oversees the development of and revises Medicaid and CHIP governing documents, including waivers, state rules, policies, and contract amendments.

(15%) Develops, implements, and/or manages projects or special initiatives related to Texas Medicaid and CHIP.

(15%) Manages, participates, or leads workgroups and meetings in assigned Medicaid or CHIP programs or topical areas.

(15%) Leads and/or conducts coordination of and speaks with internal and external stakeholders as a subject matter expert or team lead on assigned Medicaid programs.

(10%) Oversees and/or develops high quality written project updates, summaries, reports, executive presentations, bill analyses, and other documents.

Knowledge Skills Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge of:

• How to synthesize complicated and technical information and translating it into easily understandable and concise documents and/or presentations in a leadership role.
• Negotiating competing interests of multiple parties, resolving conflicts, and establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

Skill in:

• Adapting to and implementing creative and workable solutions to complex problems.
• Working cooperatively and effectively in a team environment.

Ability to:

• Exercise sound judgment with limited data and working independently with limited direction in a leadership role.
• Exercise strong written and verbal communication skills.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria

1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university (each year of related experience may count toward the education requirement); Master’s degree preferred.
2. Experience in a field focusing on the delivery of healthcare, public health, state government, social work or other related field. Experience in a field related to Medicaid managed care or behavioral health preferred.
3. Experience with developing or overseeing advanced (senior-level) deliverables, reports, or other technical writing work products.

 Additional Information

• Additional information about the programs these positions support can be found on the 2024 edition of the Texas Medicaid Pink Book.
• Teleworking opportunities are available, contingent on performance.
• State of Texas employees participate in outstanding benefits:
  • Excellent health benefits,
  • Lifetime monthly retirement annuity,
  • Generous time off benefits. 
• Additional benefits of joining the MCS Office of Policy include:
  • Leadership commitment to invest in and foster your professional growth or knowledge of the Texas Medicaid program and your career advancement.
  • Having a profound impact to the lives of thousands of Medicaid clients that depend on Medicaid services throughout Texas.
  • Being on the ground level of healthcare policy implementation, including the opportunity to work closely with stakeholders such as federal partners, providers, advocates,  managed care organizations, and other healthcare contractors.
  • Engagement with the Texas legislative process, including the opportunity to analyze and inform legislators of potential impact of proposed bills.
  • Being part of a team at the forefront of interpreting, implementing, and developing policy that has statewide impact.
  • The opportunity to learn and engage with multiple domains of the healthcare delivery system, including managed care, fee-for-service, federal/state Medicaid partnerships and other activities related to the administration of the Medicaid program;

Note: Factors including but not limited to HR Policies, budgetary limitations, qualifications, experience and tenure will determine the final salary offer.

MOS Code: There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the responsibilities, and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if they meet qualifications for this position.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form