Policy Advisor

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid health insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Generous time off

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks a Policy Advisor (Program Specialist VII) to lead policy development for Texas Works Medicaid, CHIP, and Healthy Texas Women within AES. The role involves complex policy research, developing handbooks and waivers, and coordinating with federal partners.

The ideal candidate will conduct legislative analyses, review statutes and regulations, and prepare concise policy documents for senior management, while promoting innovation,

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college preferred with major coursework in writing, policy, social work or public health.
• At least 2 years of experience in policy writing, policy creation, or experience in Medicaid/ CHIP or related programs.
• Experience in policy development processes.
• Experience writing, researching, interpreting, and analyzing complex data and policies.
• Ability to translate complex information into clear policy documents.

Responsibilities

• Plans and prioritizes policy for Texas Works Medicaid, CHIP, and HTW.
• Develops policy options and oversees their development.
• Performs advanced research and complex policy analysis of laws, regulations and guidance.
• Provides guidance, direction and technical assistance to staff on the team.
• Prepares briefing documents, issue papers, correspondence, bill analyses, and memoranda for senior/executive review.
• Prepares eligibility policies, agency rules, state plan amendments and waivers.
• Develops timelines and coordinates with senior management, staff and stakeholders.
• Leads policy workgroups and coordinates with internal/external stakeholders.
• Seeks guidance from federal partners on interpretation of federal statute and guidance.
• Represents AES as subject matter expert at meetings and conferences.

Skills

Policy analysis

Research & analysis

Policy writing

Stakeholder comms

Project management

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Date: Aug 25, 2026

Location: AUSTIN, TX

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

PP Medicaid/CHIP

Posting Number

20501

Closing Date

09/08/2026

Posting Audience

Internal and External

Occupational Category

Community and Social Services

Salary Range

$5,797.66 - $7,900.00

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Salary Group

TEXAS-B-25

Shift

Day

Telework

Eligible for Telework

Travel

Up to 20%

Regular/Temporary

Regular

Full Time/Part Time

Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt

Exempt

Job Location City

AUSTIN

Job Location Address

701 W 51ST ST

MOS Codes

16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS

Brief Job Description

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks highly qualified and motivated candidates to fill a Policy Advisor (Program Specialist VII) position within Access and Eligibility Services.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 serves as the team lead for the Texas Works Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Healthy Texas Women (HTW) policy staff who are responsible for coordinating complex policy research and policy development support for Texas Works Medicaid, CHIP, and HTW.The Texas Works Medicaid, CHIP, and HTW program provides medical benefits to many groups, including low-income children, pregnant women, and adults that take care of dependent children.

The Policy Advisor is responsible for developing, implementing, and facilitating policy development, which includes, policy handbooks, bulletins, state rules, forms, state plan amendments, and waivers; coordinating and conducting complex policy research on best practices and state options; completing legislative analysis; reviewing, interpreting, and analyzing federal and state statutes, rules and regulations, guidance and procedures; providing options for senior and executive management decision; 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.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Plans and prioritizes policy for Texas Works Medicaid, CHIP, and HTW.
• Develops and oversees the development of policy options.
• Performs advanced research on best practices; complex (senior level) analysis of laws, regulations, and guidance; complex (senior level) analysis of impacts to programs, systems, and operations; and coordination of the development of fiscal impact analysis.
• Provides guidance, direction, and technical assistance to staff on the team.
• Prepares high-quality briefing documents, issue papers, correspondence, bill analyses, and memorandum for senior and executive management review and decision-making.
• Prepares and oversees preparation of eligibility policies, agency rules, state plan amendments, and federal waivers.
• Develops timelines and other project management documentation; and coordination and communication with senior and executive management, staff, and impacted stakeholders.
• Establishes, facilities, and set goals and objectives for multiple policy workgroups and develops and approves work products.
• Workgroups will include staff from all impacted areas within HHS and external stakeholders, as appropriate.
• Seeks guidance from and enters discussions with federal partners on interpretation of federal statute, rules, regulations, and other guidance.
• Works with stakeholders to provide information and request input.
• Represents AES as a subject matter expert at business meetings, council and committee meetings, legislative meetings, and conferences and seminars.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of Texas Works Medicaid, CHIP, HTW and other federal social service programs.
• Knowledge of state and federal statute, rules, regulations, and guidance relevant to program areas.
• Strong skills in researching, interpreting, and analyzing complex federal and state policies.
• Skill in synthesizing complicated and technical information and translating it into understandable and concise documents and oral presentations.
• Skill in developing and evaluating policies and procedures; assessing risk and developing contingency plans; and making recommendations and decisions.
• Skill in problem solving and independent decision-making.
• Skill in developing creative and workable solutions to complex problems and policy issues.
• Skill in interpersonal relationships, including the ability to work with people under pressure, negotiate among multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Skill in communicating effectively orally and in writing and at presenting information publicly.
• Ability to develop work plans and organize and direct work.
• Ability to prioritize time and manage multiple project deadlines.
• Ability to represent the department as a subject matter expert.
• Ability to plan and assign the work of others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

N/A

Initial Screening 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., writing, policy, social work, and public health); relevant work experience may substitute for education on a year for year basis
• At least 2 years of experience in policy writing, policy creation, or experience in Medicaid, CHIP, Health Texas Women or other social service programs and policy
• Experience in policy development processes
• Experience writing, researching, interpreting, and analyzing complex data and policies
• Experience synthesizing complex information and translating it into clear and concise policy documents

Additional Information

Occasional travel within Texas is required.

Flexible telework options are available in accordance with HHSC policy.

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

The position may require occasional travel for meetings or training.

This position is posted state-wide and located in Austin. If the selected candidate does not reside within 50 miles of the assigned HHSC AES State Office Headquarters (JJ Winters Complex, 701 W 51st St, Austin, TX 78751), they may not be eligible for reimbursement to Austin Headquarters based on current travel policies.

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.

Nearest Major Market

Austin