MCS Program Policy Manager V (2 positions)

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Brief Job Description:

The Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) Manager V, under the direction of the Director of Program Policy in the MCS Office of Policy, performs advanced (senior level) managerial work overseeing the daily operations and activities of Medicaid and CHIP program policy work.

This posting will be used to fill two positions: MCS Texas Health Steps Program Policy Manager V and STAR Kids and Generalist Program Policy Manager V

The MCS Texas Health Steps Program Policy Manager V position leads a team of approximately eight program specialists responsible for highly-complex program policy related to topics such as the Texas Health Steps (Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment/EPSDT) program, Medicaid and CHIP dental services, Community First Choice, and Personal Care Services. The manager and team liaises and works closely with staff at the Texas Department of State Health Services.

The STAR Kids and Generalist Program Policy Manager V position leads a team of approximately six program specialists responsible for highly-complex program policy related to topics such as the Medicaid STAR Kids managed care program, CHIC Kids Pilot, Indian Health Services, Durable Medical Equipment, Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers, Value Added Services, Medicaid Buy-In for Children, and Medicaid Buy-In. The manager and team also lead program policy work related to the State Medicaid Managed Care Advisory Committee.

For both positions, the manager:

• Recruits, hires, and trains staff;
• Establishes goals and standards for the team;
• Evaluates staff progress toward meeting goals;
• Identifies problems and develops effective solutions; and
• Regularly interacts and works with internal and external stakeholders.

These positions must be able to work under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Eech manager interacts routinely with executive staff, other HHSC staff, other state agencies, federal partners, managed care organization staff, external stakeholders, and the public. The positions may perform additional duties legislative sessions.

The ideal candidates have excellent writing and interpersonal skills and thrive in a fast-paced 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.

These positions will allow for constant learning opportunities and a chance to impact the healthcare provided to individuals receiving Medicaid or CHIP services. The Policy and Program Development unit offers a collaborative and supportive working environment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy. Works collaboratively across MCS to identify innovative and effective solutions for individuals receiving services and staff.
• (40%) - Plans, assigns, and provides direction to the staff in the unit. Provides guidance and oversight for staff activities such as development of complex healthcare policy, implementation of federal and state laws and rules, decision documents for executive leadership, stakeholder presentations, Texas Administrative Code rule amendments, state plan amendments, contract amendments, reports, requests for proposals, and responses to legislative, provider, and stakeholder requests for information. Assists staff with negotiations and problem-solving. Reviews and approves staff work products in accordance with MCS policies and procedures.
• (25%) - Establishes goals and standards for the team and monitors progress for meeting goals and standards. Ensures development and timely submission of program policy deliverables. Oversees the allocation of staff resources to achieve timely program policy outcomes and meet measurable goals; monitors and evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of staffing levels.
• (20%) Manages and hires staff for the unit in accordance with HR policy and MCS policies and procedures.  Motivates staff through positive and constructive feedback and identifies and helps plan opportunities for staff professional development. Tracks, monitors, and keeps Director informed of team activities, staff workload, and emerging issues requiring escalation. Identifies areas of needed change and makes recommendations to the Director to improve operations.
• (10%) Represents the agency and Medicaid and CHIP Services department at meetings, conferences, committee meetings, workgroups, panels, stakeholder meetings, legislative hearings, and other forums. Presents complex materials in understandable formats. Works with and speaks to community, advocacy, and professional groups to coordinate initiatives, improve programs, provide technical assistance, identify needs, and resolve issues.
• (5%) Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• State and federal Medicaid and CHIP or health care-related laws and regulations
• Project and program management principles and practices
• Principles and practices of public administration and management

Skilled in:

• Analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting complex written material
• Managing multiple, sometimes conflicting, priorities without jeopardizing deadlines or system milestones
• Effective verbal and written communication, including adjusting communications to fit the intended audience
• Establishing and maintaining productive and credible working relationships both internally and externally
• Using Microsoft Office Suite

Ability to:

• Lead development of Medicaid and CHIP Services program policy, contractual requirements, and rules in the Texas Administrative Code
• Plan, assign, prioritize, supervise, and evaluate the work of others
• Hire and train staff
• Identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and devise and implement sound solutions related to complex policy issues
• Take initiative and be resourceful
• Think creatively and support creative thinking in others
• Perform well in a team environment, including working collaboratively to accomplish objectives
• Provide leadership that promotes teamwork and motivates staff
• Produce accurate, high-quality results
• Negotiate with individuals and groups, develop professional networks, and identify the internal and external dynamics that impact the work of the organization
• Work independently with minimal supervision

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Meet one of the three criteria below:
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
  • Five years’ full-time work experience in the health and human services field. A master’s degree may substitute for up to two years of the work experience.
  • Supervisory experience, team lead experience, or experience in a role such as a senior advisor.

Preferred criteria:

• Master’s degree in public health, social work, public affairs, or public administration.
• Experience in Medicaid and CHIP Services, including experience working in the Texas Health Steps program.
• Five years' full-time experience performing consultative, supervisory, managerial, professional, or technical work during which the applicant regularly analyzed work problems from an administrative aspect and interpreted complex written material.

Additional Information:

Additional information about the programs this position supports can be found in 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.