Senior Policy Advisor

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The Delivery System Quality & Innovation (DSQI) Unit within the Medicaid CHIP Services (MCS) Office of Quality and Program Improvement seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Quality Improvement Senior Policy Advisor (Program Specialist VII). The mission of DSQI is to incentivize, innovate, and educate to improve health care quality. The DSQI Unit develops and implements innovative quality improvement programs and incentives, provides education and technical assistance to increase the adoption of best practices, and evaluates the effectiveness of quality programs and interventions.

The Senior Policy Advisor is selected by and directly reports to the Project Manager in the DSQI Unit. The Senior Policy Advisor works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Responsibilities include developing and managing technical assistance activities and resources to support provider education activities across multiple programs, working with external and internal stakeholders to advance identified quality improvement goals, serving as a subject matter expert on quality issues and provider engagement.

The DSQI team currently leads multiple high profile quality improvement initiatives that are critical to the Medicaid program in Texas, such as the quality aspects of Medicaid directed payment programs and working with hospitals to reduce unnecessary emergency department utilization by people with Medicaid. The Program Specialist will work collaboratively as part of a team and also serve as a lead point of contact on DSQI quality initiatives.

The ideal candidate thrives in an environment that emphasizes teamwork to achieve goals, excellence through high professional standards and personal accountability, curiosity to continuously grow and learn, critical thinking for effective execution, and integrity to do things right even when what is right is not easy.

Essential Job Functions (EJF)

Identifies, recommends, and coordinates education opportunities including continuing education and Best Practices Learning Sessions (BPLS) that support quality improvement goals for providers participating in Medicaid directed payment programs (DPPs) using live webinar presentations, pre-recorded webinars, educational materials, and trainings. (25%)

Researches specific BPLS topics, identifies agency and external subject experts, develops materials and presentations for DPP providers. Works with and presents to internal and external stakeholders to communicate quality improvement goals, identify provider education and technical assistance priorities, and discuss program progress and outcomes using program data. (30%)

Develops quality improvement recommendations or initiatives tied to recommendations from an external quality review organization or other entities, such as Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation. (15%)

Reviews and approves data submitted by Medicaid providers or payors participating in quality programs. Identifies issues with submitted data and works with Medicaid providers to bring reporting in line with state and federal requirements. Consults with HHSC staff and stakeholders to resolve problems, identify training needs, and discuss program effectiveness. (15%)

Prepares high quality written documents, including guidance documents, presentations, project updates, summaries, legislative reports, memos for executive leadership, and other documents related to quality improvement initiatives. (15%)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• A keen attention to detail.
• Strong skills in communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of federal and state Medicaid and CHIP programs, services, and requirements.
• Familiarity with key concepts of delivery system reform, healthcare innovation, or population health.
• Familiarity with healthcare quality measurement and common data sources used for healthcare monitoring and evaluation.
• Skill in project management.
• Skills in conducting policy and data analysis, as well as performing research.
• Skill in synthesizing, analyzing, and evaluating complicated and technical information and translating it into easily understandable and concise documents and oral presentations.
• Skill in developing creative and workable solutions to complex problems and policy issues.
• Ability to negotiate with multiple parties, internally across an organization and externally with stakeholders, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Skill in producing high quality presentations and documents for educational and other training purposes.
• Strong skill in public speaking and presenting to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise judgment and work independently with minimum supervision.
• Ability to organize and develop work plans and adhere to strict deadlines.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

       N/A

Initial Selection Criteria

Work experience in a field related to healthcare program management, health and human services research, or health and human services policy analysis and development. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in healthcare, human services, public health, social work, policy development, research, or another related field. Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year for year basis. 

 Master’s degree with course work in a field relevant to healthcare, human services, public health, social work, policy development, research or evaluation, or another related field is generally preferred.

Additional Information

This position will require in-person attendance.

An in-basket exercise may be administered. The posted salary range extends from the minimum to the maximum of the range.  Any offer is contingent on available funding as well as the applicant's qualifications as well as the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual Chapter 7.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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.

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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.