Lead-Community Living Assistance & Support SVCs (CLASS) & Deaf Blind w/ Multiple Disabilities (DBMD)

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.

Brief Job Description:   
 
The Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) 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. The position is responsible for developing programmatic policy requirements and ensuring the proper functioning of long-term care programs critical to the safety and independence of thousands of children and adults in Texas with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and related conditions.  

Under the direction of the Manager of Long-Term Services and Supports in MCS Office of Policy, the Program Policy Specialist Team Lead position that will oversee the following programs: Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) 1915(c) Medicaid Waiver and Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DBMD) 1915(c) Medicaid Waiver programs. These programs provide long-term care services to adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  

Work Includes:  

This position performs highly advanced (senior level) consultative services and technical assistance work, including planning, developing, and implementing elements of CLASS & DBMD Texas’ 1915(c) programs noted above. Positions may provide consultative services and technical assistance to program staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, or the general public. May serve as a lead worker providing direction to others. Selected applicant will be expected to work under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 
 
 
Essential Job Functions: 
 
(25%) Develops and revises Medicaid waivers, state rules, policies, amendments, and plans for CLASS & DBMD programs and assumes primary responsibility for coordinating the associated collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of materials in response to requests for program information.  
 
(20%) Conducts research, analysis, and evaluation of complex program and policy issues and initiatives related to Medicaid CLASS & DBMD programs. May be involved with planning program activities in accordance with assigned program objectives and goals.  
 
(15%) Develops or implements projects or special initiatives related to the Medicaid CLASS & DBMD programs. 
 
(15%) Participates as a subject matter expert in assigned Medicaid CLASS & DBMD programs and may provide high-level advice and counsel by interpreting policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and standards related to assigned programs.  
 
(15%) Coordinates with and speaks to internal and external stakeholders as a subject matter expert on assigned Medicaid CLASS & DBMD programs.  
 
(10%) Develops high quality written project updates, summaries, reports, executive presentations, bill analyses, and other documents. May assist management with developing program policies, procedures, standards, and manuals.   
 
 
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:   
 
N/A    
 
 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  
 

Knowledge of: 
 

Medicaid CLASS & DBMD waiver programs or long-term care programs and policies, and state and federal legislative process.  

Policies affecting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

State and federal Medicaid policy development and analysis.  
 
Experience with project management best practices and process, in a lead or similar role. 

Skill in: 
 

Leadership experience with adapting to and implementing creative and workable solutions to complex problems. 
 
Synthesize complicated and technical information and translate it into easily understandable and concise documents and/or presentations in a leadership role. 
 
Managing, delegating, or participating in complex projects. 
 

Developing creative and workable solutions to complex problems and policy issues. 
 
Communicating effectively – orally and in writing. 
 

Working with diverse groups and interests. 
 

Ability to: 
 

Exercise sound judgment with limited data and work independently with limited direction in a leadership role. 
 
Negotiate competing interests of multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships. 
 
Work cooperatively and effectively in a team environment. 
 

 
Initial Screening Criteria:  
 
1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university; Master’s degree preferred (experience and education may be substituted for one another).

2. Experience with training, leading, assigning and/or prioritizing the work of others within a managerial or team lead role responsibilities.  

3. Experience or education in a field focusing on the delivery of healthcare, public health, state government, social work, or another related field. Experience in a field related to LTSS or Medicaid waivers highly preferred.  

4. 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 in the 2025 edition of the Texas Medicaid Pink Book.  
 
• These positions are based in Austin, TX. While teleworking opportunities are available, contingent on performance, these positions will not be 100% telework.  
 
• State of Texas employees participate in outstanding benefits:  

o Excellent health benefits,  

o Lifetime monthly retirement annuity,  

o 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 LTSS throughout Texas.  
 
• Being on the ground level of healthcare policy implementation, including the opportunity to collaborate closely with stakeholders such as federal partners, providers, advocates, managed care organizations, and other healthcare contractors.  
 
• Engagement with the Texas legislative process 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 gain experience 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.  

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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