Director of MEPD Program Policy

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Brief Job Description:

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the Director II position within the Access and Eligibility Services (AES) – Program Policy Division. AES helps Texans access essential services such as food, medical care, and financial assistance.

This Director II position is selected by and reports to the Director of Policy and Strategy under the Deputy Associate Commissioner (DAC) of Policy Quality. The position leads the Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities (MEPD) Policy Team. The team is responsible for eligibility policy development and analysis for programs that serve individuals who are age 65 and older or have disabilities, including programs that support long-term services and supports (LTSS).

The MEPD Director oversees policy research, development, implementation, and evaluation for Medicaid programs affecting these populations. The Director also collaborates extensively with HHSC program areas, Legal Services, Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS), state and federal partners, stakeholders, and agency leadership to ensure alignment, compliance, and clarity across all policy deliverables.

The position is located in Central Texas, and must be able to be travel as needed, same day, to Austin. The travel will center around legislative and key workgroup activities.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• Lead and Manage the MEPD Policy Team: Directs a team of policy specialists responsible for developing and maintaining eligibility policy for MEPD programs. Provides supervision, coaching, performance feedback, and professional development to support a high-performing team culture. (20%)
• Oversee Policy Development and Compliance: Manages the creation and revision of eligibility policy, including handbook updates, guidance documents, and responses to state and federal requirements. Ensures compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and agency policy. (15%)
• Conduct Research and Legislative Analysis: Oversees research and analysis of federal regulations, CMS and SSA guidance, and state legislation. Leads the review of legislative proposals, bill analyses, and fiscal notes to assess the impact on MEPD programs. (15%)
• Develop and Approve Communications and Deliverables: Reviews and approves a wide range of written materials, including executive summaries, training materials, guidance documents, notices, and stakeholder communications, to ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency. (10%)
• Serve as Subject Matter Expert and Liaison: Acts as a subject matter expert on eligibility policy for elderly and disabled populations. Represents the agency in legislative briefings, stakeholder meetings, conferences, and internal/external workgroups. (10%)
• Foster Innovation and Strategic Collaboration: Leads or supports special projects (e.g., asset verification, SSI alignment). Collaborates with agency leadership, cross-functional teams, and external partners. Promotes openness to innovation and use of modern technology to improve policy development and team operations (10%)
• Support State Plan and Rulemaking Activities: Coordinates development and review of State Plan amendments, waiver applications, and Texas Administrative Code (TAC) revisions. Ensures alignment of MEPD policy with operational practices and legal requirements. (5%)
• Other duties as assigned (5%)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of MEPD programs, long-term services and supports, Medicaid eligibility rules, and related federal guidance.
• Knowledge of the Social Security Act, Code of Federal Regulations, and HHSC policies governing eligibility for aged and disabled populations.
• Skill in interpreting federal and state policy, identifying operational impacts, and drafting clear policy guidance.
• Skill in legislative analysis, including bill tracking, impact analysis, and coordination of responses and presentations.
• Skill in supervising and coaching a professional policy team and managing competing priorities.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into accessible formats for multiple audiences, including decision-makers and stakeholders.
• Ability to lead collaborative projects with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Ability to identify risks, evaluate alternatives, and develop strategic solutions.
• Openness to innovation and a willingness to explore or adopt modern technology, automation tools, or digital solutions to improve team performance and policy operations.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements, or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in public policy, public administration, social work, law, or a related field. Experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
• At least five years of experience in eligibility policy, Medicaid, or human services programs.
• At least three years of experience in supervision, team leadership, or project management preferred.
• Experience developing or implementing policy for aged or disabled populations preferred.
• Experience with state and federal policy development processes.
• Experience analyzing legislation, interpreting federal guidance, and drafting technical documents.
• Application must demonstrate how the candidate meets the initial selection criteria and knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Additional Information:

N/A

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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

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.