School Based Services Program Advisor

Job Description:
School-Based Services Program Advisor/Program Specialist VII

Are you someone who 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
•integrity to do things right even when what is right is not easy?

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Medicaid CHIP Services (MCS) division seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of School-Based Services Program Advisor/Program Specialist VII.

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 supporting school-based Medicaid services and other Medicaid medical benefit initiatives and policies.

This position is selected by and reports to the Director of Medical and Dental Benefits Policy (MDBP) in the Medicaid and CHIP Services Department. The position serves as lead staff and will oversee and perform highly advanced (senior level) policy work and provide consultative and technical assistance to the medical benefits and finance team.

As lead staff, the position plans, develops and coordinates medical benefit policy specific initiatives, including but not limited to the School Health and Related Services (SHARS) program and associated benefits. In addition to SHARS, the position may also:

•Oversee and direct other medical benefit initiatives as assigned;
•Provide oversight and mentorship to staff on the Medical Benefits Policy team;
•Be required to leverage policy analysis, evidence-based and clinical research;
•Engage with a variety of stakeholders, and
•Lead or implement other varied domains of heath care policy development dependent on team priorities.
The position assists the MDBP Director with coordinating, facilitating, managing and overseeing administrative functions and assists with the daily operations of the school-based services staff including planning, prioritizing and assigning work. The position monitors and reports on the progress of the team’s work, identifies risks and issues and provides recommendations for resolution and improvements. The position effectively communicates and works with all levels of HHS staff, stakeholders, claims administrator contractor staff, the public and others with varying levels of Medicaid medical benefit knowledge. The position works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

A key requirement of this position is the ability to plan, prioritize, and manage competing projects as well as the ability to project manage work with colleagues, providing guidance and oversight to others.

The top candidate must have excellent interpersonal skills, with strength in effectively communicating with all levels of HHS staff, internal and external stakeholders, providers, and others with varied levels of Medicaid medical benefit knowledge. The position conducts research, evaluation and analysis related to the planning, development, and implementation of the SHARS program and other Medicaid medical benefit policy initiatives.

This position is eligible for telework.
Essential Job Functions:
(25%) Clinical Consultant: Serves as the lead on the development and implementation of complex medical benefit initiatives and special projects, including but not limited to the SHARS program. Advises on clinical aspect of SHARS services, with an understanding of the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) process and Individualized Education Programs (IEP). Researches and resolves complicated and unusual Medicaid medical benefit issues and serves as the clinical lead for medical documentation in school settings. Collaborates with other organizational areas within HHS and other agencies. Oversees and assists staff with the development and implementation of program options for Medicaid initiatives impacting HHS, including program analysis, options development, timelines, and fiscal impact considerations.

(25%) Technical Lead: Assists the Director with the daily operations of the school-based services and oversees a variety of administrative functions for specific initiatives. Oversees the prioritization, assignment, and implementation of work and reports on initiatives lead by team members. Sets goals and objectives for school-based services staff and reviews and approves work products. Identifies staff training needs and develops guidance to support staff development and mentorship to ensure top tier functioning of the team.

(15%) Communication and analysis: Prepares high-quality letters, memoranda, analyses, reports, presentations, agendas, and other assigned writing tasks. Prepares written responses to public, legislative, and stakeholder inquiries and assists with bill analysis as assigned. Writes, researches, reviews, and edits policies. Responds to questions related to medical benefits and benefit processes for policy development. Drafts and makes oral presentations on medical benefit policy process and benefit information to a variety of audiences.

(15%) Mentorship and compliance: Provides guidance to staff on, and assists with, interpretation of federal and state laws, codes, and administrative rules related to Medicaid medical benefits. Oversees compliance with regulations, laws and rules as it relates to Medicaid medical benefit policy.

(10%) Liaison: Acts as liaison to other program areas within HHS concerning program and initiatives managed by the unit. Provides input and technical assistance to staff in the development and implementation of program changes and initiatives. Works collaboratively across MCS to identify innovative and effective solutions for clients and staff.

(10%) Stakeholder engagement: Works with and speaks to community and professional groups, other HHS programs, legislative staff, Medicaid managed care organization staff, and public stakeholders to provide information, technical assistance and identify needs and resolve issues. Provides oral presentations and written materials, as appropriate.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
•Ability to motivate staff to obtain a standard of excellence in their work and to foster an environment of continuous improvement.
•Ability to work collaboratively across MCS to accomplish objectives
•A keen attention to detail and the ability to implement creative solutions to problems
•Able to balance team and individual responsibilities
•Knowledge of health and human services agencies and programs.
•Knowledge of state and federal laws governing Medicaid, Special Education in public schools, and/or health and human services.
•Strong skills in analyzing and evaluating complex federal and state legislation.
•Skill in researching, analyzing, and synthesizing medical and educational evidence, best-practices, policy, claims processing system, and program issues.
•Highly organized and the ability to manage several projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment and juggle competing priorities.
•Strong skill in developing and evaluating policies and procedures, assessing risks, and making recommendations.
•Strong skills in written and oral communication, including the ability to make public presentations, and write technical information in an understandable format.
•Skill in project planning, evaluation, and implementation.
•Ability to formulate learning objectives, develop training objectives, and assess training needs.
•Ability to effectively facilitate meetings and maintain working relationships with staff or program stakeholders.
•Ability to exercise creative problem-solving techniques in a highly complex environment.
•Ability to work collaboratively and adapt quickly to changing circumstances and team dynamics.
•Ability to work independently and perform work with a high degree of attention to detail.
•Ability to exercise judgment and work independently with minimum supervision.
•Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, word processing, presentation, and project management products.
•Meticulous attention to detail and processes.

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