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: Senior Policy Analyst
Job Title: Program Specialist V
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Pharmacy Benefits Mgmt MMIS
Posting Number: 15683
Closing Date: 04/21/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services
Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $5,888.50
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework: Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 10%
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:
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) division seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Senior Policy Analyst (Program Specialist V). This position is hired by and reports to the Director of Policy and Project Management in the Vendor Drug Program (VDP).
VDP is driven by its mission to deliver quality, cost-effective outpatient drug benefits to Texans. This position makes a significant contribution to VDP's mission by performing highly advanced, senior-level consultative and technical assistance work related to outpatient drug policies and projects for Medicaid and CHIP.
Duties include development of VDP outpatient drug policies and procedures; planning, prioritizing, coordinating, and implementing policy analysis and program management activities with other MCS and agency staff; collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to develop outpatient drug policy; and leading and serving as VDP liaison to pertinent workgroups. This position participates in bill analysis during legislative session.
The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment that emphasizes: excellence through high professional standards and personal accountability, self-motivation and initiative, curiosity to continuously grow and learn, critical thinking for effective execution, teamwork to achieve goals, and personal and professional integrity.
This position will allow for constant learning opportunities and a chance to impact the healthcare provided to individuals receiving Medicaid services. VDP offers a collaborative and supportive working environment. This position is located in the Austin area, and applicants must live in the Austin area. Telework is currently allowed for three days out of the week but is subject to change.
Essential Job Functions:
40% -- Policy analysis, development, and implementation. Provides advanced (senior-level) research, analysis, evaluation, and technical assistance policy work for VDP. Oversees the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of materials in response to requests for policy information and reports. This includes completing bill analysis during the Texas legislative session, which involves researching, analyzing, understanding, and communicating impacts of the bills on VDP. Develops, implements, and manages complex projects related to VDP policy.
30% -- Policy consultation and provider education. Provides technical assistance related to the outpatient drug benefit to MCS staff, HHSC Forecasting, HHSC Actuarial Analysis, other HHS agencies, and other state agencies. Provides subject matter expertise and technical consultation related to the development, evaluation, and implementation of VDP educational materials and initiatives for pharmacies, prescribers, or other internal and external stakeholders.
20% -- Collaboration and communication. Provides advanced-level coordination and collaboration with internal and external entities. Leads projects with limited notice and accelerated timelines to produce expert and diverse division results. Uses strong oral and written communication skills to work with varying departments, agencies, staff persons, clients and providers.
5% -- Escalates any issues that present a potential risk to the program.
5% -- Performs other duties as assigned and required to meet the mission and goals of MCS. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Attends works on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: None.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of Medicaid, CHIP, state and federal legislative process, health care programs and policies.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the Medicaid and CHIP programs.
Knowledge of government organization and administration.
Ability to perform work with a high degree of attention to detail.
Ability to problem-solve.
Skill in planning and organizing.
Ability to identify issues that present a potential risk to the Medicaid programs, MCS or agency, including identifying political impacts.
Ability to work independently and operate effectively within established guidelines and timeframes.
Ability to work collaboratively with multi-levels of staff persons, and both internal and external agencies.
Ability to work cooperatively as a team member in a fast-paced, deadline-orientated environment.
Initial Screening Criteria:
At least one year of experience researching and analyzing complex health policy issues and interacting with internal and external stakeholders is required. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a field relevant to the position is required.
Other Information:
1. Applications must be fully completed; job histories must demonstrate how you meet the initial screening criteria at a minimum.
2. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the HHSC Human Resources compensation policy.
3. Interviews may be conducted online via Microsoft Teams. Applicants should have the ability to meet using virtual meeting tools.
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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.
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