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.

Job Description:
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks highly qualified and motivated candidates to fill a Policy Analyst position within the Access and Eligibility Services (AES) Program Policy – Policy Integration team. AES is driven by its mission to connect Texans to services and supports by helping individuals and families in need of food, medical care, cash assistance and other social services.

The Policy Analyst performs complex policy research, analysis and policy development related to eligibility for the following programs administered by HHSC and AES: Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities (MEPD), Texas Works Medicaid for Families, Pregnant Women and Children, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Job responsibilities include conducting complex policy research on federal and state policies and best practices; completing legislative bill analysis, as needed; reviewing, interpreting, and analyzing federal and state statutes, rules and regulations, guidance and procedures; identifying options and making recommendations for senior and executive leadership decisions; preparing high-quality briefing materials and policy documents, including bulletins and broadcasts; effectively communicating policy and research orally and in writing; and participating in projects to implement policy and system changes.

The ideal candidate will thrive in an environment that emphasizes innovation through new ideas, striving for excellence by taking pride in their work, embracing differences as a source of strength, accomplishing more through partnership, leading by example, and learning for continuous improvement.

This position is a statewide position that may be eligible for telework in accordance with agency policy. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business need. This position will be expected to travel to Austin for required in-person meetings. Selected candidate must have the ability to provide a personal home internet service if teleworking.

One PSV position is available for the Policy Integration team.

Essential Job Functions:
Performs complex research and analysis of federal and state laws, legislation, rules, regulations, and guidance relating to state and federal programs administered by HHSC and AES for impacts and considerations.

Conducts research on national best practices and application for Texas programs.

Prepares high-quality documents to support program planning, policy development, implementation and decision making (e.g., bulletins, broadcasts, form updates, analysis, briefing documents, memoranda, presentations, talking points, rules, State Plan amendments, waiver applications).

Represents Program Policy and AES on policy development and implementation projects, especially related to forms and notices; provides program policy expertise and works collaboratively to solve problems and ensure timely completion of goals and objectives.

Participates in project implementation and coordinates workgroups and meetings.

Coordinates, compiles and drafts responses to requests for policy information from agency leadership, external stakeholders, legislative staff and the media.

Provides guidance and technical assistance to agency staff on relevant policy matters.

Collaborates with team members to support AES, Program Policy and team priorities.

Effectively communicates issues with leadership and works collaboratively to identify solutions.

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

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (KSA):

• Knowledge of Texas Works Medicaid, MEPD, CHIP, SNAP, and/or TANF programs and other state and federal programs administered by HHSC and AES desired.
• Knowledge of state and federal legislative and policy development processes.
• Strong skills in researching, interpreting, and analyzing complex data and policies.
• Skill in identifying policy options and impacts for decision makers.
• Skill in synthesizing complex information and translating it into clear and concise policy documents.
• Strong skills in communicating verbally and in writing and presenting information publicly.
• Skill in problem solving and independent decision-making.
• Skill in critically evaluating issues and proactively seeking solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and coordinate workgroups and meetings.
• Ability to collaborate and develop effective professional relationships with coworkers and stakeholders.
• Ability to prioritize time and manage multiple project deadlines.
• Ability to develop work plans and organize work.
• Ability to develop accurate and concise policy documents.
• Ability to represent AES as a policy subject matter expert  

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
N/A  

Initial Selection Criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree with major coursework in a relevant field preferred (e.g., public policy, social work, and public health). Work experience may substitute for education on a year for year basis.
• Experience with and knowledge of Medicaid, CHIP, MEPD, Women’s Health Programs, SNAP, and/or TANF programs and eligibility policy is highly preferred.
• At least three years current, full-time work experience with human services program management, public administration, or public policy analysis.
• Experience with state and federal policy development processes.
• Experience researching, interpreting, and analyzing complex data and policies.
• Experience synthesizing complex information and translating it into clear and concise policy documents. 
• Experience reviewing and preparing advanced level deliverables; such as memos, reports, or other technical writing work products.
• Preference will be given to candidates with legislative session experience, including legislative bill analysis.
• Preference will be given to candidates with familiarity with the HHS Brand Guide and Plain Language standards.
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience and familiarity with working on project teams.

Additional Information:
Application must illustrate how candidate meets initial selection criteria and KSA’s.

Applicants may not have a history of substantiated fraudulent activity against HHSC or any programs 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.

HHSC offers competitive benefits including free health coverage for you and affordable health plans for your family, dental and life insurance plans, paid holidays, accrued vacation and sick leave, promotional opportunities and the gratification of making a positive impact on individuals and families in need.

More information regarding available benefits can be found at: https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance.
A list of the State of Texas holidays is available at: http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Holidays.

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.