CHIP Program Policy Lead; Program Specialist V

Program Specialist V – CHIP Program Policy Lead

Agency:
Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC)

Posting Number: 14494 | Closing Date: 03/18/2026

Department:
Program Policy Spec A | Shift: Day

Location:

701 W 51ST ST, AUSTIN, TX

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) Department seeks a highly qualified candidate for the position of Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Program Specialist V. The Program Specialist V performs advanced consultative and technical work related to the planning, development, implementation, maintenance, and oversight of CHIP, including policy development, program management, and managed care oversight.

This position requires excellent writing skills, attention to detail, and strong research skills.

This role works closely with and may take direction from the Program Specialist VII Team Lead, operating under limited supervision with a moderate latitude for independent judgment.

• Leading oversight and management of CHIP program policy;
• Planning, prioritizing, coordinating, and implementing policy and program activities;
• Providing subject matter expertise on CHIP managed care topics to agency staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, provider organizations, and the general public;
• Responding to stakeholder inquiries and resolving challenges;
• Conducting research and analyzing data;
• Analyzing and developing statutes, regulations, rules, contract requirements, policies, and proposed legislation;
• Coordinating and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders;
• Ensuring compliance with CHIP requirements;
• Participating in and facilitating meetings with stakeholders, including managed care organizations;
• Preparing high quality written reports, correspondence, and other documents.

• (25%) Collaborate with other areas of MCS and HHSC to plan, develop, implement, monitor, interpret and evaluate Medicaid and CHIP programs, policies, initiatives, MCO contract requirements, business rules, administrative rules, waivers, and state plan; evaluate MCO and provider compliance with program policies and procedures, contract requirements, statutes, and rules; provide subject matter expertise and technical assistance related to CHIP as needed.
• (25%) Plan, monitor, and evaluate MCS implementation of state and federal legislation and rules; analyze data, state legislation, federal legislation, and federal rules to evaluate their impact on MCS and stakeholders, including MCOs, service providers, and members.
• (20%) Prepare high quality written documents such as project updates, reports, PowerPoint presentations, communications to stakeholders and contractors, executive memos, policy and project summaries, legislative reports, administrative rules, waivers, and state plan amendments; coordinate the development and publication of public-facing educational materials on the CHIP program.
• (15%) Establish, facilitate, and participate in relevant work groups and committees, including inter‑agency work groups and committees; coordinate and provide requested training to internal staff and external entities.
• (15%) Coordinate with and speak to internal and external stakeholders; arrange and facilitate meetings; respond to inquiries; coordinate resolution of CHIP complaints, identify trends and emerging issues, and recommend policy changes.
• (10%) Complete other duties as assigned.

• Federal and state Medicaid and CHIP laws and regulations;
• Government organization and administration;
• Program issues related to Medicaid and CHIP services for children and pregnant women;
• Principles of health and human services policy and planning;
• State of Texas legislative processes.

• Analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting complex federal and state legislation, program, policy, and operations issues;
• Project management, policy analysis, and performing policy research;
• Synthesizing, analyzing, and evaluating highly complicated and technical information;
• Translating policy and technical information into easily understandable and concise documents and oral presentations;
• Developing creative…