TDMR received an email notification today that Texas HHS is looking for a Dental Policy Analyst to assist in advanced complex dental and medical benefits policy analysis, development and consultation.
No necessary dental requirements
The odd about the advertisement for the position is that the preferred applicant is a nurse. A dental hygienist is mentioned as an alternative.
The position is a Program Specialist VI.
According to the State Classification Job Description, this means "performs highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work. Work involves planning, developing, and implementing major agency program(s) and providing consultative services and technical assistance to program staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, or the general public. May serve as a lead worker providing direction to others. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment." The education and experience requirement states "experience in a field related to the agency program. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a field relevant to the assignment is generally preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another."
The pay grade is $55,184 -$90,393.
Lots of responsibility
Surprisingly, the most comprehensive outline of the position is on Google. A lot of responsibility here in determining how dental programs move forward.
"The Dental Policy Analyst (Program Specialist VI) position reports to the Medical Dental Benefits Policy Manager in the Office of Policy, Medicaid and CHIP Services Department. The Dental Policy Analyst (Program Specialist VI) performs highly advanced (senior-level) complex dental and medical benefits policy analysis, development, and consultation. The position requires excellent writing skills and strong research skills, including experience conducting comprehensive literature reviews using PubMed/Medline, Hayes, and other health literature electronic databases; and must be able to synthesize findings for clinical and non-clinical audiences, and apply findings to medical benefits for policy development in the Medicaid program. These findings must be interpreted correctly in accordance with the Texas Medicaid program's requirements for application to and development of Medicaid’s medical and dental benefits. The Dental Policy Analyst in this position must be proactive in seeking input from other staff in the Medicaid and CHIP Services Department and demonstrate the ability to work as an effective team member with other divisions within HHSC and other HHS agencies. The Dental Policy Analyst in this position will be asked to participate in internal workgroups and must work well with peers."
These are the essential job functions.
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
(30%) Clinical Review of the Literature- Researches, analyzes, evaluates, and synthesizes peer-reviewed literature and evidence-based practices for application to Medicaid medical, dental, and mental health benefit policy. Synthesizes complex technical medical information verbally or in writing to nonclinical audiences. Consults with stakeholders to address Medicaid program benefit policy issues.
(30%) Develops policies- Reviews and updates current benefits and develops new benefits for Medicaid medical policy. Identifies eligibility standards and authorization requirements for benefit policy. Collaborates, as needed, with Medical Benefits staff as well as HHSC staff in other programs and other State agencies and the claims system administrators for program benefit policy development, planning, and implementation. Serves as clinical subject matter expert in the development and review of program benefit policy. Develops, reviews, and provides comments on Medicaid materials intended for use by vendors, providers, managed care organizations, and other partners.
(20%) Quality Assurance - Participates in quality assurance activities through the development and review of program medical, dental, and mental health benefits, including: reviewing documentation, reviewing and approving medical benefits language for internal and forward-facing publications, documenting and tracking research, reviewing policy development, discussions, and draft program benefit policy changes. Researches provider or manufacturer questions or concerns. Maintains organized electronic files of activities and shares with staff and partners, as appropriate. Assists in the review and referral of complaints concerning medical and other providers and services.
(15%) Special Projects and Workgroups - Leads or participates in workgroups and public meetings engaged in research, analysis, and evaluation of policy issues or initiatives. Leads or participates in special projects as requested by management. 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. Identifies the need to, and communicates and consults with external stakeholders, as necessary.
(5%) Regulation review - Reviews, analyzes, and comments on regulations affecting program benefit policy. Other duties, as assigned, include but are not limited to actively participating in or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations. Works collaboratively across MCS to identify innovative and effective solutions for clients and staff.
Knowledge of dental terminology a "plus"
In the extensive list of knowledge skills abilities listed in the job advertisement, the last one states "familiarity with medical and dental vocabularies such as Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), International Classification of Diseases (ICD), version 10, and Current Dental Terminology (CDT) is a plus."
The only mention of dental in the list.
We bring this up because It just seems some experience in dental Medicaid or dentistry would be a higher priority considering the tens of millions spent annually.
If you want to apply
Apply here!