Policy Advisor (PSVI)

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.

Functional Title: Policy Advisor (PSVI) 
Job Title: Program Specialist VI 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Program Policy Spec B 
Posting Number: 9705 
Closing Date: 10/23/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $6,701.75 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 5% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST 
Other Locations: Austin 
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Job Description

The Program Policy team within the Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) Office of Policy is seeking two team members who are passionate about improving service delivery and independence for fellow Texans with disabilities. We are looking for highly motivated individuals who will work as part of the Long-term Services and Supports (LTSS) Special Projects Team. The LTSS Special Projects work aligns with state and federal policy initiatives, including but not limited to the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Settings Rule, person-centered practices and planning, the CMS Access Rule, and LTSS quality measures.

Applicants will be considered for one of two Policy Advisor positions (Program Specialist VI) to work on fee-for-service and managed care initiatives, programs, and topical areas including Medicaid LTSS. In addition to other job functions outlined in this job description, key areas of focus may include:

• Data analysis and monitoring to track quality and provide technical assistance;
• Interpreting state and federal policies, developing policies, and developing and delivering trainings and technical assistance to providers;
• Developing project plans and timelines, tracking milestones, and reporting on multi-year projects; and
• Developing training content and external communications to support the implementation of LTSS projects.

The selected applicants will have an instrumental role in developing and implementing policy to improve LTSS across the state and will work closely with project stakeholders and other agency partners in that process. T These positions will work collaboratively as part of a team and be a lead subject matter expert.

Essential Job Functions

• (20%) Leads others and conducts advanced research, analysis, and evaluation of complex program and policy issues and initiatives.
• (20%) Oversees the development of and revises Medicaid LTSS governing documents, including waivers, state rules, policies, and contract amendments.
• (15%) Develops, implements, and manages projects or special initiatives related to Texas Medicaid LTSS.
• (15%) Manages, participates, or leads workgroups and meetings in assigned Medicaid LTSS programs or topical areas.
• (15%) Leads and coordinates with internal and external stakeholders as a subject matter expert or team lead on assigned Medicaid LTSS.
• (15%) Oversees and develops high quality written project updates, data reports, summaries, reports, executive presentations, bill analyses, and other documents.

Knowledge Skills Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge of:

• How to synthesize complicated and technical information and translate it into easily understandable and concise documents and presentations aimed at a leadership audience.
• How to create data reports and conduct data analysis to inform improvements in Medicaid LTSS and coordination of LTSS, or
• How to interpret state and federal policies, develop policies, and develop and deliver trainings and technical assistance to providers.
• National LTSS quality measures such as the National Core Indicators

Skill in:

• Negotiating competing interests of multiple parties, resolving conflicts, and establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Adapting and implementing creative and workable solutions to complex problems.
• Working cooperatively and effectively in a team environment.
• Developing a project plan, tracking and managing project milestones, and reporting and mitigating project risks.
• Developing communication plans, training, and other materials to inform and educate external stakeholders.

Ability to:

• Exercise sound judgment with limited data and work independently with limited direction in a leadership role.
• Exercise strong written and verbal communication skills.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university (each year of related work experience may count toward the education requirement); Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience in a field focusing on the delivery of healthcare, public health, state government, social work or other related field.
• Experience in working on policy, program, or quality initiatives in Medicaid LTSS programs and services, such as 1915(c) Medicaid waiver programs and community first choice services.
• Experience with developing or overseeing advanced (senior-level) deliverables, reports, or other technical writing or analysis work products.

 Additional Information

State of Texas employees participate in outstanding benefits:

• Excellent health benefits,
• Lifetime monthly retirement annuity,
• 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 Medicaid services throughout Texas.
• Being on the ground level of healthcare policy 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.
• Being part of a team at the forefront of interpreting, implementing, and developing policy that has statewide impact.
• 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;

Note: The salary range posted for this position is the State Auditor’s Office minimum to maximum for salary group B23.  Factors including but not limited to Human Resources policies, budgetary limitations, qualifications, and experience will inform 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

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.