Behavioral Health Policy Analyst

Date:
Aug 19, 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:

Behavioral Health Policy Analyst

Job Title: Program Specialist VII

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Medical&Dental Benefits Policy

Posting Number: 19925

Closing Date: 09/02/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Community and Social Services

Salary Range: $5,797.66 - $9,508.25

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25

Shift: Day

Telework: Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 10%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST

Other Locations: Austin

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

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Medicaid CHIP Services (MCS) department seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Behavioral Health Policy Analyst (PSVII). MCS is driven by its mission to deliver quality, cost-effective services to Texans. This position makes a significant contribution to MCS’s mission by performing complex and technical analysis and consultation for the Medical and Dental Benefits Team in the Office of Policy.

This position reports to the Medical and Dental Benefits Policy Manager in the Medicaid and CHIP Services Office of Policy. The Behavioral Health Policy Analyst performs complex behavioral health policy analysis and consultation. The position leads the development, planning and implementation of behavioral health benefits for Texas Medicaid, including participating, and at times leading committees, work groups or activities as requested.

The program specialist in this position must be proactive in seeking input from other staff in the Medicaid and CHIP Services Division and demonstrate the ability to work as an effective team member with other areas of the agency, and other HHS agencies. The Behavioral Health Policy Analyst researches and gathers relevant information from a variety of resources, including current research and literature related to recommended evidence-based therapeutic practice;

synthesizes findings for a clinical and lay audience and applies findings to the behavioral health benefits in the Medicaid program; provides expert consultation to staff, other agencies, and external persons including legislators and managed care organizations on current behavioral health policies; stays abreast of current national therapeutic standards and requirements affecting Texas Medicaid behavioral health benefits.

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.

• (30%) Develops policies/benefits
  - Reviews current benefits and develops new benefits for the MDBP Team. Identifies eligibility standards and authorization requirements for policies. Collaborates, as needed, with HHSC staff in other programs and other State agencies in development, planning, and implementation. Develops, reviews, and provides comments on Medicaid materials intended for use by vendors, providers, managed care organizations, and other partners.
• (25%) Clinical Research
  - Researches, analyzes, and synthesizes peer reviewed literature and evidence-based practices and applies it to program medical benefit policy. Provides complex technical medical information verbally or in writing to nonclinical audiences. Consults with stakeholders to address Medicaid program benefit policy issues.
• (25%) Special Projects and Work groups
  - Leads or participates in work groups, special projects, and public meetings regarding research, analysis, and evaluation of policy issues or initiatives. Positively represents department, agency, and State in conferences and meetings, including public presentation delivery, and, as an ongoing representative on various committees and teams, as directed. Prepares project updates, summaries, reports, or other documents and keeps management informed on pertinent issues.
  
  Functions as a resource to other State staff providing guidance, advice, or direction. Responds to internal and external communications and requests for information in a timely manner. Communicates and consults with external stakeholders, as…