Program Policy PSV HCS/TxHmL

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid time off

Telework eligible

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in Austin seeks experienced Program Policy specialists to advance LTSS policy across 1915(c) waivers and related programs. You will develop, analyze, and implement complex policy solutions, coordinating with internal teams and external stakeholders.

Successful applicants will provide senior-level advisory support, produce high-quality documents, and guide policy amendments while working with limited supervision.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Experience in policy development related to 1915(c) Medicaid waiver programs, public health, or state government.
• Strong communication skills and ability to translate complex policy into clear documents.

Responsibilities

• Develops and revises Medicaid LTSS waivers, state rules, policies, amendments, and plans.
• Conducts research, analysis, and evaluation of Medicaid LTSS program issues.
• Leads or participates in workgroups with internal and external stakeholders to implement waiver initiatives.
• Produces written updates, summaries, reports, and policy documents for leadership and public.

Skills

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Oral communication

Written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Windows applications

Job description

• Excellent health benefits,

Date: Sep 3, 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: Program Policy PSV HCS/TxHmLJob Title: Program Specialist VAgency: Health & Human Services CommDepartment: LongTermSvcs & Supports PolicyPosting Number: 20758Closing Date: 09/17/2026Posting Audience: Internal and ExternalOccupational Category: Community and Social ServicesSalary Range: $4,523.16 - $7,253.83Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21Shift: DayAdditional Shift: Days (First)Telework: Eligible for TeleworkTravel: Up to 15%Regular/Temporary: RegularFull Time/Part Time: Full timeFLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST

Other Locations: Austin

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

Brief Job Description

The Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) team within the Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) Office of Policy is seeking new team members who are passionate about improving critical services for fellow Texans. This team is responsible for developing and implementing program policy requirements and ensuring the quality operation of several long-term care programs critical to the safety and independence of thousands of children and adults in Texas with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and related conditions.

Applicants may be considered for Program Specialist V positions for any of the following programs:

- This posting is for HCS and TxHml-

• The Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) 1915(c) and the Deaf Blind Multiple Disability (DBMD) 1915(c) Medicaid Waiver;
• The Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) 1915(c) Medicaid waiver programs;
• The Medically Dependent Children’s Program (MDCP), Day Activity and Health Services (DAHS), Emergency Response Services (ERS), Special Services to People with Disabilities and Transition Assistance Services (TAS); or
• The Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) 1915(c) Medicaid waiver programs.

Selected applicants will be expected to perform highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work, including planning, developing, and implementing elements of Texas’ 1915(c) programs noted above. Positions may provide consultative services and technical assistance to program staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, or the general public. May serve as a lead worker providing direction to others. Selected applicants will be expected to work with minimal supervision, with considerable latitude to exercise initiative and independent judgment.

Work Includes

• Analysis of state and federal Medicaid policies that impact waiver programs.
• Facilitation and participation in workgroups and meetings with both internal and external stakeholders and other policy specialists to develop, implement, oversee, and evaluate initiatives related to waiver program services.
• The position prepares written project updates, summaries, briefings, reports, plans, bill analysis, and other documents for both internal and external communication of policies related to the waiver programs.
• Responsibilities include delivering executive and leadership briefings, presentations to internal and external stakeholders, providing subject matter expertise on program policy, reviewing and providing input on waiver amendments, drafting, and finalizing policies and other time-sensitive written materials.

Essential Job Functions

(25%) Develops and revises Medicaid waivers, state rules, policies, amendments, and plans for LTSS programs.

(20%) Conducts research, analysis, and evaluation of complex program and policy issues and initiatives related to Medicaid LTSS programs.

(15%) Develops or implements projects or special initiatives related to the Medicaid LTSS program. This may involve studying and analyzing program operations and problems and preparing recommendations for improvement.

(15%) Participates as a subject matter expert in assigned Medicaid LTSS programs and provides high-level advice and counsel by interpreting policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and standards related to the program.

(15%) Coordinates with and speaks to internal and external stakeholders as a subject matter expert on assigned Medicaid LTSS programs and may work with stakeholders to resolve problems, identify training needs, and discuss program effectiveness.

(10%) Develops high-quality written project updates, summaries, reports, executive presentations, bill analyses, and other documents. In doing so, may develop policy recommendations on programmatic issues related to the implementation, improvement, and/or changes in program funding.

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule, in accordance with the agency leave policy, to perform duties as assigned.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

N/A

Knowledge Of

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Medicaid HCBS waiver programs or long-term care programs and policies, and state and federal legislative process.
• Policies affecting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• State and federal Medicaid policy development and analysis

Skill In

• Managing or participating in complex projects
• Synthesizing complicated and technical information and translating it into easily understandable and concise documents and/or presentations for agency leadership, elected officials, and the public.
• Developing creative and workable solutions to complex problems and policy issues.
• Communicating effectively – orally and in writing.
• Working with diverse groups and interests.

Ability To

• Manage competing priorities, work under pressure, negotiate interests of multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Work cooperatively and effectively in a team environment.
• Exercise good judgment and work independently with limited direction.
• Use applications in a Microsoft Windows environment.

Initial Screening Criteria

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university (related experience and education may be substituted for one another).
• Experience in direct care, case management, oversight or policy development related to 1915(c) Medicaid waiver programs, public health, state government, social work, or another related field. Experience in a field related to LTSS preferred.

Additional Information

• Additional information about the programs these positions support can be found in the 2025 edition of the Texas Medicaid Pink Book.
• These positions are based in Austin, TX. While teleworking opportunities are available, contingent on performance, these positions will not be 100% telework.
• State of Texas employees participate in outstanding benefits:
• Excellent health benefits,
• Lifetime monthly retirement annuity,
• Generous time off benefits.

Additional benefits of joining the MCS Office of Policy include:

• Leadership commitment to invest in and foster your professional growth or knowledge of the Texas Medicaid program and your career advancement.
• Having a profound impact on the lives of thousands of Medicaid clients who depend on LTSS throughout Texas.
• Being on the ground level of healthcare policy implementation, including the opportunity to work closely with stakeholders such as federal partners, providers, advocates, managed care organizations, and other healthcare contractors.
• Engagement with the Texas legislative process to analyze and inform legislators of the potential impact of proposed bills.
• Being part of a team at the forefront of interpreting, implementing, and developing policy that has statewide impact.
• The opportunity to learn and engage with multiple domains of the healthcare delivery system, including managed care, fee-for-service, federal/state Medicaid partnerships and other activities related to the administration of the Medicaid program.
• Note: Factors including but not limited to HR Policies, budgetary limitations, qualifications, experience, and tenure will determine the final salary offer.

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.

Nearest Major Market: Austin