Field Policy Services & Support Lead

FALL CREEK FARM & NURSERY; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks a Field Policy Services and Support Lead to guide complex policy work and oversee major initiatives in the Access and Eligibility Services field. This senior position involves policy research, training development, and high-level reporting for statewide program policy execution.

The role requires strong project management skills, experience with Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, and TANF programs, and the ability to communicate policy options to

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Plan for 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 resolution of program issues.
• Communicate policy and research orally and in writing.
• Participate in and 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

Project management

Writing and oral communication

SharePoint

Team leadership

Researching complex policy issues

Attention to detail

Public presentations

Policy development

Independent problem solving

Documentation & reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in operations, business, public affairs, social work, policy

Tools

MS Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Adobe Pro

MS Project

SharePoint

Job description

Overview

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks highly qualified and motivated candidates to fill the Field Policy Services and Support Lead position within the Access and Eligibility Services (AES) Field Policy team in Policy & Quality. AES is driven by its mission to connect Texans to services and support by helping individuals and families in need of food, medical care, cash assistance and other social services. The Field Policy Services and Support Lead provides policy clarifications to field staff, communicates with regional teams, and travels as needed to regions. The role involves identifying innovative and effective solutions for clients, stakeholders, and staff, and works collaboratively within Policy and Quality and across other areas to support policy development and implementation.

This position performs complex (senior level), highly advanced policy work, as well as project management activities. The Program Specialist VII will also manage the development and implementation of highly complex, highly visible federally and state directed initiatives. Duties include senior‑level consultative and technical work related to the analysis, planning, development, implementation, and maintenance of program policy. The Field Policy Services and Support Lead conducts advanced policy research, analysis and policy development related to eligibility programs administered by HHSC.

Responsibilities

1. Plan for and oversee the development and ongoing operation of programs and services.
2. Lead, plan, and coordinate projects.
3. Analyze policy to support Eligibility Operations field staff.
4. Develop and provide training.
5. Prepare and review high-quality briefing materials and policy documents used by field staff.
6. Provide subject matter expertise on policy for agency staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, provider organizations, and the general public.
7. Ensure compliance and resolution of program issues.
8. Communicate policy and research orally and in writing.
9. Participate in and facilitate meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
10. Make recommendations for senior and executive management decisions.
11. Prepare high-quality written reports, correspondence, and other documents.
12. Maintain, update, and monitor SharePoint sites.

The position is not supervisory but may assign, oversee, and prioritize the work of others. The position will work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

The Program Specialist VII reports to the Director for Field Policy Services and Support in Policy and Quality.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Medicaid (MEPD and TW), CHIP/HTW, SNAP, and TANF programs and other state and federal programs administered by HHSC and AES;
• Government organization and administration;
• State and federal legislative and policy development processes; and
• HHSC processes related to the administration or provision of benefits.

Skill in:

• Using MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe Pro, MS Project, or similar software;
• Program and project management and leading project teams with multiple stakeholders;
• Planning and organization;
• Researching and analyzing complex policy issues, laws, rules, and guidance;
• Writing and oral communication, including public presentations and high-quality reports;
• Updating and maintaining SharePoint sites;
• Identifying policy options and impacts for decision makers;
• Synthesizing complex information into clear policy documents;
• Problem solving and independent decision-making;
• Evaluating issues and proactively seeking solutions; and
• Developing and evaluating policies and procedures and making recommendations.

Ability to:

• Thrive in a teamwork‑driven environment with high professional standards and accountability;
• Assign and lead the work of others;
• Perform with attention to detail and implement creative solutions;
• Manage projects and coordinate workgroups and meetings;
• Prioritize time and manage multiple deadlines;
• Develop work plans and organize work;
• Develop concise policy documents;
• Represent the department as a subject matter expert;
• Work independently within established guidelines and timeframes;
• Collaborate with Policy & Quality and the agency to accomplish objectives;
• Balance multiple assignments, projects, and responsibilities.

Qualifications – Screening and Conditions

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

Other Information

Applicants may not have a history of substantiated fraudulent activity against HHSC or any programs it administers. HHSC offers competitive benefits including health coverage, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, and opportunities for advancement. More information regarding benefits can be found at: https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance.

Additional Information

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified. ADA accommodations are available during the hiring process. Pre-employment checks and work eligibility may be required. HHSC uses E-Verify and you must bring I-9 documentation on your first day.