Senior Executive 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:

Under the direction of the Deputy Executive Commissioner for Policy and Rules, the Senior Executive Policy Advisor performs highly advanced and/or supervisory (senior-level) professional administrative and complex policy analysis work and development related to Health and Human Services (HHS) programs. This work involves researching innovations in the fields of work carried out by HHS and analyzing current HHS policies and procedures to identify opportunities where HHS could make improvements within its authority. Work includes reviewing, interpreting, and analyzing federal and state statutes, rules and regulations, guidance and procedures; coordinating and conducting complex policy research on best practices and state options; conducting legislative analysis; providing options for senior and executive management decision; developing policy recommendations and high-quality policy documents; and effectively communicating policy and research outcomes. Works independently and with team members under the direction of the Deputy Executive Commissioner for Policy and Rules.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

The Senior Executive Policy Advisor is responsible for researching innovations in the fields of work carried out by HHS as well as for analyzing current and proposed HHS regulations, policies and procedures to identify opportunities where HHS could make improvements. They oversee, and/or design, evaluate, recommend, and approve changes to forms and reports. In offering or approving recommendations for change, the Senior Executive Policy Advisor will ensure the recommendations are thoroughly researched, objective, and in compliance with the program’s authority.

The Senior Executive Policy Advisor will plan, coordinate and conduct independent, comprehensive research of best practices, articulate options and recommendations, and synthesize research into concise briefing and analysis documents. (35%)

The Senior Executive Policy Advisor serves as a reviewer for policy and rulemaking notices involving the Senior Executive Policy Advisor's principal program area. The Senior Executive Policy Advisor's review addresses compliance with applicable authority, minimizing program integrity risks, and maximizing client outcomes. For any proposed changes to work processes, the Senior Executive Policy Advisor's review evaluates the intended impact of the proposed change in light of program performance data. (35%).

The Senior Executive Policy Advisor is also responsible for analyzing proposed rule packages for potential impact on current policies and procedures and working closely with program staff on development of new rules and rule amendments, and the repeal of rules, as appropriate. (15%).

The Senior Executive Policy Advisor is responsible, alone or in conjunction with others, for the production of a variety of communication items, including reports, presentations, white papers, training content, legislative analyses, and outreach materials. May establish, facilitate, and set goals and objectives for workgroups and develop work products. Workgroups will include staff from all impacted areas within HHS and external stakeholders, as appropriate. (10%).

Represents HHS at meetings and conferences and performs other related work as assigned (5%).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• HHS programs, operations and federal eligibility requirements.
• State and federal policy development processes.
• State and federal legislative and administrative processes.

Skill in:

• Critical thinking, researching, interpreting, and analyzing complex data and policies.
• Excel power point, Teams, Salesforce and SharePoint.
• Developing policies; assessing risk and developing contingency plans; identifying policy options and impacts for decision makers; and making recommendations and decisions.
• Synthesizing complicated and technical information and translating it into understandable and concise policy documents and oral presentations.
• Negotiating among competing interests to develop policy documents.
  Working independently, problem solving and independent decision making.
• Developing creative and workable solutions to complex problems and policy issues.
• Developing effective professional and interpersonal relationships with coworkers and customers, including the ability to work with people under pressure, negotiate among multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Communicating effectively, clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, and at presenting information publicly.

Ability to:

• Ensure attention to detail and accuracy.
• Develop work plans and organize work.
• Be flexible and pivot as needed.
• Prioritize time and manage multiple project deadlines.
• Manage projects and coordinate workgroups and meetings.
• Research and synthesize information into easily understood format.
• Develop policy documents.
• Represent the department as a subject matter expert.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from a four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree. Major coursework in a relevant field (e.g., public policy, social work, public health) preferred. Relevant professional experience may substitute for education on a one-to-one year basis.

Experience researching and analyzing complex federal and state regulations, policies and legislation; developing creative and workable solutions to complex problems and policy issues; and synthesizing complicated and technical information and translating it into understandable and concise documents and oral presentations.

At least three years’ experience with Texas Health and Human Services programs preferred, including Medicaid, benefit programs, behavioral health, and/or licensing/regulatory programs (e.g., childcare licensing, hospital and nursing facility regulations, and other healthcare quality issues).

Additional Information:

N/A

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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.