Program Policy Director Job Listing at Texas Health and Human Services in Austin, TX (Job ID 14857-en_US)

Description

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 Director 
Job Title: Director II 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: LongTermSvcs & Supports Policy 
Posting Number: 14857 
Closing Date: 04/02/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Range: $7,015.16 - $11,864.50 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-27 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 5% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 8003,8040,8041,8042,10C0,111X,112X,113X,114X,20C0,30C0,40C0,611X,612X,631X,641X,648X,90G0,91C0,91W0 
97E0,SEI15 
 
 

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) department seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Director of Program Policy (Director II). MCS is driven by its mission to deliver quality, cost-effective services to Texans. This position makes a significant contribution to MCS's mission by leading program policy and program development initiatives across delivery models, across all populations served by Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and across all services available to individuals served by our programs.

The position will report to the Deputy Director of Program Policy and oversee one of three program policy units. As a director and member of the leadership team, tasks will include advanced (senior-level) managerial work providing direction and guidance in strategic operations and planning of the office. The director will establish the strategic plan, goals and objectives for the program policy unit. The director will have oversight of a team of approximately 15 full-time equivalents (FTEs), including two managers. The position will work under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

The director will oversee program policy development, program management, stakeholder relations, training activities, legislative session bill analysis processes and implementation, project implementation, and management of staffing and program budgets. Primary areas of oversight include program policy related to Medicaid and CHIP, fee-for-service and managed care delivery models, behavioral health services, Medicaid services for children including children in conservatorship, nonemergency medical transportation, and more.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment that emphasizes the following: flexibility, teamwork to achieve goals, excellence through high professional standards and personal accountability, curiosity to continuously grow and learn, critical thinking for effective execution, and integrity to do things right even when what is right is not easy.

This position will allow for constant learning opportunities and a chance to impact the healthcare and supports provided to individuals enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP. The program policy unit offers a collaborative and supportive working environment.  

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

20% Develops program goals, strategies and initiatives to align with MCS priorities and the HHSC strategic plan. The MCS priorities and strategic oversight for this position requires providing programmatic and policy direction to Medicaid and CHIP managed care organizations, Medicaid and CHIP providers and other contractors as they implement contractual requirements and new initiatives. It also requires analyzing and monitoring operational and financial impacts of policy and program initiatives on Medicaid and CHIP programs.

20% Directs, hires, trains, and develops professional and technical staff for the unit. Collaborates with program policy leadership to build and maintain a supportive environment for staff and a culture of excellence. Work includes setting clear and appropriate expectations, directing appropriate orientation and training resources, leading managers to deliver ongoing coaching to build staff capacity, leading process improvement and staff development initiatives, holding managers and staff accountable for meeting expectations, recognizing and rewarding staff accomplishments and effort, and addressing performance issues in a timely manner.

20% Ensures development and timely submission of program policy deliverables and implementation of state and federal directives, responses to state and federal audits within established timeframes, and compliance with consent decrees and court orders. Deliverables include, but are not limited to: required materials for submission to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; Texas Administrative Code rule projects; managed care contractual requirement development or amendments and guidance for managed care organizations and providers.

20% Collaborates with policy leadership to direct the implementation of the MCS program policy state and federal bill analyses, exceptional item requests, and oversees staff responsible for tracking and analyzing legislation impacting Medicaid and CHIP programs. Participates on the legislative session team.

15% Directs and provides effective written and oral communication. Represents the agency and Medicaid and CHIP Services department at meetings, legislative hearings, conferences, committee meetings, panels, stakeholder meetings, and other forums. This includes overseeing and directing staff to be subject matter liaisons to certain committees.  Presents complex materials in understandable formats. Engages stakeholders in work related to program policy initiatives.

5% Works collaboratively across MCS to identify innovative and effective solutions for individuals receiving services and staff, including fostering relationships and building rapport across teams.  Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to Medicaid, CHIP, and health and human services
• Knowledge and experience with the Texas legislative process
• Business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, and leadership techniques
• State and federal Medicaid and CHIP, or health care-related, laws and regulations
• Project and program management principles and practices
• Policy development tools, resources, methods, and practices
• Principles and practices of public administration and management
• Leadership and staff development principles and practices

Skilled in:

• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting complex written material
• Managing multiple, sometimes conflicting, priorities without jeopardizing deadlines or system milestones
• Effective verbal and written communication, including adjusting communications to fit the intended audience
• Establishing and maintaining productive and credible working relationships both internally and externally
• Developing long-range and short-term plans
• Using Microsoft Office Suite

Ability to:

• Plan, assign, prioritize, supervise, and evaluate the work of others
• Hire, train, and develop staff
• Lead development of Medicaid and CHIP Services program policy, contractual requirements, and rules in the Texas Administrative Code
• Direct the implementation of multiple programs, projects, and processes across a large diverse team
• Coordinate and lead the team to meet multiple varying deadlines with high-profile complex work and competing priorities
• Provide leadership that promotes teamwork and motivates staff
• Identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and devise and implement sound solutions related to complex policy issues
• Take initiative and be resourceful
• Think creatively and support creative thinking in others
• Perform well in a team environment, including working collaboratively to accomplish objectives
• Produce accurate, high-quality results
• Negotiate with individuals and groups, develop professional networks, and identify the internal and external dynamics that impact the work of the organization
• Work independently with extensive latitude for independent judgment

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university or ten years experience in a leadership position in a health and human services organization.
• Five years' full-time work experience in the health and human services field.
• At least two years experience supervising staff or leading a team.
•  
• Preferred criteria:
• Experience in health policy development.
• Experience working in Medicaid or CHIP programs.
• Experience working with managed care organizations.
• Five years' full-time experience performing consultative, supervisory, managerial, professional, or technical work during which the applicant regularly analyzed work problems from an administrative aspect and interpreted complex written material.

Additional information

Additional about the programs this position supports can be found in the 2024 edition of the Texas Medicaid PinkBook https://www.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/texas-medicaid-chip-reference-guide-15th-edition.pdf.

HHSC is a qualifying organization for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments.

Additional benefits of joining the MCS Office of Policy include:

Leadership commitment to invest in and foster your professional growth and career advancement.

Being part of a team that impacts the lives of millions of Texans that depend on Texas Medicaid throughout Texas.

Being on the ground level of healthcare policy development and implementation, including the opportunity to work closely with stakeholders such as federal partners, providers, advocates, managed care organizations, and other health care contractors.

Engagement with the Texas legislative process, including the opportunity to analyze and inform legislators of potential impact of proposed bills.

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.

The final salary offer is dependent on factors such as Human Resources policies and available budget.

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.