Policy Program Specialist CLASS & DBMD

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 Program Specialist CLASS & DBMD 
Job Title: Program Specialist V 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: LongTermSvcs & Supports Policy 
Posting Number: 7074 
Closing Date: 08/05/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 
Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $7,253.83 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 15% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
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,86M0,86P0,88A0,88B0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Job Description: The Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) team within the Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) Office of Policy is seeking new team members who are passionate about improving critical services for fellow Texans. This team is responsible for developing and implementing program policy requirements and ensuring the quality operation of several long-term care programs critical to the safety and independence of thousands of children and adults in Texas with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and related conditions.

Under the direction of the Manager of Long-Term Services and Supports in MCS Office of Policy, the Program Specialist position develops and analyzes policies relating to the Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) 1915(c) Medicaid Waiver and Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DBMD) 1915(c) Medicaid Waiver programs. These programs provide long-term care services to adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The person in this position also supports other, similar programs as necessary to support the team. 

Work includes:

•  Analysis of state and federal Medicaid policies that impact waiver programs.

•  Facilitation and participation of workgroups and meetings with both internal and external stakeholders and other policy specialists to develop, implement, oversee, and evaluate initiatives related to waiver program services.

•  The position prepares written project updates, summaries, briefings, reports, plans, bill analysis, and other documents for both internal and external communication of policies related to the waiver programs.

•  Responsibilities include delivering executive and leadership briefings, presentations to internal and external stakeholders, providing subject matter expertise on program policy, reviewing, and providing input on waiver amendments, drafting, and finalizing policies and other time sensitive written materials.  


Essential Job Functions:       

(30%) Develops and revises Medicaid state waiver rules, policies, amendments, and plans related to the CLASS and DBMD 1915(c) Medicaid waiver programs, and other programs as needed. 

(20%) Provides advanced research, analysis, and evaluation on complex program and policy issues and initiatives related to the CLASS and DBMD 1915(c) Medicaid waiver programs, and other programs as needed. 

(15%) Develops or implements projects or special initiatives related to the Medicaid LTSS program.

(10%) Coordinates with and speaks with internal and external stakeholders as a subject matter expert on assigned Medicaid waiver programs.

(15%) Manages or participates in workgroups and meetings as a subject matter expert in assigned Medicaid waiver programs.

(10%) Coordinates with and speaks with internal and external stakeholders as a subject matter expert on assigned Medicaid waiver programs.

(10%) Develops high quality written project updates, summaries, reports, executive presentations, bill analyses, and other documents.

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule, in accordance with the agency leave policy to perform duties as assigned.  



Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:      N/A  

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

1. Experience with Medicaid CLASS & DBMD waiver programs or long-term care programs and policies, and state and federal legislative process.

2. Experience with policies affecting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

3. Experience with state and federal Medicaid policy development and analysis

4. Skill in managing or participating in complex projects

5. Skill in synthesizing complicated and technical information and translating it into easily understandable and concise documents and/or presentations for agency leadership, elected officials, and the public.

6. Experience with project management best practices and process.

7. Skill in developing creative and workable solutions to complex problems and policy issues.

8. Ability to manage competing priorities, work under pressure, negotiate multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.

9. Skill in communicating effectively – orally and in writing.

10. Ability to work cooperatively and effectively in a team environment.

11. Skill in working with diverse groups and interests.

12. Ability to exercise judgment and work independently with limited direction.

13. Ability to use applications in a Microsoft Windows environment.  


Initial Screening Criteria:      

1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university (related experience in state government, LTSS, Social Work, Public Health and education may be substituted for one another). Minimum four years experience is equivelent to a four-year college bachelors degree.  

2. Experience in direct care, case management, oversight or policy development related to 1915(c) Medicaid waiver programs, public health, state government, social work, or another related field. Experience in a field related to LTSS preferred.

  

Additional Information:        

• Additional information about the programs these positions support can be found on the 2025 edition of the Texas Medicaid Pink Book.

• These positions are based in Austin, TX. While teleworking opportunities are available, contingent on performance, these positions will not be 100% telework.

• State of Texas employees participate in outstanding benefits:

o Excellent health benefits,

o Lifetime monthly retirement annuity,

o 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 LTSS 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 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 gain experience 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: Factors including but not limited to HR Policies, budgetary limitations, qualifications, experience, and tenure will determine the final salary offer.

MOS Code: There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the responsibilities, and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if they meet qualifications for this position. 

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.