Field Policy Services & Support Lead

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 52,228 - 87,048; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid health insurance

Pension plan

Paid holidays

Vacation & sick leave

Career advancement

Dental & life insurance

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) invites you to join the Field Policy team as a Field Policy Services & Support Lead. The role focuses on high‑level policy analysis, program development, and project management to support field staff and improve eligibility operations across Texas.

The position reports to Field Policy leadership and requires coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, developing training, and ensuring policy compliance.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a four-year college or university; relevant work experience may substitute.
• Four years of experience with MEPD and Texas Works programs (Medicaid, CHIP, HTW, MBCC, SNAP, TANF).
• Recent TIERS experience related to eligibility determinations.
• Experience applying local, state, and federal laws related to Texas Works and MEPD programs.
• Experience developing advanced deliverables, reports, or technical writing.
• Experience in project management and policy development.
• Experience gathering, assembling, correlating, analyzing facts, and preparing concise reports.

Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee the development and ongoing operation of programs and services.
• Lead, plan, and coordinate projects.
• Analyze policy to support eligibility operations field staff.
• Develop and provide training.
• Prepare and review high‑quality briefing materials and policy documents used by field staff.
• Provide subject matter expertise on policy for agency staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, provider organizations, and the general public.
• Ensure compliance and resolve program issues.
• Communicate policy and research orally and in writing.
• Facilitate meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
• Make recommendations for senior and executive management decisions.
• Prepare high‑quality written reports, correspondence, and other documents.
• Maintain, update, and monitor SharePoint sites.

Skills

Policy analysis

Program management

Project leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Research

Technical writing

SharePoint

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Adobe Acrobat

MS Project

Job description

Job Details

Date: Jul 15, 2026

Location: AUSTIN, TX

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Field Policy

Posting Number: 18932

Closing Date: 01/13/2027

Job Title: Program Specialist VII

Functional Title: Field Policy Services & Support Lead

Occupational Category: Community and Social Services

Salary Range: $5,797.66 - $7,800.00 per month

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25

Shift: Day (First)

Telework: Eligible

Travel: Up to 25%

Full Time: Yes

FLSA Exempt: Exempt

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST

Other Locations: Texas counties and cities (statewide)

Overview

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and contribute to positively impacting the lives of Texans. HHSC supports employees and provides a comprehensive benefits package, including 100% paid health insurance for eligible full‑time employees, a defined benefit pension plan, and generous time‑off benefits.

Position Summary

The Field Policy Services & Support Lead works within the Access and Eligibility Services (AES) Field Policy team. The role focuses on high‑level policy analysis, program development, and project management to support field staff and improve eligibility operations across Texas.

Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee the development and ongoing operation of programs and services.
• Lead, plan, and coordinate projects.
• Analyze policy to support eligibility operations field staff.
• Develop and provide training.
• Prepare and review high‑quality briefing materials and policy documents used by field staff.
• Provide subject matter expertise on policy for agency staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, provider organizations, and the general public.
• Ensure compliance and resolve program issues.
• Communicate policy and research orally and in writing.
• Facilitate meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
• Make recommendations for senior and executive management decisions.
• Prepare high‑quality written reports, correspondence, and other documents.
• Maintain, update, and monitor SharePoint sites.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

(40%) Work with the Field Policy Director and Manager to lead team members and support AES, Field Policy, and team priorities. Communicate issues to management and identify solutions. Serve as the lead program specialist on the team, providing direction and supervising work of others.

(20%) Lead project implementation by establishing and facilitating workgroups and meetings. Represent Field Policy and AES on policy development and implementation projects. Develop and administer project management tools and review work products of others.

(15%) Act as a liaison to other program staff and agencies. Provide technical assistance and guidance on program changes. Coordinate responses to inquiries, identify trends, and recommend policy changes. Conduct complex research and analysis on federal and state laws and regulations.

(10%) Prepare and review high‑quality documents to support state office and eligibility operational staff (e.g., analyses, briefing documents, memoranda).

(10%) Coordinate with community and professional groups, deliver oral presentations, and support interagency workgroups and committees.

(5%) Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• In‑depth knowledge of Medicaid (MEPD), CHIP/HTW, SNAP, TANF, and related state and federal programs.
• Understanding of government organization, administration, and legislative and policy development processes.
• Proficiency with MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, MS Project, and similar programs.
• Program and project management experience, including leading teams and stakeholder engagement.
• Advanced research, analysis, and writing skills. Ability to synthesize complex policy information and produce clear documents.
• Experience maintaining high‑traffic SharePoint sites.
• Strong problem‑solving, critical‑thinking, and decision‑making abilities.
• Capacity to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Initial Screening Criteria

• Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with major coursework in operations, business, public affairs, social work, policy, or a related field; relevant work experience may substitute for education.
• Four years of experience with MEPD and Texas Works programs (Medicaid, CHIP, HTW, MBCC, SNAP, TANF).
• Recent (within the last three years) experience with TIERS related to eligibility determinations.
• Experience applying local, state, and federal laws related to Texas Works and MEPD programs.
• Experience developing advanced deliverables, reports, or technical writing.
• Experience in project management and policy development.
• Experience gathering, assembling, correlating, analyzing facts, and preparing concise reports.

Benefits

Eligible full‑time employees receive 100% paid health insurance, a defined benefit pension plan, paid holidays, accrued vacation and sick leave, and opportunities for career advancement. Additional benefits include dental and life insurance plans and more.

EEO Statement

HHSC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

Telework and Travel

This is a statewide position with the capability to telework. Travel to Austin is required periodically for in‑person meetings.