Senior Advisor for the Deputy Director for Program Policy (PSVII)

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Functional Title: Senior Advisor for the Deputy Director for Program Policy (PSVII)

Job Title: Program Specialist VII

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Program Policy Spec A

Posting Number: 17868

Closing Date: 06/26/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Community and Social Services

Salary Range: $5,797.66 - $9,508.25

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25

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: 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) Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) Division seeks a highly qualified senior-level candidate to fill the position of Senior Advisor (Program Specialist VII) for the Deputy Director for Program Policy (Deputy Director) the HHSC Office of Policy. The Senior Advisor performs highly advanced (senior-level) research, analysis, consultative services, and editing deliverables for executives. This position will serve as the key coordination point for the Deputy Director by managing internal reviews of memorandum, legislative reports, and other critical deliverables. The Senior Advisor reports directly to the Deputy Director, and leads the team reporting directly to the Deputy Director. This position works frequently with other leadership in MCS and the Office of Policy. The ideal candidate is detailed-oriented, thrives in a stimulating, fast-paced environment, manages conflicting priorities, has a proven track record of working in partnership with other team members to drive strategy and results and applies a system-level perspective to the production of excellent work. This position works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

As the Senior Advisor, this position primarily spans the Program Policy area in the Office of Policy. The position plans, oversees, and manages the development and ongoing operation of highly complex, highly visible federal and state directed initiatives, and assists the Deputy Director with overseeing the daily operations of the unit. The individual will develop work plans, manage schedules, monitor and report on progress, and communicate with unit staff stakeholders, agency leadership, and others. The position also oversees, and may directly supervise, the work of other staff. This position will foster coordination within MCS and across other divisions in HHSC to produce high quality work.

Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy.

Manages and prioritizes correspondence to the Deputy Director for reviews, approvals, and routing to division and/or agency leadership. Assists in the assignment of work within Program Policy. Provides support to the leadership team related to correspondence. Develops communication materials and ensures communication to MCS and HHS Executive Leadership, internal, and external stakeholders is consistent with agency standards. Exercises discretion and sound judgement in the management of correspondence and special projects. Coordinates with MCS team members and other HHS divisions. (30%)

Assists the Deputy Director with daily operations and with overseeing a variety of operational functions and initiatives. Prioritizes, assigns, tracks, monitors, and reports on program initiatives lead by peers throughout the various stages of planning and implementation. Prepares and approves high-quality letters, memoranda, analyses, reports, job descriptions, presentations, agendas, bill analysis and other assigned writing tasks. Prepares responses to public, stakeholder, and legislative inquiries. Identifies staff training needs and develops guidance to support staff development. (30%)

Serves as lead on the development and implementation of complex program initiatives. Plans, oversees, and manages the development and ongoing operation of assigned special projects including those related to federal and state directed initiatives. Develops work plans, monitors and reports on progress, and communicates with unit staff, stakeholders, agency leadership, and others. Prepares quality research, analysis, and written updates, summaries, and other documents as assigned. Develops materials for the preparation or in follow up to workgroups and meetings conducted with internal and external stakeholders. Interprets agency rules and federal and state laws, and oversees compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules. Oversees and assists staff with the development and implementation of program options impacting HHSC agencies, including program analysis, option development, timelines, and fiscal impact analyses. Sets goals and objectives, makes assignments, provides direction, reviews and approves work products. (15%)

Collaborates with other organizational areas within MCS and with other health and human services divisions. Acts as liaison to other program staff and other agencies concerning programs and initiatives being managed by MCS. Provides input and technical assistance and guidance to staff (internal and other HHS agencies) in the development and implementation of program changes and new initiatives. (15%)

Works with and speaks to community and professional groups, other HHSC programs, other state agencies, legislative staff, the Medicaid managed care organizations, and public stakeholders, to provide information, technical assistance, identify needs and resolve issues. Provides oral presentations and written materials, as appropriate. (5%)

Performs other duties, as assigned. (5%)

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Medicaid and CHIP, including managed care programs.
• Project management processes and tools.
• Federal laws, regulations, and processes regarding Medicaid and CHIP.
• The legislative process and legislation analysis.

Skill in:

• Program and project management.
• Research, policy analysis, and policy development.
• Leading teams and working with multiple stakeholders.
• Synthesizing complex concepts into clear, concise deliverables or talking points.
• Written and oral communication, including public presentations, and producing sophisticated reports.
• Communicating with executives both orally and in writing.
• Meeting facilitation.
• Using personal computer application software such as MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint, Teams, or similar programs.

Ability to:

• Work cooperatively as a team member in a fast-paced, deadline orientated environment.
• Plan and organize work.
• Perform work with a high degree of attention to detail.
• Lead others.
• Build consensus.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Required

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university (six years of relevant work experience in the health and human services field may be substituted for this four-year educational requirement).
• Three years of full-time work experience in the health and human services field (a master's degree may substitute for one year of work experience).
• Experience developing and maintaining health policy.
• Experience preparing project or decision materials for leadership level consideration.
• Experience developing formal correspondence, reports, or other documents on behalf of HHSC, or similar, leadership.

Preferred

• Experience working on Medicaid policy.
• Master's degree.

Additional Information:

There will be a skills demonstration "in-basket" conducted as part of the interview process.

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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 Auditors 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.