Policy Implementation Coordinator

About the role

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), Access and Eligibility Services (AES), Policy & Quality division, is seeking a Policy Implementation Coordinator for the Policy Implementation team, reporting to the Director of Policy Implementation. The Policy Implementation team ensures the successful execution of new and revised policies. The Policy Implementation Coordinator will serve as the Project Lead for Program Policy projects helping to identify impacts, coordinate resources, and lead the development and implementation of complex high‑profile federal and state initiatives. Position works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate projects and translate policy into system requirements
• Track and update projects regularly while operating with independence and sound judgment
• Manage processes and procedures
• Facilitate meetings
• Prepare legislative bill analyses, briefing materials, and recommendations for leadership
• Prepare policy documentation, including state plan amendments, waivers, and handbook revisions
• Conduct policy research, analysis, and development
• Support programs such as Texas Works Medicaid (Newborn, Children’s, Adult, Transitional, Emergency, and Pregnancy), Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities (MEPD), Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Women’s Health Program (WHP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Essential Job Functions

• Project Management and Communication: Leads projects from concept through completion. Works closely with Program Policy, Field Policy, Information and Technology, Field Operations, Office of Learning and Professional Development, Vendor Operations, Legal, Communications, Quality Management, and other teams to plan and execute projects including scheduling and facilitating meetings. Applies project management methodologies to define objectives, track deliverables, set milestones, measure success, recommend improvements, and ensure timely and successful project implementation aligned with division goals. Ability to translate policy into system requirements. Communicates effectively, collaborates to resolve issues, and keeps leadership informed of issues, risks, and recommendations. Maintains and organizes electronic files, records, and calendars. (45%)
• Stakeholder Engagement and Representation: Represents the Policy Implementation and Program Policy teams with internal and external stakeholders including multiple levels of government groups and officials. Engages with workgroups and stakeholders to support Access and Eligibility Services (AES) and Policy & Quality priorities. Responsible for maintaining effective working relationships, addressing technical issues and concerns, evaluating program effectiveness, and coordinating with workgroup partners. (20%)
• Policy Research and Analysis: Analyze complex federal and state laws, legislation, rules, regulations, and guidance to determine impacts on the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and Access and Eligibility Services (AES) programs. Maintains knowledge of federal and state legislation, issues, developments, program requirements, policy decisions, and state processes. Prepares high-quality documents to support program planning, policy development, implementation, and decision-making. Ensures all products and documents are accurate and compliant with federal and state requirements. Provides recommendations for program improvement initiatives and participates in planning and implementation of area activities. (20%)
• Initiative and Innovation: Identifies process gaps, resource needs, risks, and develop strategies to address them. Assigns and aligns staff resources based on project scope and priorities. Fosters a culture of learning, innovation, and problem-solving within the team. (10%)
• Other Duties as Assigned: Completes additional tasks as required with limited supervision. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of:
  • The Texas Works programs (Medicaid, MEPD, CHIP, SNAP, TANF) and other state/federal programs administered by the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and Access and Eligibility Services (AES)
  • State and federal statutes, compliance requirements, and legislative/policy development processes
  • Principles and practices of public administration, management techniques, and program planning/implementation
  • Large-scale eligibility systems (e.g., TIERS) and related infrastructure
  • Project management principles (Scope, Stakeholder Analysis, Planning, Risk Management, and Developing Schedules) and methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, Lean, and Six Sigma)
• Skills in:
  • Policy & Analysis: Researching, interpreting, and analyzing complex data, statutes, and policies; identifying policy options and impacts; synthesizing technical information into clear documents
  • Project Management: Creating detailed project plans, schedules, and timelines; using project management software (MS Project or Visio); identifying process gaps and aligning resources
  • Communication: Strong verbal and written communication for technical and non-technical audiences. Skills in synthesizing, analyzing, and evaluating extremely complicated and technical information and translating it into easily understandable and concise documents and oral presentations for agency execution, elected officials, and the public. Proven negotiation and facilitation skills
  • Leadership & Collaboration: Leading teams, coordinating workgroups, and building effective relationships with stakeholders. Skills in interpersonal relationships, including the ability to collaborate with people under pressure, negotiate among multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with various levels of personnel in governmental entities
  • Problem Solving & Critical Thinking: Evaluating issues, developing creative solutions, and making informed decisions under pressure
  • Technical: Proficiency with applicable computer software including, but not limited to, Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Visio, Publisher, OneNote, SharePoint and Microsoft Teams
• Ability to:
  • Manage multiple projects and deadlines; prioritize tasks and organize work effectively
  • Adapt to changing priorities and maintaining composure under pressure
  • Represent Access and Eligibility Services (AES) as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and explain complex material in simple terms
  • Lead and work cooperatively in a team environment
  • Gather, assemble, and analyze findings; prepare concise reports and correspondence
  • Apply independent judgement in making critical decisions
  • Develop accurate policy documents and evaluate procedures for improvement
  • Analyze or evaluate problems and develop, recommend, or present alternative solutions
  • Develop, interpret, or implement policies and procedures
  • Establish goals, monitor project implementation, and ensure accountability

Requirements

• Graduation from a four-year accredited college or university with a degree in public policy, public administration, social work, law, business, or a related field. Work experience may substitute for education on a year-by-year basis
• At least two years of project management experience