Senior Policy Analyst

Date: Oct 2, 2025 Location: AUSTIN, TX 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 VI Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: Healthcare Transformation Wvr Posting Number: 9823 Closing Date: 10/16/2025 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Community and Social Services Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $8,304.83 Pay Frequency: Monthly Shift: Day Telework Additional Shift: Travel 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 Delivery System Quality & Innovation (DSQI) Unit within the Medicaid CHIP Services (MCS) Office of Quality and Program Improvement (Q&PI) seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Program Specialist VI Senior Policy Analyst. The mission of DSQI is to incentivize, innovate, and educate to improve health care quality. The DSQI Unit develops and implements innovative quality improvement programs and incentives, provides education and technical assistance to increase the adoption of best practices, and evaluates the effectiveness of quality programs and interventions. The PSVI Senior Policy Analyst is selected by and directly reports to the Manager V in the DSQI Unit. This position works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The Senior Policy Analyst will lead the evaluation of directed payment programs (DPPs), develop and implement data management processes, serve as a subject matter expert on key program requirements and policies, coordinate communication with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and provide technical assistance to DPP participants. The Senior Policy Advisor may author reports and briefing documents, as well as present at meetings with agency leadership and stakeholders. The ideal candidate thrives in an environment that emphasizes 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. The DSQI team currently leads multiple high profile quality improvement initiatives that are critical to the Medicaid program in Texas, such as the quality aspects of Medicaid DPPs and provider education to improve healthcare outcomes, such as reducing unnecessary emergency department utilization. Essential Job Functions (EJFs) Develops and/or oversees implementation of state DPPs including the development of policies and procedures for the evaluation and reporting of quality measures. Develops timelines, project structures, options, and detailed data management and work plans for DPP quality. Provides high-level technical assistance and guidance to program participants regarding policies and procedures for quality programs. Ensures compliance with approved DPP policies, procedures, and quality rules. Consults with stakeholders to resolve problems, identify needs, and discuss program effectiveness. (35%) Analyzes Medicaid managed care quality performance data to develop policy and programmatic recommendations to improve healthcare outcomes for Medicaid beneficiaries. Collaborates with Q&PI team members to develop innovative, evidence-based policies or programs to drive quality improvement and delivery system reforms. Assists management with developing and implementing effective techniques for evaluating quality programs and identifying the need for new programs or changes. May serve as the lead on implementation and ongoing management of complex program initiatives. (35%) Establishes and facilitates internal and external workgroups to identify and resolve problems, identify training needs, and discuss program effectiveness. (15%) Prepares and approves high quality written documents, including policies, rules, project updates, legislative reports, memos for executive leadership, guidance documents, summaries, and other documents relating to quality improvement and innovation. (15%) Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs) • Knowledge of federal and state Medicaid and CHIP programs, services, and requirements. • Knowledge of healthcare quality measurement and common data sources for quality measurement. • Familiarity with key concepts of delivery system reform, healthcare innovation, or population health. • Strong skill in designing and using software such as Excel or other tools for data management and analysis. • Skill in analyzing and evaluating healthcare programs, policies, measures, and operations issues to develop options and make recommendations. • Skill in researching, synthesizing, analyzing, and evaluating complicated and technical information and translating it into easily understandable and concise documents and oral presentations. • Skill in facilitating stakeholder groups to identify needs of program participants and build consensus for policy and program improvements. • Skill in project management. • Skill in communicating effectively both verbally and in writing. • Skill in developing creative and workable solutions to complex problems and policy issues. • A keen attention to detail. • Ability to exercise judgment and work independently with minimum supervision. • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and work cooperatively in a team environment. Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications N/A Initial Screening Criteria Work experience in a field related to healthcare research, policy analysis, or data analysis. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a field related to policy, research, statistics, or project management. Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year to year basis. Master’s degree with course work in a field relevant to healthcare, human services, public health, social work, policy development, research or evaluation, or another related field is preferred. Additional Information This position will require in-person attendance. An in-basket exercise will be administered. The posted salary range extends from the minimum to the maximum of the range. Any offer is contingent on available funding, the applicant's qualifications, as well as the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual Chapter 7. 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. Nearest Major Market: Austin