Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) Fellow

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 Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) department within the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks highly-qualified candidates to fill multiple full-time positions for our Fall 2025 Fellowship Program. MCS provides health care, long-term services and support to low-income children and their families, pregnant women, former foster care youth, individuals with disabilities and people age 65 and older. The fellows will support our mission to deliver quality, cost-effective services to Texans.

The ideal fellows are motivated graduate students (or recent graduates of a master’s level program) who thrive developing innovative solutions to solve complex problems and who want to make a positive difference in people’s lives. With several areas within MCS seeking fellows, there is opportunity to tailor the fellowship to your passions and expertise while also getting a holistic understanding of the Medicaid program in Texas.

We strive to foster a culture that enhances employee engagement and performance. As a fellow, you will participate in a formal program with a cohort of other fellows. Our program begins with an orientation focused on the services we offer, how we deliver those services and how we operate as a division. In addition to having a supervisor, you will meet with MCS leadership staff, be appointed a mentor, learn about cross-divisional projects and work on substantive assignments.

There are several areas of MCS in which fellows may be placed, including:

• Quality: Manages quality assurance tools, quality monitoring programs, incentive payment programs and all other performance improvement initiatives.

• Policy: Provides policy-related guidance to MCS leadership, managed care organizations, stakeholders and other HHSC areas.

• Operations: Handles a wide range of responsibilities related to operations through five main areas—Operations Management, Contract Administration and Provider Monitoring, IDD Program Eligibility and Support, Medicaid Technology Modernization, and Vendor Drug Program.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

Essential job functions will vary by area but will generally include:

• Developing processes for implementing new initiatives.
• Organizing and tracking project timelines.
• Reviewing and interpreting technical documentation.
• Drafting, editing and proofreading memos, slide decks for presentations, talking points, correspondence and other materials using plain language.
• Attending meetings with stakeholders and other HHSC staff
• Developing process improvements to modernize systems and streamline existing processes.
• Supporting the development and monitoring of contracts.
• Researching state or federal legislation and Medicaid policies and summarizing technical language for a range of audiences.
• Analyzing and interpreting data to support decision-making.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge of:

• Or interest in business operations, project management, health and/or public policy.

Skill in:

• Research, including data analysis and interpretation.
• Communication, including excellent writing skills and experience writing in plain language.
• Computer use, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Excel), Microsoft Teams and SharePoint.
• Managing multiple and competing priorities.

Ability to:

• Interpret policies, procedures and regulations.
• Gather, assemble, correlate and analyze facts using critical thinking.
• Think creatively and support creative thinking in others.
• Work independently and proactively.
• Work in a team environment.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Must be a graduate student or a recent graduate (within last 12 months) of a master’s or doctoral program.
• Must be based in Austin, TX and/or available to work in person in Austin during fellowship.

Additional Information

• This fellowship is a temporary employment position with the Medicaid/CHIP Division of Texas HHSC.

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

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.