Policy Analyst

FALL CREEK FARM & NURSERY; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks a Policy Analyst (Program Specialist V) to join the Access and Eligibility Services team in Austin. You will conduct advanced policy analysis and develop guidance for Texas Works Medicaid, CHIP, and HTW programs, collaborating with diverse stakeholders.

Ideal candidates bring strong research, writing, and project coordination skills, and a track record in policy development.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college with major coursework in public policy, social work, public health, or related field preferred.
• Experience conducting policy analysis.
• Experience with Texas Works Medicaid, CHIP, HTW programs or other social service policy.

Responsibilities

• Completes complex research assignments and interprets federal and state guidance using advanced analytical skills.
• Delivers accurate analysis within established timelines and presents findings clearly.
• Reviews and synthesizes data to support policy decision-making.
• Drafts, reviews, and edits policy documents including bulletins, memos, and handbook updates.
• Prepares briefings, memos, and materials that support leadership decisions.
• Supports policy implementation tasks to ensure successful rollout, accuracy, and consistency.

Skills

Policy analysis

Research

Communication

Project coordination

Independent decision-making

Education

Public policy/public health degree preferred

Tools

Policy docs

Job description

Posting ID20991-Posted09/03/2026-Health & Human Services Comm-PP Medicaid/CHIP-Community and Social Services-Eligible for Telework-b. $3000 - $4999 per month

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 Analyst

Job Title: Program Specialist V

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: PP Medicaid/CHIP

Posting Number: 20991

Closing Date: 09/17/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Community and Social Services

Salary Range: $4,523.16-$6,200.00

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21

Shift: Day

Additional Shift: None

Telework: Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 20%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST

Other Locations: None

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 Analyst (Program Specialist V) position within the 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 Program Specialist V performs highly advanced consultative work involving complex research, analysis, and policy development related to eligibility policy for Texas Works Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Healthy Texas Women (HTW) administered by HHSC and AES. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative environment, demonstrates strong analytical and communication skills, and excels in coordinating policy development efforts across diverse stakeholders.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• Completes complex research assignments and interprets federal and state guidance using advanced analytical skills.
• Delivers accurate analysis within established timelines and presents findings clearly.
• Reviews and synthesizes data to support policy decision-making.
• Drafts, reviews, and edits policy documents including bulletins, memos, and handbook updates.
• Prepares briefings, memos, and materials that support leadership decisions.
• Supports policy implementation tasks to ensure successful rollout, accuracy, and consistency.
• Serves as a subject matter expert in meetings and workgroups.
• Provides timely and accurate clarification on escalated policy issues.
• Builds productive working relationships with internal and external partners.
• Coordinates project development and management activities, operationalizing project goals.
• Tracks policy issues, identifies challenges, and offers solutions.
• Manages multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Knowledge of Texas Works Medicaid, CHIP, and HTW programs administered by HHSC.
• Knowledge of federal and state legislative and policy development processes.
• Skill in researching, interpreting, and analyzing complex policy data.
• Skill in preparing clear and concise policy documents.
• Skill in communication, problem-solving, and independent decision-making.
• Ability to organize work, manage multiple projects, and collaborate effectively.
• Ability to represent the department as a subject matter expert.

Registration, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Selection Criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public policy, social work, public health, or a related field preferred; relevant work experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience conducting policy analysis.
• Experience working with Texas Works Medicaid, CHIP, HTW programs or other social service programs and policy.
• Experience synthesizing complex information and preparing clear policy documents.

Preferred Selection Criteria:

• Experience with legislative bill analysis and research.
• Experience with project management or working with projects.

Additional Information:

Occasional travel within Texas is required.
Flexible telework options are availablein accordance withHHSC policy.
Applicants selected for hire will berequiredto 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 tothose 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.