Policy and Rules Program Specialist VI
Texas Health and Human Services, Austin, TX, United States
Date:
Apr 21, 2026
Location:
AUSTIN, TX
Posting Number:
16147
Closing Date:
05/05/2026
Salary Range:
$6,520.63 - $8,304.83
Pay Frequency:
Monthly
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. We support you at each stage of your life and work journey with a comprehensive benefits package, including 100% paid employee health insurance for full‑time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time‑off benefits, and numerous opportunities for career advancement.
Functional Title
Policy and Rules Program Specialist VI
Job Summary
The Program Specialist VI, Policy and Rules Specialist, works under the supervision of the Child Care Regulation (CCR) Policy and Rules Manager. The role involves planning, researching, developing, and implementing major cross‑program initiatives that include writing CCR rules, policies, handbooks, and compiling and analyzing data to support continuous program improvement.
Essential Job Functions
Rules Development:
Plans rule projects, conducts research, interprets statutes, obtains stakeholder feedback, drafts, and routes rules for approval in the Texas Administrative Code. Addresses public comments and writes justifications (30%).
Policy Development:
Plans program policy projects from beginning through implementation, creates handbook content, and serves as an expert on program policies for assigned areas (30%).
Project Management:
Manages activities related to legislation, develops cost estimates, responds to inquiries, and oversees staff priorities and reports (15%).
Collaboration:
Builds relationships with agency leadership, other state agencies, and internal divisions to develop and implement policies, leads workgroups, and provides technical expertise (15%).
Communication:
Develops documents, media responses, and presentations for staff, leadership, providers, and stakeholders (5%).
Regulatory Compliance & Program Support:
Maintains knowledge of federal, state, and program standards, identifies and streamlines processes, and offers consultation (5%).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of policy and rule development.
Knowledge of Child Care Regulation.
Knowledge of federal and state requirements impacting CCR.
Problem‑solving processes for complex issues.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Planning and facilitating meetings; delivering presentations.
Interpretation and analysis of federal and state statutes and regulations.
Clear presentation of complex information.
Professional communication in consultations, presentations, and reports.
Sound decision‑making under pressure with minimal supervision.
Leadership and direction of others.
Initial Selection Criteria
Bachelor's degree from an accredited four‑year college or university, or four years of experience in writing rules or policy.
Experience leading projects, interpreting or applying statutes, rules, or policy for a program.
Experience working for a regulatory services division is preferred.
Other Information
Telework is eligible for this position. This role may involve up to 15% travel.
HHSC provides accommodations during the hiring process in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Candidates must bring I‑9 documentation on the first day of work and may be required to pass background checks as part of the hiring process.
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Apr 21, 2026
Location:
AUSTIN, TX
Posting Number:
16147
Closing Date:
05/05/2026
Salary Range:
$6,520.63 - $8,304.83
Pay Frequency:
Monthly
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. We support you at each stage of your life and work journey with a comprehensive benefits package, including 100% paid employee health insurance for full‑time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time‑off benefits, and numerous opportunities for career advancement.
Functional Title
Policy and Rules Program Specialist VI
Job Summary
The Program Specialist VI, Policy and Rules Specialist, works under the supervision of the Child Care Regulation (CCR) Policy and Rules Manager. The role involves planning, researching, developing, and implementing major cross‑program initiatives that include writing CCR rules, policies, handbooks, and compiling and analyzing data to support continuous program improvement.
Essential Job Functions
Rules Development:
Plans rule projects, conducts research, interprets statutes, obtains stakeholder feedback, drafts, and routes rules for approval in the Texas Administrative Code. Addresses public comments and writes justifications (30%).
Policy Development:
Plans program policy projects from beginning through implementation, creates handbook content, and serves as an expert on program policies for assigned areas (30%).
Project Management:
Manages activities related to legislation, develops cost estimates, responds to inquiries, and oversees staff priorities and reports (15%).
Collaboration:
Builds relationships with agency leadership, other state agencies, and internal divisions to develop and implement policies, leads workgroups, and provides technical expertise (15%).
Communication:
Develops documents, media responses, and presentations for staff, leadership, providers, and stakeholders (5%).
Regulatory Compliance & Program Support:
Maintains knowledge of federal, state, and program standards, identifies and streamlines processes, and offers consultation (5%).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of policy and rule development.
Knowledge of Child Care Regulation.
Knowledge of federal and state requirements impacting CCR.
Problem‑solving processes for complex issues.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Planning and facilitating meetings; delivering presentations.
Interpretation and analysis of federal and state statutes and regulations.
Clear presentation of complex information.
Professional communication in consultations, presentations, and reports.
Sound decision‑making under pressure with minimal supervision.
Leadership and direction of others.
Initial Selection Criteria
Bachelor's degree from an accredited four‑year college or university, or four years of experience in writing rules or policy.
Experience leading projects, interpreting or applying statutes, rules, or policy for a program.
Experience working for a regulatory services division is preferred.
Other Information
Telework is eligible for this position. This role may involve up to 15% travel.
HHSC provides accommodations during the hiring process in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Candidates must bring I‑9 documentation on the first day of work and may be required to pass background checks as part of the hiring process.
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