Project 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: Long-Term Services and Supports Special Projects Policy Analyst Job Title: Program Specialist V Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: Program Policy Spec A Posting Number: 18711 Closing Date: 07/21/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Community and Social Services Salary Range: $4,523.16- $7,253.83 Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group: TEXAS-B-21 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Telework: Travel: Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 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 Policy Analyst (Program Specialist V) is selected by and reports to the Manager of the LTSS Special Projects Team in the Office of Policy. The Policy Analyst performs advanced consultative and technical work related to the planning, development, implementation, and maintenance of Medicaid and CHIP initiatives, programs and services, focusing on Long-term Services and Supports (LTSS) special projects. This unit offers an exciting and demanding work environment where staff have the opportunity to constantly learn and take initiative on projects that lead to upward mobility and future career success. It is a fast-paced work environment that requires flexibility and adaptability, and a willingness to participate as a member of a supportive team.
The Policy Analyst provides subject matter expertise to agency staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, provider organizations, and the general public; coordinates and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to develop policy; oversees the development of operational policy, including contract, administrative rule, manual, and procedural requirements; assists in ensuring compliance and resolution of issues; participates in and helps to facilitate meetings with stakeholders, including managed care organizations, provider associations, people receiving services, and advisory committee members; serves as agency liaison to pertinent advisory committees or workgroups; ensures policy and guidance documents are up-to-date; prepares high quality written reports, correspondence, and other documents; drafts and completes legislative reports; develops and provides training; and analyzes program policies and legislation.
The Policy Analyst works under the general direction of the Program Policy Manager with latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position requires excellent writing skills and strong research skills.
Essential Job Functions (EJF)
(20%) Plans for and oversees the analysis, development, implementation, and documentation of federal and state legislation and regulations. Develops and provides oversight in the development of legislative analyses, research papers, presentations, and reports.
(20%) Develops and/or oversees the development and implementation of program and policy options for state initiatives impacting HHSC agencies, including policy analysis, option development, timelines, project structures, financial analyses, and detailed work plans.
(20%) Establishes, facilitates, and participates in multiple workgroups and committees, including inter-agency workgroups and committees. Sets goals and objectives, makes assignments, and reviews and approves work products. Coordinates and provides training to internal staff and external entities.
(15%) Prepares and approves high quality written documents, including project updates, memos, summaries, legislative reports, rules, waivers, state plan amendments, and other documents.
(15%) Works with and presents to community and professional groups to coordinate, improve and secure support for programs. Consults with public and private agencies to resolve problems, identify training needs and discuss effectiveness.
(10%) Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications
N/A
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of:

• Federal and state Medicaid and CHIP laws and regulations.

Skill in:

• Analyzing and evaluating complex federal and state legislation, program, policy, and operations issues;
• Project or program management;
• Policy analysis and research;
• Synthesizing, analyzing and evaluating highly complicated and technical information and translating into easily understandable and concise documents and oral presentations for agency execution, elected officials and the public;
• Developing creative and workable solutions to complex problems and policy issues; and
• Interpersonal relationships, including the ability to work with people under pressure, negotiate among multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with various level personnel in governmental entities.

Ability to

• Exercise judgment and work independently with minimum supervision;
• Work cooperatively as a team member in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment;
• Use word-processing and spreadsheet applications in a windows environment; and
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Initial Screening Criteria:
Required:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Experience with policy research and analysis, project management, or program management.

Preferred:

• Master's degree.
• Experience in a field related to LTSS

Additional Information
State of Texas employees participate in outstanding benefits:

• Excellent health benefits,
• Defined Benefit Retirement Plan, and
• Generous leave benefits.

Additional benefits of joining the MCS Office of Policy include:

• Leadership commitment to invest in and foster your professional growth and knowledge of the Texas Medicaid program and your career advancement.
• The ability to impact the lives of thousands of Medicaid clients that depend on Medicaid services throughout Texas.
• Being on the ground level of healthcare policy implementation, including the opportunity to work closely with stakeholders such as federal partners, providers, advocates, managed care organizations, and other healthcare contractors.
• Engagement with the Texas legislative process, including the opportunity to analyze and inform legislators of potential impact of proposed bills.
• Being part of a team at the forefront of interpreting, implementing, and developing policies with statewide impact.
• The opportunity to learn and engage with multiple domains of the healthcare delivery system, including managed care, fee-for-service, federal/state Medicaid partnerships and other activities related to the administration of the Medicaid program.

Note: The salary range posted for this position is the State Auditor's Office minimum to maximum for salary group B21. Factors including but not limited to Human Resources policies, budgetary limitations, qualifications, and experience will inform the final salary offer.
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.