Day Care Minimum Standards Program Specialist

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in Austin, TX seeks a Program Specialist VI to support the Day Care Field Ops SPA within the CCR program. This senior advisory role provides expert guidance on weighted standards, compliance, and policy interpretation to staff and stakeholders.

The position reports to the Director of Field for Day Care Regional Operations and involves data analysis, cross-program collaboration, and regulatory reform efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; education/experience can be substituted.
• Three years’ experience in Child Care Regulation, preferably day care, or as a day care director.
• Education can be substituted on a year-for-year basis per the posting guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Consults with CCR staff and external stakeholders about child care regulation and policy.
• Collects, analyzes, and prepares material in response to information requests and reports.
• Coordinates program planning, development, implementation, and documentation of agency programs and data.
• Interprets rules, laws, and policies to ensure compliance and informs staff of changes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Public speaking

Independent work

Excel data analysis

Collaboration

Report writing

Data analysis

Prioritization

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

Job description

Date: Sep 3, 2026

Location:

AUSTIN, TX

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

Day Care Minimum Standards Program Specialist

Job Title

Program Specialist VI

Agency

Health & Human Services Comm

Department

CCL Day Care Field Ops SPA

Posting Number

20911

Closing Date

09/17/2026

Posting Audience

Internal and External

Occupational Category

Community and Social Services

Salary Range

$6,520.63 - $8,304.83

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Salary Group

TEXAS-B-23

Shift

Day

Additional Shift

Days (First)

Telework

Eligible for Telework

Travel

Up to 15%

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

MOS Codes

16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS

Brief Job Description

This position is the Day Care State Office Minimum Standards Subject Matter Expert and reports to the Director of Field for Day Care Regional Operations in the Child Care Regulation (CCR) program within Regulatory Services. This position performs highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance to Child Care Regulation (CCR) program staff, CCR automation support team (CLASS), professional development division, and other interested stakeholders on rules, policies, and procedures related to weighted standards, regulatory compliance, and child safety issues. This position is involved in development and implementation of CCR policy and procedures and collects, organizes, analyzes, and prepares material for information and reports on a regular basis and in response to requests. The position may represent CCR on cross program workgroups and meetings. This position collaborates closely with the CCR Rules and Policy team during rule reviews and throughout the development and implementation of changes to rules and minimum standards. This position will also work closely throughout regulatory reform efforts and assist with the development of the Technical Assistance Manual following changes to minimum standards. This position researches and stays abreast of early childhood initiatives at the state and national levels. This position oversees, plans, and coordinates studies and analyses of child care regulation rules, determines trends, prepares reports of findings, and makes recommendations. This position plans, coordinates and develops innovative changes aimed at providing enhanced safety for children in regulated child care and conducts periodic meetings with agency staff to promote consistency and skill building in regulatory decision-making methods. This position is responsible for the interpretation of the CCR minimum standards. This position supports performance improvement tasks/projects by gathering and analyzing program performance data, determining trends, and conducting needs assessments. This position may conduct internal reviews of field work and provide technical assistance to regional staff to strengthen professional competencies and ensures consistent application of minimum standard requirements. This position answers questions from the public and permitted operations relating to minimum standards as well as works with field staff on the standards implementation and interpretation. This position collaborates with multiple cross agency and advocacy workgroups in the fields of early learning and child development. The position works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Consultation and Communication - Consults with and provides technical assistance to regional and state office CCR staff, other agency programs, other governmental agencies, and the general community about child care and child care regulation. Also facilitates communication with other state agency staff, child care providers, professional and community groups, and other external stakeholders.
• Data Analysis and Reporting - Collects, organizes, analyzes, and prepares material in response to requests for information and for reports. May make recommendations and prepare reports based on identified issues or to resolve problems.
• Program Evaluation and Development - Coordinates and collaborates with program staff in program planning, development, implementation, analysis, and documentation of agency programs, data, and trends. Also coordinates with internal and external stakeholders to develop innovative changes, promote consistency, and implement new initiatives.
• Analyzes and interprets rules, laws, and policies and procedures to ensure compliance with agency expectations. Provides guidance to staff in the development and integration of new methods, policies, and procedures and ensures appropriate agency staff are informed of these changes.
• Other duties as assigned - Employees are sometimes assigned tasks that are not specifically related to the employee's essential job functions; however, they are important and must be accomplished with the same professionalism as regular work.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of Child Care Regulation laws, standards, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in effective written and verbal communication.
• Skill in public speaking and presentations.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple responsibilities, meet deadlines, and pay attention to detail.
• Skill in computer operations to perform duties including working knowledge of Excel-based data analysis and presentation software.
• Skill in collaborating and community partnership development.
• Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems; and to prepare concise reports.
• Ability to associate data-driven results with policy, procedure, and training.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, meet deadlines, and pay attention to detail.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

None

Initial Screening Criteria

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university is preferred. Education and/or experience equivalent to a four-year college degree may be substituted for the four-year degree. Education can be substituted on a year for year basis.
• Three years’ experience in Child Care Regulation, preferably day care, or as a day care director in a Licensed Child Care Center.

Additional Information

Applicants may be screened using a written exercise prior to a verbal interview.

The selected applicant must submit to and pass a criminal history background check and a Texas child abuse/neglect registry check.

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.

Nearest Major Market

Austin