Waiver Specialist (PSV)

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Brief Job Description

The Program Specialist V reports to the Manager of Federal Coordination, Rules, and Committees team within the Medicaid and CHIP Services Office of Policy.  The position performs advanced (senior level) consultation and technical assistance work in support of Medicaid waiver activities. Work includes research, evaluation and analysis necessary for the development and review of federal waiver applications and amendments in coordination with HHSC and/or other enterprise agency staff. Works with staff to identify issues, resolve problems and meet timelines. Communicates with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as necessary in relation to specific waiver assignments. Reviews waiver language to ensure compliance with federal regulations and guidance. Recommends process improvements. Leads or participates in relevant work groups, meetings and priority projects. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  

Essential Job Functions

Performs advanced consultative and technical assistance work in support of 1915(b), and 1915(c) Medicaid waivers and the 1915 (i) state plan as assigned. Understands waivers, applicable state and federal laws, and CMS technical guidance. Develops and implements project plans to complete waiver submissions in accordance with federal and state requirements. Adheres to tight timeframes. Accurately advises program staff. (20%)

Analyzes, researches, and evaluates policy proposals and changes, provider notifications, draft rules, waiver contracts, and other applicable documents related to assigned waivers, to determine compliance with federal and state guidance. Assists enterprise agency staff with revising waiver language as needed. Coordinates with enterprise agency staff to ensure proposed policy changes or other essential information is communicated to stakeholders. Reviews and analyzes regular, ongoing reports prepared by program staff. Coordinates with program staff, legal staff, and others as needed. (20%)

Serves as the primary point of contact for HHSC on assigned waivers. Responsible for oversight and monitoring of waivers to ensure compliance with state and federal laws, and CMS technical guidance. Facilitates and participates in meetings for assigned waivers and projects, including meetings with advocacy groups, provider associations and other stakeholders as appropriate. Coordinates resource sharing, question referral and exchange of information between the enterprise agencies and federal partners for assigned waivers and projects. Reviews waiver activities, reports, summaries, updates, and other information prior to submission to CMS to ensure quality and accuracy and works with program staff, legal staff and management to address any questions or concerns prior to submission. Develops high quality written project updates, summaries, and other documents as requested. Identifies potential project risks and develops strategies to mitigate or avoid risk. Researches federal regulations and guidance as needed to address implementation or operational issues. Escalates issues for management assistance and guidance as needed to avoid risk. (20%)

Serves as the primary point of contact for CMS on all assigned waivers, projects, and correspondence. Reviews, distributes, and responds to CMS communication regarding assigned waivers and projects. Facilitates conference calls with CMS, as needed. Ensures beneficiary complaints are appropriately addressed in the timeframe required by CMS. (15%)

Leads training sessions on waiver processes, procedures, and requirements. May assist with the review and analysis of performance measures associated with assigned waivers (10%)

Assists with legislative bill analysis as requested, particularly in relation to impact of proposed legislation on waiver operations. (5%)

Documents policies and procedures for the position and maintains electronic records in accordance with unit procedures. Recommends process improvements to support timely and efficient waiver support operations. (5%)

Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of

• State and federal laws and regulations governing the Medicaid program.

Skill in

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

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, negotiate among multiple parties, resolve conflicts and establish and maintain effective working relationships; and
• Work cooperatively in a team environment.

Initial Selection Criteria

Bachelor's degree from an accredited 4-year college or university with a major in government, political science, social work, or other relevant field of study. Experience in researching and analyzing complex program and policy issues. Experience in writing briefing documents or other work-related materials. Experience and education may be substituted with eachother on a year for year basis.    

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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