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.

Functional Title: Policy Advisor 
Job Title: Program Specialist VII 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: AES Prog Policy SNAP & TANF 
Posting Number: 9649 
Closing Date: 04/08/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25 
Salary Range: $5,797.66 - $7,652.91 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 20% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: TYLER 
Job Location Address: 302 E RIECK RD 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks highly qualified and motivated candidates to fill a Policy Advisor position within the Access and Eligibility Services (AES) Program Policy team.

AES is driven by its mission to connect Texans to services and supports by helping individuals and families in need of food, medical care, cash assistance and other social services.

The Policy Advisor performs advanced policy research, analysis and policy development related to eligibility for Texas Medicaid (Title XIX), the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) (Title XXI), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and/or other state and federal programs administered by HHSC and AES.

Job responsibilities include overseeing, coordinating and conducting complex policy research on federal and state policies and best practices; completing legislative analysis; reviewing, interpreting, and analyzing federal and state statutes, rules and regulations, guidance and procedures; making recommendations for senior and executive management decision; preparing and reviewing high-quality briefing materials and policy documents; leading project implementation; and effectively communicating policy and research orally and in writing.

The ideal candidate will thrive in an environment that emphasizes: innovation through new ideas, striving for excellence by taking pride in their work, embracing differences as a source of strength, accomplishing more through partnership, leading by example, and learning for continuous improvement. 

This position is a statewide position with the capability to telework in accordance with agency policy. Selected candidate must have the ability to provide a personal home internet service. Selected candidate will be expected to travel to Austin periodically for relevant in-person meetings.

Multiple candidates may be selected to fill positions on the Program Policy team. The respective policy portfolio for selected candidates will be determined during the interview and selection process.

Applicants selected for hire will be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

Essential Job Functions:

Plans, prioritizes and performs complex research and analysis on federal and state laws, legislation, rules, regulations, and guidance relating to state and federal programs administered by HHSC and AES and advises on impacts and considerations for HHSC. Conducts research on national best practices and application for Texas programs.

Prepares and reviews high-quality documents to support program planning, policy development, implementation and decision making (e.g., analysis, briefing documents, memoranda, presentations, talking points, rules, State Plan amendments, waiver applications).

Leads project implementation, establishing and facilitating workgroups and meetings. Represents Program Policy and AES on policy development and implementation projects, providing program policy expertise and working collaboratively to solve problems and ensure timely completion of goals and objectives.

Coordinates, drafts and reviews responses to requests for policy information from agency leadership, external stakeholders, legislative staff or the media. Provides guidance and technical assistance to agency staff on relevant policy matters.

Collaborates with team members to support AES, Program Policy and team priorities. Effectively communicates issues to management and works collaboratively to identify solutions. Serves as a lead worker on the team providing direction and assigning work to others.

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

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, and TANF programs and the other state and federal programs administered by HHSC and AES.

Knowledge of state and federal legislative and policy development processes.

Strong skills in researching, interpreting, and analyzing complex data and policies.

Skill in identifying policy options and impacts for decision makers.

Skill in synthesizing complex information and translating it into clear and concise policy documents.

Strong skills in communicating verbally and in writing and presenting information publicly.

Skill in problem solving and independent decision-making.

Skill in critically evaluating issues and proactively seeking solutions.

Skill in developing and evaluating policies and procedures; and making recommendations and decisions.

Ability to assign and supervise the work of others.

Ability to manage projects and coordinate workgroups and meetings.

Ability to collaborate and develop effective professional relationships with coworkers and stakeholders.

Ability to prioritize time and manage multiple project deadlines.   

Ability to develop work plans and organize work.

Ability to develop concise policy documents.    

Ability to represent the department as a subject matter expert. 

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

N/A 

Initial Selection Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree preferred with major coursework in a relevant field (e.g., public policy, social work, and public health). Work experience may substitute for education. Master’s degree preferred. Experience conducting policy analysis. Experience with Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, TANF or other programs administered by HHSC and AES. Experience synthesizing complex information and translating it into clear and concise policy documents.

Additional Information:

Applicants may not have a history of substantiated fraudulent activity against HHSC or any programs it administers. Applicants who have a non-fraud overpayment with an outstanding balance must agree to repay the overpayment balance as a condition of employment.

HHSC offers competitive benefits including free health coverage for you and affordable health plans for your family, dental and life insurance plans, paid holidays, accrued vacation and sick leave, promotional opportunities and the gratification of making a positive impact on individuals and families in need.

More information regarding available benefits can be found at: https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance. 

A list of the State of Texas holidays is available at: http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Holidays.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is committed to hiring veterans and creating a work environment that values and retains the skills that service members bring to the job. A veteran is an individual who has served in *the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Marine Corps of the United States or the United States Public Health Service under 42 U.S.C. Section 201 et seq., as amended; *the Texas military forces as defined by Section 437.001 of Texas Government Code; or *an auxiliary service of one of those branches of the armed forces; and *has been honorably discharged from the branch of the service in which the person served. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx. VETERANS: Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs! Go to www.texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications and skill sets. Also, you can compare this position to military occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor’s Office by pasting this link into your browser: http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx. For more information on military occupational specialty codes, see the Military Crosswalk Guide. 

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

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.