STAR Health Policy Lead

Career Opportunities: STAR Health Policy Lead (18100)

Posting 18100 - Posted –
Health & Human Services Comm –
Program Policy Spec A –
Community and Social Services – Other Locations (1) – c. $5000 - $6999 per month

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.

The Program Policy team within the Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) Office of Policy seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of STAR Health Policy Lead (Program Specialist VI). MCS is driven by a mission to deliver quality, cost‑effective services to Texans. This position makes a significant contribution to MCS’s mission by performing highly advanced, consultative and technical work related to the planning, development, implementation, and maintenance of the STAR Health program.

STAR Health is a Medicaid program operated in partnership with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and serves children and youth in DFPS conservatorship; children and youth receiving Adoption Assistance or Permanency Care Assistance; young adults in extended foster care; and former foster care children.

The position provides subject‑matter expertise to agency staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, provider organizations, advisory committees, and the general public related to Medicaid services provided to a highly visible population. Other responsibilities include:

• Leads implementation and ongoing management of complex Medicaid program initiatives;
• Oversees the development of Medicaid program policy, including contract, administrative rule, manual, and procedural requirements;
• Identifies and proposes solutions to program needs;
• Assists in ensuring compliance with Medicaid statutes, rules, program policy, and contract requirements;
• Facilitates meetings with stakeholders, including staff from other government agencies, managed care organizations, provider associations, people receiving services, and advisory committee members;
• Prepares high‑quality written reports, legislative reports, correspondence, and other documents;
• Develops and provides training; and
• Analyzes program policies and legislation.

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 position is not supervisory but may assign, oversee, and prioritize the work of others. The position interacts routinely with MCS leadership, DFPS staff, other state agencies, managed care organizations, and advocacy groups. The position will work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy. Works collaboratively across MCS to identify innovative and effective solutions for individuals receiving services and staff.

(25%) Leads and coordinates work with internal and external stakeholders to develop and oversee programs and services for persons enrolled in Texas Medicaid. Manages, participates, or leads work groups and meetings.

(20%) Leads the analysis and implementation of federal and state legislation, federal and state rules, and complex program policies related to Texas Medicaid.

(20%) Develops high‑quality written documents, including program and project updates and summaries, executive memos, presentations, legislative reports, contract requirements, rules, waivers, and state plan amendments.

(20%) Researches and responds to internal and external stakeholder inquiries.

(10%) Develops,…