STAR Health Policy Lead

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: STAR Health Policy Lead 
Job Title: Program Specialist VI 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Program Policy Spec A 
Posting Number: 18100 
Closing Date: 07/09/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Range: $5,098.67 - $8,304.83 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: None 
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 5% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
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 
 
 
 

Job Description:

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 driving by its mission to delivering 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 related to 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 propose 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 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.
 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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 workgroups 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, manages, and evaluates projects and special initiatives related to Texas Medicaid.
(5%) Other duties as assigned.  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Federal and state Medicaid and CHIP laws and regulations;


• Texas child welfare system;


• Legislative process;


• Government organization and administration; and


• MCS and HHSC processes related to the administration or provision of Medicaid and CHIP benefits.

Skill in:

• Analyzing and evaluating complex federal and state legislation, program policy, and operations issues;


• Communicating effectively orally and in writing.


• Policy research and analysis;


• Synthesizing, analyzing, and evaluating highly complicated and technical information and translating it into easily understandable and concise documents and oral presentations;


• Developing creative and workable solutions to complex problems and policy issues;


• Facilitating stakeholder and different workgroup meetings; and


• Navigating complex and dynamic systems and organizations; and


• Project management.

Ability to:

• Lead or contribute to complex projects that require dynamic thinking, persistence, analytical problem solving.


• Work cooperatively as a team member in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment;


• Negotiate multiple parties and resolve conflicts;


• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with various levels of personnel in government entities;


• Exercise judgement and work independently with minimum supervision;


• Use work-processing and spreadsheet applications; and


• Exercise sound judgment with limited data and work independently with limited direction in a leadership role.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Candidates must meet one of the following:

1) Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university and at least two years' full-time work experience in a health and human services field;

2) Master’s degree from an accredited college or university and at least one year of full-time work experience in a health and human services field; or

3) High school diploma and at least five years’ full-time work experience in a health and human services field.

Preferred Screening Criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree with major coursework in public health, public affairs, public administration, or social work.


• Work experience in Medicaid or CHIP Services or child welfare system.


• Experience with developing or overseeing advanced (senior-level) deliverables, reports, or other technical writing work products.


• Experience with training, leading, assigning and/or prioritizing the work of others within a managerial or team lead role responsibilities.


• Answers on assessment.

Additional Information:

Additional information about the programs these positions support can be found on the 2022 edition of the Texas Medicaid Pink Book.

HHSC is a qualifying organization for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments.

Additional benefits of joining the MCS Office of Policy include:

• Leadership commitment to invest in and foster your professional growth or knowledge of the Texas Medicaid program and your career advancement.


• Having a profound impact to 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 policy that has 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.

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The final salary offer is dependent on factors such as Human Resources policies and available budget.

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.