License and Permit Specialist, HCR Professional Licensing Unit

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid time off

Career advancement

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services in Austin, TX is seeking a License and Permit Specialist III to perform highly complex licensing and permitting tasks for professional licensing programs within the Health Care Regulation Professional Licensing Unit of HHSC. The role requires reviewing applications, interpreting laws and policies, and managing licensing data in the VERSA system.

This position emphasizes customer inquiries, fee processing, and accurate record-keeping, with telework eligibility and

Qualifications

• Experience in Microsoft Office products is required.
• Experience using and maintaining a database system for data entry and retrieval is required.
• At least 6 months of experience interpreting and applying statutes, rules, regulations or policies and procedures is required.
• Associates or Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

• (40%) Receives, reviews, evaluates, and approves complex license applications, criminal history evaluations, and early deregistration eligibility applications in accordance with administrative codes and statutes, and agency policy. Researches application history and processes licensure updates. Enters, updates, and retrieves information in licensing database (VERSA). Consults with Team Lead or Manager concerning resolution of problematic applications. Consults with Enforcement and/or other regulatory agency staff in determining licensure eligibility. Evaluates and tracks applications and responses to notices of deficiency. Responds to complex inquiries related to licensure criteria and application processing using licensing database (VERSA), Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Adobe Acrobat, and Microsoft Outlook.
• (20%) Receives and responds to telephone calls and written inquiries regarding the regulated population and agency procedures in a positive and professional manner. Answers complex emails and phone calls and responds appropriately. Disseminates information on rules, laws, and policies in response to complex correspondence and inquiries. Exercises tact, discretion, and judgment. Provides accurate information directly from applicable statutes and rules. Maintains confidentiality of program information. Forwards or directs other inquiries to appropriate staff or agency.
• (15%) Processes license fees and refunds. Consults with accounts receivable to resolve problems. Composes, types, and edits correspondence using Microsoft Word. Provides oral and written verification of license status using licensing database (VERSA), Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, and multi-line phone. Creates and prints data files that build licenses, renewal notices, deficiency notices, and other materials related to the licensing process using Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, licensing database (VERSA), and Adobe Acrobat. Develops, coordinates, and maintains manual and electronic filing systems.
• (10%) Identifies and assists with resolution of workflow and process issues and makes suggestions to Team Lead or Manager when warranted. Participates in the planning, organizing, and prioritizing of licensing activities. May develop technical and administrative procedures for the review of license and permit applications. and implementing new policies, procedures, and training to improve group efficiency. Participates in cross-training.
• (10%) Maintains effective working relationships with other departmental programs, state/federal agencies, and public and private groups requesting information. Utilizes standard correspondence to accompany information released. Provides assistance to Team Lead and Manager by researching, composing, designing, or editing agency publications such as forms, manuals, reports, and charts using Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, or Adobe Acrobat.
• (5%) Performs other duties related to the efficient operations of the licensing group as assigned. Prepares paper files for storage or destruction. Responds to emergencies as necessary and as directed by the Executive Commissioner.

Job description

Date: Oct 29, 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: License and Permit Specialist, HCR Professional Licensing Unit

Job Title: License and Permit Spec III

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: HCR Professional Licensing

Posting Number: 22794

Closing Date: 11/12/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Office and Administrative Support

Salary Range: $3,793.41 - $5,921.25

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-18

Shift: Day

Additional Shift: Days (First)

Telework: Eligible for Telework

Travel: Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST

Other Locations: Austin

MOS Codes: 0100,0111,0170,3F5X1,PERS,SN,YN,YNS

Job Description

The License and Permit Specialist III performs highly complex (senior-level) technical licensing and permitting work for professional licensing programs including Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors and Licensed Sex offender Providers within the Health Care Regulation Professional Licensing Unit of the HHSC Regulatory Services Division. The position works under the general supervision of the Professional Licensing Unit manager with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

The position prioritizes competing assignments and manages multiple tasks to meet rapidly changing deadlines. Responsibilities include receiving, reviewing, evaluating, and approving license applications; preparing and updating licensing correspondence, forms, and publications; interpreting laws, rules, and policies in response to inquiries; and processing license fees and refunds.

Additional responsibilities include entering and retrieving data and managing database files; building and printing renewal, deficiency, certificate, and roster files; developing, coordinating, and maintaining manual filing systems; providing customer assistance by answering complex emails and phone calls; and routing incoming calls. The position also performs general support functions for the professional licensing programs.

Essential Job Functions

• (40%) Receives, reviews, evaluates, and approves complex license applications, criminal history evaluations, and early deregistration eligibility applications in accordance with administrative codes and statutes, and agency policy. Researches application history and processes licensure updates. Enters, updates, and retrieves information in licensing database (VERSA). Consults with Team Lead or Manager concerning resolution of problematic applications. Consults with Enforcement and/or other regulatory agency staff in determining licensure eligibility. Evaluates and tracks applications and responses to notices of deficiency. Responds to complex inquiries related to licensure criteria and application processing using licensing database (VERSA), Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Adobe Acrobat, and Microsoft Outlook.
• (20%) Receives and responds to telephone calls and written inquiries regarding the regulated population and agency procedures in a positive and professional manner. Answers complex emails and phone calls and responds appropriately. Disseminates information on rules, laws, and policies in response to complex correspondence and inquiries. Exercises tact, discretion, and judgment. Provides accurate information directly from applicable statutes and rules. Maintains confidentiality of program information. Forwards or directs other inquiries to appropriate staff or agency.
• (15%) Processes license fees and refunds. Consults with accounts receivable to resolve problems. Composes, types, and edits correspondence using Microsoft Word. Provides oral and written verification of license status using licensing database (VERSA), Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, and multi-line phone. Creates and prints data files that build licenses, renewal notices, deficiency notices, and other materials related to the licensing process using Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, licensing database (VERSA), and Adobe Acrobat. Develops, coordinates, and maintains manual and electronic filing systems.
• (10%) Identifies and assists with resolution of workflow and process issues and makes suggestions to Team Lead or Manager when warranted. Participates in the planning, organizing, and prioritizing of licensing activities. May develop technical and administrative procedures for the review of license and permit applications. and implementing new policies, procedures, and training to improve group efficiency. Participates in cross-training.
• (10%) Maintains effective working relationships with other departmental programs, state/federal agencies, and public and private groups requesting information. Utilizes standard correspondence to accompany information released. Provides assistance to Team Lead and Manager by researching, composing, designing, or editing agency publications such as forms, manuals, reports, and charts using Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, or Adobe Acrobat.
• (5%) Performs other duties related to the efficient operations of the licensing group as assigned. Prepares paper files for storage or destruction. Responds to emergencies as necessary and as directed by the Executive Commissioner.

Knowledge Skills Abilities

Knowledge of office practices, administrative and technical procedures. Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, proofreading and editing. Knowledge of customer service skills and phone etiquette.

Skill in using and maintaining databases to enter and retrieve data and produce reports. Skill in use of Microsoft Office including Outlook, Excel, and Word. Skill in Adobe Acrobat. Skill in composing and editing written correspondence, memorandums, reports, and forms.

Ability to communicate and express ideas clearly and accurately, both verbally and in writing. Ability to meet strict deadlines and work on multiple projects with rapidly changing priorities. Ability to interpret laws, rules, regulations, and policies. Ability to maintain confidentiality of documents, materials, and information. Ability to work collaboratively with co-workers, maintaining an effective working relationship. Ability to review, evaluate and determine eligibility of applications or documentation for licensure. Ability to work independently within the context of role expectations and responsibilities.

Registration Or Licensure Requirements

None required.

Initial Selection Criteria

Experience in Microsoft Office products is required.

Experience Providing Customer Service Is Required

Experience using and maintaining a database system for data entry and retrieval is required.

At least 6 months of experience interpreting and applying statutes, rules, regulations or policies and procedures is required.

Experience Processing License Applications Is Preferred

Associates or Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Additional Information

Must be able to pass an FBI and Texas DPS criminal history background check.

May be required to lift up to 15 lbs. Position frequently processes large quantities of paper applications.

An in-basket exercise may be given immediately following the interview.

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