MCS Prog Spec VII - Children and Women's Health Team Lead

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The Children and Women's Health Program Policy team within the Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) Office of Policy is seeking a Program Specialist VII (team lead) who is responsible for developing programmatic policy requirements for children and women's health related services and programs.

This position performs complex (senior level), highly advanced, program and operational policy work, as well as project management activities. The Program Specialist VII will also manage the development and implementation of highly complex, highly visible federally and state directed initiatives.

Duties involve performing senior-level consultative and technical work related to the analysis, planning, development, implementation, and maintenance of managed care policy. The position coordinates with the HHSC Access and Eligibility Services division and serves as the lead policy analyst for the STAR program. The position also serves as a subject matter expert on other Medicaid policy topics and is the back-up policy analyst for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) program.

This position will be directly involved in:

• Planning for and overseeing the development and ongoing operation of Medicaid programs and services;
• Leading, overseeing and coordinating the planning and initiation of projects at various stages of completion;
• Leading and overseeing the development of program and operational managed care policy (including contract, administrative rule, manual, and handbook requirements);
• Developing project timelines; monitoring the progress and schedule of projects; coordinating and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders;
• Providing subject matter expertise to agency staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, provider organizations, and the general public;
• Ensuring compliance and resolution of program issues;
• Developing and providing training;
• Analyzing legislation;
• Implementing legislative directives;
• Participating in and facilitating meetings with internal and external stakeholders;
• Preparing high quality written reports, correspondence, and other documents; and
• Drafting and completing legislative reports.

The position is not supervisory but may assign, oversee, and prioritize work of others. The position will work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions

Works collaboratively within Policy and Program and across MCS to identify innovative and effective solutions for clients, stakeholders, and staff. Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

(40%) Collaborates with other areas of the MCS Division and other HHS divisions to oversee the analysis, development, documentation, and implementation of program policies for Medicaid managed care programs. Program policies include work such as policies, procedures, contract requirements, state plan and waiver amendments, and rules in the Texas Administrative Code. Oversees and assists staff with the development and implementation of program options for Medicaid managed care initiatives impacting HHS, including program analysis, option development, timelines, and fiscal impact analyses. Oversees compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules. Plans, monitors, and evaluates program policy and legislative implementation, including operational policy such as, contract, administrate rule, manual and procedural requirements. Prepares high quality research, analysis, and written updates, summaries, and other documents as assigned. Provides subject matter expertise and technical assistance related to Texas Medicaid and CHIP; provider-specific managed care policy to MCS and other agency staff, state and federal government agencies, community organizations, provider associations, and the general public. Participates in and facilitates meetings with internal and external stakeholders.

(15%) Development and implementation of complex program initiatives. Develops and administers project management tools to facilitate this process (work plans, timelines, option development, memoranda, analyses, issue papers, status updates, presentations, agendas, risk mitigation strategies, fiscal impact analyses, reports). Sets goals and objectives, makes assignments, provides direction, and reviews work products.

(15%) Acts as liaison to other program staff and other agencies concerning programs and initiatives being managed by the unit. Provides input and technical assistance and guidance to HHS staff in the development and implementation of program changes and new initiatives. Coordinates resolution of and response to inquiries and complaints, identifies trends and emerging issues, and recommends policy changes.

(15%) Works with and speaks to community and professional groups, other HHSC programs, other state and federal agencies, legislative staff, the Medicaid managed care plans, and public stakeholders, to provide information, technical assistance, identify needs and resolve issues. Provides oral presentations and written materials, as appropriate. Supports in the establishment and facilitating of multiple inter-agency workgroups and committees.

(10%) Prepares and approves high quality written legislative reports and other documents.

(5%) Performs other duties, as assigned.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements, or Certifications

N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Legislative process and experience analyzing legislation;
• Government organization and administration;
• State and federal laws, regulations, and processes governing Medicaid, CHIP, managed care, or health and human services; and
• MCS and HHSC processes related to the administration or provision of Medicaid and CHIP benefits.

Skill in:

• Using personal computer application software such as MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, MS Project, or similar programs;
• Program and project management and the ability to lead project teams and work with multiple stakeholders;
• Planning and organization;
• Researching and analyzing complex policy issues, state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and sub-regulatory guidance; and
• Writing and oral communication, including the ability to make public presentations, synthesize and write technical information in an understandable format, and produce high-quality, sophisticated reports.

Ability to:

• Thrive in an environment that emphasizes teamwork to achieve goals, excellence through high professional standards and personal accountability, curiosity to continuously grow and learn, critical thinking for effective execution, and integrity to do things right even when what is right is not easy;
• Interpret legal documents such as contracts;
• Develop and evaluate policies and procedures;
• Perform work with a high degree of attention to detail and implement creative solutions to problems;
• Analyze state and federal legislation and regulation to determine program impact;
• Work independently and operate effectively within established guidelines and timeframes;
• Work cooperatively as a team member in a fast-paced, deadline-orientated environment;
• Work collaboratively across MCS and the agency to accomplish objectives; and
• Balance multiple assignments, projects, and responsibilities. 

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Meet one of the following education and experience requirements:

• A master's degree in public health, social work, public affairs, or public administration and at least two years' full-time work experience in ahealth and human services field;
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university and at least least three years' full-time work experience in a health and human services field; OR
• A high school diploma and at least six years' full-time work experience in a health and human services field. 

• Full-time work experience developing or overseeing advanced (senior-level) level deliverables, reports, or other technical writing work products during which the applicant regularly analyzed work problems from an administrative aspect and interpreted complex written material.

Preferred Criteria:

• A master’s degree in public health, social work, public affairs, or public administration;
• Experience in policy analysis and policy development; and
• Full-time work experience with Medicaid and CHIP Services. 

Additional Information:

Additional information about the programs this position supports can be found on the 2024 edition of the Texas Medicaid Pink Book https://www.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/texas-medicaid-chip-reference-guide-15th-edition.pdf.

HHSC is a qualifying organization for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments.

Additional benefits of joining the MCS Office of Policy include:

• Leadership commitment to invest in and foster your professional growth and career advancement.
• Being part of a team that impacts the lives of millions of Texans that depend on Texas Medicaid throughout Texas.
• Being on the ground level of healthcare policy development and 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.
• 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.

The final salary offer is dependent on factors such as Human Resources policies and available budget.

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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.