Senior Policy Analyst (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.

Functional Title: Senior Policy Analyst (PSVI) 
Job Title: Program Specialist VI 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Program Policy Spec B 
Posting Number: 9697 
Closing Date: 10/17/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $8,304.83 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 5% 
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,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description

The Program Policy team within the Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) Office of Policy is seeking a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Senior Policy Analyst (Program Specialist VI). We are seeking someone who is passionate about improving independence and choice for fellow Texans with disabilities. We are looking for a talented and highly motivated individual who will support the team’s efforts to implement the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Settings Rule, a critical federal initiative that helps ensure people receiving Medicaid HCBS have full access to the benefits of community living and the opportunity to receive services in the most integrated setting appropriate. The Senior Policy Analyst will also be a part of a team responsible for other Medicaid long-term services and supports (LTSS) initiatives, such as the Community First Choice (CFC) benefit.

This position will be directly involved in developing and implementing public policy which will positively impact millions of current and future Medicaid members through initiatives that emphasize access to community life. The ideal candidate:

• Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment that will allow you to learn and grow with the position;
• Is a fast learner;
• Is able to work collaboratively as part of a team, as well as independently;
• Has strong critical thinking skills;
• 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;
• Is organized, has strong attention to detail, and can manage multiple tasks/projects at a time; and
• Is a self-starter, able to plan and initiate projects [even] with limited direction.

The Program Specialist VI/Senior Policy Analyst position reports to the Manager of Program Policy in the Office of Policy. The position will serve as:

• A subject matter expert for the HCBS Settings team;
• Part of a team responsible for ensuring Medicaid HCBS programs and providers are in compliance with the HCBS settings rule; and
• Part of a team responsible for Medicaid LTSS services, including CFC.

The position is not supervisory but may be expected to assist with leading and prioritizing the work of others on the team. The applicant selected for this position will work closely with project stakeholders and other agency partners and have exposure to other Medicaid programs and services. Interest in and ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders is essential for this position. 

Essential Job Functions:

(25%) Works closely with other team members to monitor and track progress of initiatives designed to bring Medicaid HCBS programs and policies into full compliance with the HCBS Settings Rule.

(20%) Conducts research, analysis, and evaluation of policy issues and initiatives related to LTSS in Texas Medicaid, including HCBS and CFC.

(15%) Participates in workgroups and meetings as a subject matter expert.

(15%) Communicates with internal and external stakeholders as a subject matter expert on assigned Medicaid programs.

(15%) Develops high-quality written project updates, summaries, reports, presentations, bill analyses, and other documents.

(10%) Support the Team and Manager, as needed, with other daily operations of the unit or other tasks as assigned. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements, or Certifications:

N/A

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Policy development and research methods. 
• Microsoft Office products, including SharePoint.
• Approaches to develop and implement creative and workable solutions to complex problems.

Skill in:

• Written and verbal communication.
• Synthesizing complicated and technical information and translating it into easily understandable and concise documents and/or presentations in a leadership role.

Ability to:

• Serve as lead staff and provide effective direction to other staff. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Work cooperatively and effectively in a team environment.

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university; Master’s degree preferred (experience and education may be substituted for one another).
• Experience or education in a field focusing on the delivery of healthcare, public health, state government, social work or another related field.
• Experience in a field related to LTSS preferred.
• Experience developing or overseeing advanced (senior-level) deliverables, reports, or other technical writing work products.

Additional Information

• 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.
  • Impacting the lives of thousands of Medicaid clients that 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 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: Factors including but not limited to Human Resources policies, budgetary limitations, qualifications, experience and tenure will determine the final salary offer.

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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.