Senior Policy Advisor LTSS

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Functional Title: Senior Policy Advisor LTSS 
Job Title: Program Specialist VII 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: LongTermSvcs & Supports Policy 
Posting Number: 8276 
Closing Date: 09/05/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25 
Salary Range: $5,797.66 - $9,508.25 
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: Exempt 
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 Title: Senior Policy Advisor, LTSS

Job Description: The Program Policy team within the Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Services (MCS) Office of Policy is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor Program Specialist VII (PSVII- Team Lead). This position performs complex (senior-level), highly advanced program and operational policy work, as well as project management activities. The PS VII will manage the development and implementation of highly complex, highly visible federal and state-directed initiatives. Duties include performing senior-level consultative and technical work related to the analysis, planning, development, implementation, and maintenance of managed care policy related to home and community-based waiver programs.

This position will be directly involved in developing and implementing public policy that positively impacts thousands of current and future Medicaid members through initiatives that emphasize access to community life.

The ideal candidate:

• Will serve as the lead subject matter expert on 1915(c) waiver projects, including policy analysis and development;
• Will serve as the team lead for the Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL)   waivers;
• Has excellent communication skills and is able to present complex information in a manner that is clear and easy to understand for a general audience.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment that will allow individual growth within the position.
• Can work collaboratively as part of a team as well as independently;
• Has strong critical thinking skills;
• Is organized and can manage multiple tasks/projects at a time; and
• Is a self-starter, able to plan and initiate projects, even with limited direction.
  
  

Applicants will be considered for the Senior Policy Advisor (PSVII) position and will report to the Manager of Program Policy in the Office of Policy. The position will serve as:

• The team lead overseeing the development of program and operational Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) policy (including waiver, administrative rule, billing requirements, and handbook requirements);
• The LTSS lead subject matter expert to agency staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, provider organizations, and the public;

This position is not supervisory, but may be expected to train, lead, and prioritize the work of others on the team. The applicant selected for this position will work closely with project stakeholders and other agency partners, gaining exposure to various Medicaid programs and services. Interest in and ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders are essential for this position.

Essential Job Functions: Works collaboratively within the Office of Policy and across MCS to identify innovative and effective solutions for clients, stakeholders, and staff. 

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

• (30%) Develops, implements, and manages projects or special initiatives related to LTSS, including HCS, TxHmL, Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS), Deaf-Blind Multiple Disabilities (DBMD), Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP) & Transition Assistance Services (TAS).
  
  
• (15%) Leads advanced research, analysis, and evaluation of complex policy issues and initiatives related to LTSS.
  
  
• (15%) Leads and participates in workgroups and meetings with internal and external stakeholders as a subject matter expert or team lead for LTSS.
  
  
• (15%) Develops presentations and training material and provides education and outreach for internal and external stakeholders.
  
  
• (15%) Develops high-quality written project updates, summaries, reports, executive presentations, bill analyses, and other documents and provides briefings as needed.
  
  
• (10%) Supports the Manager, as needed, with overseeing the daily operations of the unit, including planning, prioritizing, and assigning work to others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements, or Certifications: N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Legislative process, analyzing legislation, and developing  and evaluating policies and procedures;

• Government organization and administration;
• State and federal laws, regulations, and processes governing Medicaid, CHIP, or health and human services; and
• MCS and Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) processes related to the administration or provision of Medicaid and CHIP benefits.

Skill in:

• Program and project management and the ability to lead project teams and work with multiple stakeholders;
• Researching and analyzing complex policy issues, state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and sub-regulatory guidance; and
• Writing and oral communication, including the ability to make public presentations, synthesize and write technical information in an understandable format, and produce high-quality, sophisticated reports.
• Developing and implementing creative and workable solutions to complex problems; and
• Working cooperatively as a team member in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment;

Ability to:

• Thrive in an environment that emphasizes teamwork to achieve goals, excellence through high professional standards, and personal accountability.
• Exercise sound judgment and work independently with limited direction in a leadership role;
• Work cooperatively and effectively in a team environment;
• Participate in strategic planning with the Manager of Program Policy;
• Synthesize complicated and technical information and translate it into easily understandable and concise documents and/or presentations; and
• Negotiate competing interests of multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Required-

• 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 of experience is equivalent to a four-year college bachelor's degree.  

• Experience or education in a field focusing on the delivery of healthcare, public health, state government, social work, or another related field.
• Experience developing or overseeing advanced (senior-level) deliverables, reports, or other technical writing work products.
  
  

Preferred Screening criteria-
 

• A master’s degree in public health, social work, public affairs, or public administration;
• Experience in policy analysis and policy development; and

• Full-time work experience in a field related to LTSS

Additional Information 

Additional information about the programs these positions support can be found in the latest edition of the Texas Medicaid Pink Book.

State of Texas employees participate in outstanding benefits:

• Excellent health benefits,
• Defined Benefit Retirement Plan, and
• Generous leave benefits.

Additional benefits of joining the MCS Office of Policy include:

• Leadership commitment to invest in and foster your professional growth and knowledge of the Texas Medicaid program and your career advancement.
• The ability to impact the lives of thousands of Medicaid clients who depend on Medicaid services 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, including the opportunity to analyze and inform legislators of the potential impact of proposed bills.
• Being part of a team at the forefront of interpreting, implementing, and developing policies with statewide impact.
• The opportunity to learn 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: The salary range posted for this position is the State Auditor’s Office minimum to maximum for salary group B25. Factors, including but not limited to Human Resources policies, budgetary limitations, qualifications, and experience, will inform the final salary offer.

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note that all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.

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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.