Policies and Rules Specialist

FALL CREEK FARM & NURSERY; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

Health & Human Services Commission in Austin, TX, seeks a Policies and Rules Specialist (Program Specialist VI) to plan, develop, and manage complex policy work products for the PRU within HCR. You will coordinate with staff, stakeholders, and leadership to implement rules and guidance.

The role requires writing, analysis, and collaboration across teams, with opportunities for telework and travel up to 30%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in public policy, public administration, English, or a similar area preferred.
• Experience leading business tasks and working on or managing activities related to policies, rules, or other related work products.
• Strong written communication skills demonstrated by application and assessment answers.

Responsibilities

• Develops complex policy and rule work products for PRU with stakeholder input.
• Leads development of PRU deliverables including rules, forms, guidance letters, and internal memos.
• Maintains project plans, timelines, and ensures deliverables meet deadlines.
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to interpret policies and resolve issues.
• Maintains knowledge of HCR-regulated providers to support cross-coverage and inquiries.

Skills

Policy development

Project management

Writing

Facilitation

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in public policy/administration

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

PowerPoint

Adobe Acrobat Pro

Job description

Career Opportunities: Policies and Rules Specialist (21515)

Posting ID21515-Posted09/14/2026-Health & Human Services Comm-HCR - Program Operations-HCP-Office and Administrative Support-Eligible for Telework- Other Locations (1) -c. $5000 - $6999 per month

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: Policies and Rules Specialist
Job Title: Program Specialist VI Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: HCR - Program Operations-HCP Posting Number: 21515 Closing Date: 09/28/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Office and Administrative Support Salary Range: $6,520.63-$8,304.83 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 Shift: Day Additional Shift: None Telework: Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 30% 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: Austin MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS

Job Description

The Program Specialist VI (Policy and Rule Specialist) performs senior ‑ level work with the Health Care Regulation (HCR) Policies and Rules Unit (PRU) within the HHSC Regulatory Services Division. HCR regulates acute care facilities and certain health care professional licensing programs across Texas. This position plans and develops complex work products, including policies, rules, guidance letters, forms, and internal memos, that support department staff and regulated providers.

The position works under the PRU manager with minimal supervision and considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The position serves as a subject matter expert on policies, regulations, and other information related to work products and HCR‑regulated providers. The role requires strong writing, editing, and communication skills, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast ‑ paced environment. The role also requires the ability to comfortably work with documents, publishing processes, Microsoft Office, and related tools.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

EJF 1: Program Planning and Work Product Development (35%)

• Develops and maintains complex and highly advanced work products supporting HCR programs through internal and external stakeholder engagement and independent judgment.
• Leads development of PRU deliverables impacting HCR and HHSC operations, including rules, forms, guidance letters, website updates, policies, internal memos, and other initiatives.
• Establishes and manages work product timelines, monitors progress, and ensures deliverables meet necessary deadlines.
• Consults with internal and external stakeholders to resolve complex policy- and publication-related issues and to improve clarity, consistency, and usability of PRU work products.
• Analyzes and evaluates policy and rule needs by reviewing stakeholder input and program requirements and providing recommendations to PRU management and HCR leadership.

EJF 2: Collaboration, Review, and Technical Consultation (20%)

• Provides high-level consultative services and technical assistance by reviewing, evaluating, and providing expert feedback on PRU work products.
• Routes work products through established internal and external review processes and collaborates with reviewers to ensure quality, consistency, and timely completion.
• Maintains comprehensive working knowledge of HCR‑regulated provider types to support cross‑coverage, peer consultation, and stakeholder inquiry responses.
• Coordinates with internal partners to support accurate interpretation and implementation of policies and regulations.

EJF 3: Team Effectiveness and Organizational Contribution (15%)

• Maintains effective working relationships with HCR and HHSC staff and serves as a reliable subject matter resource within PRU.
• Contributes to continuous improvement of PRU processes, documentation, and decision‑making to enhance quality, accountability, consistency, efficiency, and compliance.
• Promotes a culture of collaboration, professionalism, and excellence through information sharing, constructive engagement, and knowledgebase building.
• Performs other duties as assigned and maintains regular and predictable attendance.

EJF 4: Research, Analysis, and Subject Matter Expertise (15%)

• Maintains current, in-depth knowledge of HCR‑regulated providers and applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations through ongoing research and analysis.
• Serves as a subject matter expert on policy and rule matters by researching and responding to complex internal and external inquiries and providing background, context, and interpretation; facilitating consensus‑building; and offering recommendations.
• Coordinates the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of relevant information and materials in response to leadership, stakeholder, and external requests within required deadlines.

EJF 5: Legislative and Statutory Implementation Support (15%)

• Analyzes proposed and enacted state and federal legislation to determine policy, rule, and implementation impacts on PRU, HCR, and HHSC programs.
• Identifies implementation needs and leads policy and rule development activities necessary to operationalize enacted legislation.
• Tracks, monitors, and reports legislative implementation status and outcomes to internal and external stakeholders.
• Provides consultative support related to legislative inquiries.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge of:

• Best practices for policy and rule development and updates.
• Project management processes and techniques.
• Problem ‑ solving and process improvement approaches.
• Facilitation and consensus‑building principles.
• Public administration and government practices.
• State, and federal regulations related to Health Care Regulation

Skill in:

• Writing clearly and professionally for different audiences.
• Creating clear, concise, and organized written research findings.
• Explaining complex information in plain language.
• Collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
• Facilitating complex discussions.
• Reviewing and editing documents, providing helpful feedback.
• Managing time, priorities, and multiple assignments.
• Keeping projects on track and meeting deadlines.
• Using good judgment and professionalism.
• Using common computer software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Pro, learning new systems as needed.

Ability to:

• Plan, develop, and carry out complex policy- and rule‑related work.
• Review proposed and new laws to identify how they affect agency programs and regulated providers.
• Track and report work progress, working to resolve and elevate concerns as necessary.
• Concisely provide relevant context during review and approval processes.
• Research issues and summarize complex information, tailoring to the audience.
• Provide background, context, and interpretation on issues based on policies, regulations, and other work products to internal and external stakeholders.
• Work independently and collaboratively as needed.
• Facilitate and participate in meetings related to work product development, problem solving, and process improvement.
• Work effectively with leadership, legal staff, program staff, and external stakeholders.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships.
• Identify problems or gaps in current processes and suggest practical improvements.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

A valid driver’s license is required.

Initial Screening Criteria

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in public policy, public administration, English, or a similar area is preferred. Relevant experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Experience leading business tasks and working on or managing activities related to policies, rules, or other related work products.

Strong written communication skills, demonstrated by application and assessment answers.

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.