Texas Health and Human Services
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.
Overview
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the Director I position within the Access and Eligibility Services (AES) – Program Policy Division. AES helps Texans access essential services such as food, medical care, and financial assistance. This Director I position is selected by and reports to the Director of Policy and Strategy under the Deputy Associate Commissioner (DAC) of Policy and Quality. The position leads the Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities (MEPD) Policy Team. The team is responsible for eligibility policy development and analysis for programs that serve individuals who are age 65 and older or have disabilities, including programs that support long-term services and supports (LTSS). The MEPD Director oversees policy research, development, implementation, and evaluation for Medicaid programs affecting these populations. The Director also collaborates extensively with HHSC program areas, Legal Services, Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS), state and federal partners, stakeholders, and agency leadership to ensure alignment, compliance, and clarity across all policy deliverables. The position is located in Central Texas and travel may be required, including same-day trips to Austin for legislative and key workgroup activities. Note:
Applicants selected for hire will be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. Responsibilities
Lead and manage the MEPD Policy Team: Direct a team of policy specialists responsible for developing and maintaining eligibility policy for MEPD programs. Provide supervision, coaching, performance feedback, and professional development to support a high-performing team culture. (25%) Oversee policy development and compliance: Manage the creation and revision of eligibility policy, including handbook updates, guidance documents, and responses to state and federal requirements. Ensure compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and agency policy. (20%) Conduct research and legislative analysis: Oversee research and analysis of federal regulations, CMS and SSA guidance, and state legislation. Lead the review of legislative proposals, bill analyses, and fiscal notes to assess the impact on MEPD programs. (15%) Develop and approve communications and deliverables: Review and approve a wide range of materials, including executive summaries, training materials, guidance documents, notices, and stakeholder communications, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and consistency. (10%) Serve as subject matter expert and liaison: Act as a subject matter expert on eligibility policy for elderly and disabled populations. Represent the agency in legislative briefings, stakeholder meetings, conferences, and internal/external workgroups. (10%) Foster innovation and strategic collaboration: Lead or support special projects (e.g., asset verification, SSI alignment). Collaborate with agency leadership, cross-functional teams, and external partners. Promote openness to innovation and use of modern technology to improve policy development and team operations. (10%) Support state plan and rulemaking activities: Coordinate development and review of State Plan amendments, waiver applications, and Texas Administrative Code (TAC) revisions. Ensure alignment of MEPD policy with operational practices and legal requirements. (5%) Other duties as assigned. (5%) Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities (KSAs)
Knowledge of MEPD programs, long-term services and supports, Medicaid eligibility rules, and related federal guidance. Knowledge of the Social Security Act, Code of Federal Regulations, and HHSC policies governing eligibility for aged and disabled populations. Skill in interpreting federal and state policy, identifying operational impacts, and drafting clear policy guidance. Skill in legislative analysis, including bill tracking, impact analysis, and coordination of responses and presentations. Skill in supervising and coaching a professional policy team and managing competing priorities. Ability to synthesize complex information into accessible formats for multiple audiences, including decision-makers and stakeholders. Ability to lead collaborative projects with cross-functional teams and external partners. Ability to identify risks, evaluate alternatives, and develop strategic solutions. Openness to innovation and a willingness to explore or adopt modern technology, automation tools, or digital solutions to improve team performance and policy operations. Initial Screening Criteria
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in public policy, public administration, social work, law, or a related field. Experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis. At least five years of experience in eligibility policy, Medicaid, or human services programs. At least two years of experience in supervision, team leadership, or project management preferred. Experience developing or implementing policy for aged or disabled populations preferred. Experience with state and federal policy development processes. Experience analyzing legislation, interpreting federal guidance, and drafting technical documents. Application must demonstrate how the candidate meets the initial selection criteria and knowledge, skills, and abilities. Other Information
N/A Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC. Legal and Accessibility
ADA accommodations are available in the hiring process. If you need assistance completing the online application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation, please notify the interviewer. Pre-employment checks and work eligibility: Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation on your first day of work. Telework disclaimer: This position may be eligible for telework. Telework policies vary by state and agency, and are subject to supervisor and business needs. Location
Job Location City: AUSTIN Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST Nearest Major Market: Austin
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The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the Director I position within the Access and Eligibility Services (AES) – Program Policy Division. AES helps Texans access essential services such as food, medical care, and financial assistance. This Director I position is selected by and reports to the Director of Policy and Strategy under the Deputy Associate Commissioner (DAC) of Policy and Quality. The position leads the Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities (MEPD) Policy Team. The team is responsible for eligibility policy development and analysis for programs that serve individuals who are age 65 and older or have disabilities, including programs that support long-term services and supports (LTSS). The MEPD Director oversees policy research, development, implementation, and evaluation for Medicaid programs affecting these populations. The Director also collaborates extensively with HHSC program areas, Legal Services, Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS), state and federal partners, stakeholders, and agency leadership to ensure alignment, compliance, and clarity across all policy deliverables. The position is located in Central Texas and travel may be required, including same-day trips to Austin for legislative and key workgroup activities. Note:
Applicants selected for hire will be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. Responsibilities
Lead and manage the MEPD Policy Team: Direct a team of policy specialists responsible for developing and maintaining eligibility policy for MEPD programs. Provide supervision, coaching, performance feedback, and professional development to support a high-performing team culture. (25%) Oversee policy development and compliance: Manage the creation and revision of eligibility policy, including handbook updates, guidance documents, and responses to state and federal requirements. Ensure compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and agency policy. (20%) Conduct research and legislative analysis: Oversee research and analysis of federal regulations, CMS and SSA guidance, and state legislation. Lead the review of legislative proposals, bill analyses, and fiscal notes to assess the impact on MEPD programs. (15%) Develop and approve communications and deliverables: Review and approve a wide range of materials, including executive summaries, training materials, guidance documents, notices, and stakeholder communications, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and consistency. (10%) Serve as subject matter expert and liaison: Act as a subject matter expert on eligibility policy for elderly and disabled populations. Represent the agency in legislative briefings, stakeholder meetings, conferences, and internal/external workgroups. (10%) Foster innovation and strategic collaboration: Lead or support special projects (e.g., asset verification, SSI alignment). Collaborate with agency leadership, cross-functional teams, and external partners. Promote openness to innovation and use of modern technology to improve policy development and team operations. (10%) Support state plan and rulemaking activities: Coordinate development and review of State Plan amendments, waiver applications, and Texas Administrative Code (TAC) revisions. Ensure alignment of MEPD policy with operational practices and legal requirements. (5%) Other duties as assigned. (5%) Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities (KSAs)
Knowledge of MEPD programs, long-term services and supports, Medicaid eligibility rules, and related federal guidance. Knowledge of the Social Security Act, Code of Federal Regulations, and HHSC policies governing eligibility for aged and disabled populations. Skill in interpreting federal and state policy, identifying operational impacts, and drafting clear policy guidance. Skill in legislative analysis, including bill tracking, impact analysis, and coordination of responses and presentations. Skill in supervising and coaching a professional policy team and managing competing priorities. Ability to synthesize complex information into accessible formats for multiple audiences, including decision-makers and stakeholders. Ability to lead collaborative projects with cross-functional teams and external partners. Ability to identify risks, evaluate alternatives, and develop strategic solutions. Openness to innovation and a willingness to explore or adopt modern technology, automation tools, or digital solutions to improve team performance and policy operations. Initial Screening Criteria
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in public policy, public administration, social work, law, or a related field. Experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis. At least five years of experience in eligibility policy, Medicaid, or human services programs. At least two years of experience in supervision, team leadership, or project management preferred. Experience developing or implementing policy for aged or disabled populations preferred. Experience with state and federal policy development processes. Experience analyzing legislation, interpreting federal guidance, and drafting technical documents. Application must demonstrate how the candidate meets the initial selection criteria and knowledge, skills, and abilities. Other Information
N/A Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC. Legal and Accessibility
ADA accommodations are available in the hiring process. If you need assistance completing the online application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation, please notify the interviewer. Pre-employment checks and work eligibility: Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation on your first day of work. Telework disclaimer: This position may be eligible for telework. Telework policies vary by state and agency, and are subject to supervisor and business needs. Location
Job Location City: AUSTIN Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST Nearest Major Market: Austin
#J-18808-Ljbffr