The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks highly qualified candidates to fill the position of Director for Program Policy within the Access and Eligibility Services (AES) division. AES is driven by the mission to connect Texans to services by helping individuals and families in need of food, medical care, cash assistance and other social services.
The Director uses a working knowledge of the state’s major health and human services policy environment to advise AES and agency leadership regarding eligibility policy. The Director directs strategic operations and program planning for the Program Policy team. Leading a team of professional policy staff, the Director establishes goals, objectives, guidance and procedures related to eligibility for Texas Medicaid (Title XIX), the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) (Title XXI), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the other state and federal programs administered by HHSC and AES.
Reporting to the Associate Commissioner for Policy and Quality, the Director of Program Policy oversees three teams under Program Policy:
Medicaid and CHIP
Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities
SNAP and TANF
The Director interacts routinely with agency leadership, legislative offices, federal partners and external stakeholders to inform policy decisions and achieve positive outcomes for Texans. Work is performed under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position is a hybrid position based in Austin with telework available in accordance with agency policy.
The ideal candidate will thrive in an environment that emphasizes innovation through new ideas, strives for excellence by taking pride in their work, embraces people’s differences as a source of strength, accomplishes more through partnership, leads by example and learns for continuous improvement.
Essential Job Functions
Provides effective leadership, management, and oversight of the Program Policy team and is accountable for the team’s effectiveness in meeting short- and long-term goals. Performs all administrative functions related to management and applies appropriate techniques to effectively develop and manage team performance.
Directs the planning and implementation of processes and projects related to eligibility policy for state and federal programs administered by HHSC and AES. Ensures policy information is accurate, consistent with state and agency priorities and disseminated appropriately to relevant internal and external stakeholders. Oversees the development of senior-level work plans and timelines. Oversees the allocation of resources to achieve policy and program objectives consistent with agency, CPSO and AES mission, vision and values. Provides guidance, direction, and technical assistance to agency staff on policy, legislative, stakeholder, and communications issues related to AES.
Oversees the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of reports and materials in response to requests for information. Reviews and approves high-quality briefing documents, issue papers, correspondence, policy bulletins, and memoranda for senior and executive management decision-making.
Effectively communicates program issues to leadership and works collaboratively to identify solutions. Identifies areas of needed change related to AES and makes recommendations for improvement. Maintains relationships with program and agency staff to stay informed of potential and pending program changes. Ensures effective program integration through successful communication and coordination between various divisions, departments and units within the HHS system and with agency partners.
Negotiates and coordinates complex program changes with federal officials and state leadership. Oversees interpretation and implementation of complex federal and state statutes, regulations, and guidance. Provides concise summaries of changes to inform agency staff, stakeholders, clients and legislative staff. Maintains ongoing and current knowledge of state and federal health and human services policy priorities. Coordinates activities related to legislative session and implementation resulting from new legislation. Serves in a lead role for legislative tracking, bill analysis, and agency cost estimate development for AES. Represents AES in meetings with executive leadership, legislative hearings, council and committee meetings, and conferences and seminars.
Performs other duties as assigned and required to meet the mission and goals of HHSC.
Knowledge Skills Abilities
Knowledge of local, state and federal laws and regulations relevant to health and human services programs.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and management.
Knowledge of Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, and TANF programs and the other state and federal programs administered by HHSC and AES.
Knowledge of Health and Human Services System agencies and programs.
Knowledge of state and federal legislative process.
Knowledge of project management principles.
Knowledge of strategic planning and program evaluations.
Skill in developing and evaluating policies and procedures to assess risk and develop contingency plans and to make recommendations and decisions.
Skill in policy analysis.
Skill in using independent judgment to evaluate problems and make decisions and recommendations.
Skill in effective communication practices, orally and in writing.
Skill in synthesizing complicated and technical information into concise materials appropriate for an external audience.
Skill in handling multiple assignments, prioritizing and delegating to meet deadlines.
Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives and implement effective solutions.
Ability to adapt to changing conditions and direction.
Ability to establish goals and objectives for a complex government organization.
Ability to effectively plan, assign, and supervise the work of others.
Ability to collaborate and develop effective working relationships with agency team members, working quickly with multiple parties to devise solutions and resolve conflicts.
Ability to employ empathy and best practices for interpersonal communication with clients and families navigating a complex system.
Registration Or Licensure Requirements
N/A
Initial Selection Criteria
Graduation from a four year accredited college or university, or ten years full-time experience with human services program management, public administration, or public policy analysis. At least four years progressively responsible experience leading teams and managing professional staff. Experience leading or overseeing major projects. Experience analyzing, developing and implementing policy changes. Legislative experience preferred.
Additional Information
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.
Applicants may not have a history of substantiated fraudulent activity against HHSC or any programs it administers. Applicants who have a non-fraud overpayment with an outstanding balance must agree to repay the overpayment balance as a condition of employment.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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.
This position is a statewide position with the capability to telework in accordance with agency policy. Selected candidate must have the ability to provide a personal home internet service.
MOS Code
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is committed to hiring veterans and creating a work environment that values and retains the skills that service members bring to the job. A veteran is an individual who has served in *the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Marine Corps of the United States or the United States Public Health Service under 42 U.S.C. Section 201 et seq., as amended; *the Texas military forces as defined by Section 437.001 of Texas Government Code; or *an auxiliary service of one of those branches of the armed forces; and *has been honorably discharged from the branch of the service in which the person served. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx. VETERANS: Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs! Go to www.texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications and skill sets. Also, you can compare this position to military occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor’s Office by pasting this link into your browser: http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx. For more information on military occupational specialty codes, see the Military Crosswalk Guide.
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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.
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