Rules Coordinator (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.

Brief Job Description: 

The Program Specialist VI reports to the Director of the Federal Coordination, Rules and Committees unit of Medicaid/CHIP Services. The position performs highly advanced consultative services and technical assistance work in support of all Medicaid/CHIP Services (MCS) rules. Work involves planning, developing, and assisting with implementing rule projects and providing consultative services and technical assistance to all MCS staff on the rule development process and specific rule projects in the development phase. Provides direction and consultation services to MCS staff and serves as a subject matter expert and lead on the rules process for all of MCS. Routes and tracks all MCS rule projects and assists with editing and drafting rules for MCS staff. Works with staff to identify issues, resolve problems and meet timelines. Recommends process improvements. Leads or participates in relevant workgroups, meetings and priority projects. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Creates efficiencies where opportunities occur. Ensures compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules. Provides advice and counsel to all of MCS staff by interpreting policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and standards related to the program. Oversees the work of others.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs): 

(30%) Performs advanced consultative and technical assistance work during rule projects within the Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) Division. Assists rule project program leads by drafting and editing rules and following the rulemaking requirements in Texas Government Code Chapter 2001 and Texas Administrative Code Chapter 91 and on the Rules Coordination Office website. Conducts research and analysis of federal laws, the Code of Federal Regulations, Texas statutes and legislation, and state rules that apply to the program rules being developed. Uses this research to consult with program staff to decide which of these to cite in rule project documents. May be asked to independently develop program rules and work to complete rule packets for high priority projects and during periods of high workload demands on a project lead. Provides guidance to assist managers and project leads to decide on the type of rulemaking process to follow and the timeline needed to achieve the desired rule effective dates. Works under minimal supervision, with latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

(20%) Provides training and technical assistance to project leads on the HHS rulemaking process during the implementation phase, rule development phase, proposal phase, and adoption phase. Training and technical assistance includes how and when to complete critical steps in the rule making process; the documents that must be included in a proposed and adoption packet; and the MCS approval routing process. Provides advanced technical assistance for completing a Rulemaking Fiscal Impact form and attends meetings with Chief Financial Officer staff to review them.

(15%) Tracks all Medicaid rule projects to ensure they stay on track with the desired timelines and provides status updates as requested by the RCO. Maintains an up-to-date rule project tracking log used to provide quarterly rule project updates. Sends the log to MCS leadership staff and directors for their awareness. Uses the tracking log and timelines to inform project leads, managers, and MCS leadership staff when there are any risks or delays to the timeline and makes recommendations on steps and proposed actions needed to ensure rules meet desired timelines. Before routing rule documents for MCS leadership approvals, including the Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Policy; the Deputy Executive Commissioner, Policy and Quality; the Deputy State Medicaid Director; and the State Medicaid Director, ensures rule packets and forms are complete and as needed, edits the documents and forms to ensure the Rules Coordination Offices (RCOs) guidelines have been followed. Coordinates responding to any comments received and maintains version control of all documents. Sends approved rule documents to the RCO and assist project leads and managers as needed to respond to RCO reviews.

(10%) Monitors a centralized rules mailbox to review all rule-project related emails from project leads, MCS leadership staff, policy, attorneys, and the Rules Coordination Office. Uses this mailbox for the MCS leadership approval routing process; to receive rule documents from project leads; and to answer any questions received.

(10%) Serves as the primary liaison between project leads and MCS leadership staff and the Rules Coordination Office (RCO), at the request of the Office of Policy Deputy Associate Commissioner. This ensures one point of contact who can send questions, requests for information, and requests for new timelines.

(5%) Assists with legislative bill analysis as requested, particularly in relation to impact of proposed legislation on rule promulgation process. Analyzes bills to determine if the bill would require implementation of a rule revision or new rule and provides information regarding timelines for any rule revisions or new rules.

(5%) Documents policies and procedures for the position and maintains electronic records in accordance with unit procedures including keeping electronic records of rule documents, timelines, decision memos and maintaining version control. Develops and edits process documents that document the rule promulgation process and resource documents. Recommends process improvements to support timely and efficient rules processes.

(5%) Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): 

Knowledge of: 

• Professional workplace standards and conduct.
• Project management techniques and methods.

Skill in:

• Project management oversight, including monitoring of deadlines and compliance with policies and procedures relevant to the project.
• Research and analyzing complex program and policy issues.
• Skill in facilitating meetings and ensuring that participants meet their deliverables.

Ability to:

• Exercise sound judgment in making decisions.
• Identify project risks and gaps and to develop recommendations to address issues.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Work with people under pressure and maintain effective working relationships.
• Work cooperatively in a team environment.
• Provide training and feedback to others on the rule making process.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: 

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria: 

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited 4-year college or university.
• Experience in researching and analyzing complex program and policy issues.
• Experience in preparing written work-related documents.
• Experience may be substituted for educational requirement.  

Additional Information: 

• Additional information about the programs the Office of Policy supports can be found in the 2022 edition of the Texas Medicaid Pink Book.
• Teleworking opportunities are available, contingent on performance.
• State of Texas employees participate in outstanding benefits:
  • Excellent health benefits,
  • Strong reitrement related benefits,
  • Generous time off benefits, and
  • HHSC is a qualifying organization for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments.

• 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.

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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