Internship Social Policy Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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: Policy Analyst Job Title: Program Specialist V Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: AES Program Policy MEPD Posting Number: 18974 Closing Date: 07/30/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Community and Social Services Salary Range: $4,523.16- $6,200.00 Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group: TEXAS-B-21 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Telework: Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 15% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt Facility Location: Job Location City: EL PASO Job Location Address: 5150 EL PASO DR 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) seeks highly qualified and motivated candidates to fill an MEPD Policy Analyst (Program Specialist V) position within the Access and Eligibility Services (AES) Program Policy team. AES is driven by its mission to connect Texans to services and supports by helping individuals and families in need of food, medical care, cash assistance and other social services. The Policy Analyst performs complex policy research, analysis and policy development related to eligibility for the Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities (MEPD) programs.
Job responsibilities include conducting complex policy research on federal and state policies and best practices; completing legislative bill analysis; reviewing, interpreting, and analyzing federal and state statutes, rules and regulations, guidance and procedures; identifying options and making recommendations for senior and executive leadership decisions; preparing high-quality briefing materials and policy documents; effectively communicating policy and research orally and in writing; and leading projects to implement policy and system changes. The ideal candidate will thrive in an environment that emphasizes innovation through new ideas, striving for excellence by taking pride in their work, embracing differences as a source of strength, accomplishing more through partnership, leading by example, and learning for continuous improvement.
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. Selected candidate will be required to report to the office at least 3 days a week if living in or within 50 miles of Austin or if outside Austin upon request related to return to office guidance. Selected candidate will also be expected to travel to Austin for required in-person meetings at their own expense.
Essential Job Functions:

• Performs complex research and analysis of federal and state laws, legislation, rules, regulations, and guidance relating to state and federal programs administered by HHSC and AES for impacts and considerations.

• Conducts research on national best practices and application for Texas programs.

• Prepares high-quality documents to support program planning, policy development, implementation and decision making (e.g., analysis, briefing documents, memoranda, presentations, talking points, rules, State Plan amendments, waiver applications).

• Represents Program Policy and AES on policy development and implementation projects, provides program policy expertise and works collaboratively to solve problems and ensure timely completion of goals and objectives.

• Leads project implementation and coordinates workgroups and meetings.

• Coordinates, compiles and drafts responses to requests for policy information from agency leadership, external stakeholders, legislative staff and the media.

• Provides guidance and technical assistance to agency staff on relevant policy matters.

• Collaborates with team members to support AES, Program Policy and team priorities.

• Effectively communicates issues with leadership and works collaboratively to identify solutions.

• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

• Knowledge of MEPD programs and other state and federal programs administered by HHSC and AES.

• Knowledge of state and federal legislative and policy development processes.

• Strong skills in researching, interpreting, and analyzing complex data and policies.

• Skill in identifying policy options and impacts for decision makers.

• Skill in synthesizing complex information and translating it into clear and concise policy documents.

• Strong skills in communicating verbally and in writing and presenting information publicly.

• Skill in problem solving and independent decision-making.

• Skill in critically evaluating issues and proactively seeking solutions.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and coordinate workgroups and meetings.

• Ability to collaborate and develop effective professional relationships with coworkers and stakeholders.

• Ability to prioritize time and manage multiple project deadlines.

• Ability to develop work plans and organize work.

• Ability to develop accurate and concise policy documents.

• Ability to represent AES as a policy subject matter expert.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
N/A
Initial Screening Criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree with major coursework in a relevant field (e.g., public policy, social work, and public health) is preferred. Work experience may substitute for education on a year for year basis.

• Applicants will initially be screened for experience with MEPD Medicaid programs and eligibility policy;

• Experience with state and federal policy development processes;

• Experience researching, interpreting, and analyzing complex data and policies; and

• Experience synthesizing complex information and translating it into clear and concise policy documents.

Additional Information:
Applicants selected for hire will be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. 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.
HHSC offers competitive benefits including free health coverage for you and affordable health plans for your family, dental and life insurance plans, paid holidays, accrued vacation and sick leave, promotional opportunities and the gratification of making a positive impact on individuals and families in need.
More information regarding available benefits can be found at: https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance.
A list of the State of Texas holidays is available at: http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Holidays.
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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.