Policy Analyst

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 Delivery System Quality & Innovation (DSQI) team within the Medicaid & CHIP Services (MCS) Office of Quality and Program Improvement seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Policy Analyst (Program Specialist V). The mission of DSQI is to incentivize, innovate, and educate to improve health care quality. The DSQI team develops and implements innovative quality improvement programs and incentives, provides education and technical assistance to stakeholders to increase the adoption of best practices, and evaluates the effectiveness of quality programs and interventions.

The Policy Analyst is selected by and directly reports to a DSQI Manager. The Policy Analyst works under general direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Responsibilities include developing written communication and presentations for internal and external stakeholders; providing technical assistance to Medicaid providers, managed care organizations (MCOs), and other program participants; and completing research, analysis, policy development, and implementation activities concerning major programs impacting Medicaid and other HHSC programs.

The DSQI team currently leads multiple high profile quality initiatives that are critical to the Medicaid program in Texas, such as the non-medical needs screening for pregnant women reports, the Non-Medical Drivers of Health (NMDOH) Action Plan, the NMDOH workgroup, and quality aspects of the Medicaid directed payment programs. The Policy Analyst will work collaboratively as part of a team and will serve as a lead point of contact on DSQI quality initiatives.

The ideal candidate thrives 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.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Reviews and analyzes data submitted by Medicaid providers and managed care organizations (MCOs) participating in quality programs and works with them to submit accurate data per state and federal requirements. (30%)

Provides technical assistance and training to Medicaid providers, MCOs, and other stakeholders to share best practices and promote continuous quality improvement. (30%)

Conducts policy research, data analysis, and legislative bill analysis related to non-medical drivers of health, health care quality measures, and other Medicaid quality or delivery system reform planning and implementation activities. (15%)

Collaborates effectively with internal and external stakeholders and supports the facilitation of stakeholder workgroups and committees to drive quality improvement and delivery system innovation. (15%)

Prepares high quality written documents, including policy guidance, literature reviews, one-pagers, project updates, meeting agenda and notes, presentations, talking points, memos for executive leadership, legislative reports, and other documents relating to quality initiatives. (10%)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of key concepts of non-medical drivers of health, health care delivery system reform, alternative payments models, or population health.
• Knowledge of health care quality improvement, including health care quality metrics and common data sources used for health care quality performance monitoring and evaluation.
• Knowledge of federal and state Medicaid and CHIP programs, services, and requirements.
• Skill in conducting policy research and data analysis.
• Skill in developing creative and workable solutions to complex problems and policy issues.
• Skill in synthesizing complex and technical information and translating it into easily understandable and concise documents and oral presentations.
• Skill in keen attention to detail.
• Skill in communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
• Skill in project management.
• Ability to negotiate with multiple parties, internally across an organization and externally with stakeholders, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to lead and work cooperatively in a team environment.
• Ability to exercise judgment and work independently with minimum supervision.
• Ability to use word-processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications in a windows environment.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

N/A

Initial Selection Criteria:

Work experience in a field related to policy research or data analysis. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a relevant field such as public health, policy, research, or communications. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

Master’s degree with course work in a field relevant to health care, human services, public health, social work, policy development, research or evaluation, or another related field is generally preferred.

Additional Information:

An in-basket exercise will be administered. The posted salary range extends from the minimum to the maximum of the range. Any offer is contingent on available funding as well as the applicant's qualifications as well as the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual Chapter 7.

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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.