Policy Advisor

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 Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks highly qualified candidates to fill the Policy Advisor position within the Office of the Deputy Executive Commissioner (ODEC) for Access and Eligibility Services (AES).

The ODEC manages the day-to-day operations of AES. Major responsibilities include oversight of over 9,000 employees who connect more than six million Texans to services, such as SNAP, TANF, Medicaid and CHIP, developing and implementing eligibility policy directed by the Legislature, state leadership and the federal government, and identifying and implementing business process changes to increase operational efficiencies.

Under the supervision of the ODEC Senior Policy Advisor (SPA), the Policy Advisor performs advanced policy analysis and senior-level planning, oversight, and coordination of agency activities supporting AES client services programs and operations, which include Community Access, Disability Determination Services, Operations, Office of Administration, Strategic Engagement and Employee Support, and the Strategic Innovation and System Support.

The ODEC  Policy Advisor assists the ODEC SPA with planning and implementing program activities in accordance with program objective and goals; including researching, analyzing, and evaluating complex program and policy issues and initiatives; coordinating the collection, organization, analysis and preparation of materials in response to requests for program information and reports. The Policy Advisor provides advice on legislative and policy matters, and on operational issues, and may lead the implementation and ongoing management of complex program initiatives for AES client services programs. Works closely with AES staff and external partners to evaluate program effectiveness, resolve problems and provide recommendations for executive leadership consideration. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. May also plan, prioritize, and direct the work of others within ODEC program areas.

Ideal candidate has a thorough understanding of AES and HHSC programs, experience analyzing policy and advising senior leadership on policy matters, and the ability to thrive in a high-pressure environment to advance the agency and AES’s mission to improve the lives of the people we serve.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Plans, prioritizes, and performs complex policy research, analysis, and evaluation of AES programs, policy, and operations. (20%)

Assists AES and ODEC SPA with planning program activities in accordance with program objectives and goals. (20%)

Prepares high-quality briefing documents, issue papers, correspondence, bill analyses, and memorandum for senior and executive management review and decision-making. (20%)

Develops project planning and coordination activities for complex program initiatives, to include creating work plans, timelines, and overseeing workgroups and meetings. May lead implementation and providing ongoing management for initiatives at the direction of the ODEC SPA. (15%)

Coordinates, compiles, and reconciles work to respond to requests from legislative staff and external stakeholders, and prepares high-quality briefing documents, issue papers and memorandum for senior and executive management review and decision-making. (15%)

Provides guidance, direction, and technical assistance to agency staff on policy, legislative, stakeholder, and communications issues. (5%)

Works with stakeholders to provide information and request input. May represent the division as a subject matter expert at business meetings, council and committee meetings, conferences and seminars. (5%) 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

State HHSC programs.

State and federal statute, rules, regulations, and guidance relevant to program areas.

State and federal legislative processes.

Program management processes and techniques.

Skill in:

Synthesizing complicated and technical information and into concise materials appropriate for an external audience.

Developing and evaluating policies and procedures; and making recommendations and decisions.

Problem solving and independent decision-making.

Communicating effectively orally and in writing and at presenting information publicly.

Ability to:

Develop work plans and assign and supervise the work of others.

Independently prioritize time and manage multiple project deadlines.

Work with people under pressure, negotiate among multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and to establish and maintain effective working relationships to develop solutions. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Experience researching, interpreting, and analyzing complex federal and state policies and legislation.

Experience synthesizing complex and technical information into concise materials appropriate for an external audience.

Experience working collaboratively to resolve problems.

Experience reviewing the work of others and providing constructive feedback.

Experience with legislative processes, preferred.

Experience working with Health and Human Services programs, preferred.

Additional Information:

Applicants may not have a history of substantiated fraudulent activity against HHSC or any program it administers. Applicants who have a non-fraud overpayment with an outstanding balance must agree to repay the overpayment balance as a condition of employment.

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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.