MCS Program Policy Analyst; Program Specailist V

Date:
Mar 3, 2026

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:

MCS Program Policy Analyst (Program Specialist V)

Job Title: Program Specialist V

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Program Policy Spec A

Posting Number: 13847

Closing Date: 03/17/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Community and Social Services

Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $7,253.83

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21

Shift: Day

Telework:

Travel: Up to 20%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non‑Exempt: Nonexempt

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST

MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS

The Program Policy team within Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) Office of Policy is seeking a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of MCS Policy Analyst (Program Specialist V). This position serves as a subject matter expert for MCS program policy related to Texas Health Steps, the name for Texas' Early Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) program. This position is responsible for contract oversight, policy analysis and development, data analysis, responding to inquiries, implementing program requirements, developing reports, working with stakeholders, and completing work during legislative session.

• Performs highly advanced, consultative and technical work related to the planning, development, implementation, and maintenance of Texas Health Steps program;
• Collaborates with and provides technical assistance and oversight to Department of State Health Services (DSHS);
• Analyzes, develops, and revises program policy, including contract requirements, administrative rules, manuals, and procedures;
• Works with internal and external stakeholders, including other governmental agencies, managed care organizations, provider associations, people receiving services, and advisory committee members;
• Identifies and resolves problems to address program needs;
• Assists in ensuring compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules;
• Implements complex program initiatives;
• Serves as agency liaison to committees or work groups;
• Prepares high quality written reports, correspondence, and other documents;
• Oversees contractual requirements;
• Drafts agency reports;
• Leads meetings;
• Responds to inquiries;
• Develops and provides training;
• Analyzes legislation.

(25%) Collaborates with other areas of MCS and HHSC to plan, develop, implement, monitor, interpret and evaluate Medicaid programs, policies, initiatives, MCO contract requirements, business rules, administrative rules, waivers, and state plan. Evaluates MCO and provider compliance with program policies and procedures, contract requirements, statutes, and rules.

(25%) Plans, monitors, and evaluates MCS implementation of state legislation, federal legislation, and federal rules. Analyzes data, state legislation, federal legislation, and federal rules to evaluate its impact to MCS and stakeholders, including MCOs, service providers, and members.

(20%) Establishes, facilitates, and participates in relevant work groups and committees, including inter‑agency work groups and committees. Coordinates and provides requested training to internal staff and external entities.

(15%) Coordinates with and speaks to internal and external stakeholders. Arranges and facilitates meetings. Responds to internal and external inquiries.

(20%) Prepares high quality written documents such as project updates, reports, PowerPoint presentations, communications to stakeholders and contractors, executive…