Policy and Rules Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

100% health insurance for employees

Pension plan

Generous leave with career advancement

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks a Policy and Rules Specialist VI to lead CCR rule development and policy initiatives. You will analyze legislation, draft rules, prepare cost estimates, and provide expert guidance to CCR staff and external partners.

This senior role requires strong analytical, communication, and leadership abilities, with telework eligibility and regular collaboration with state agencies and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or four years experience in child care services or regulation is preferred.
• Experience planning and implementing program rules and policy.
• Ability to interpret, analyze, and apply federal and state statutes and regulations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience leading projects and teams desired.

Responsibilities

• Plans rule projects and drafts CCR rules for the Texas Administrative Code.
• Develops program policy content and handbook guidance for CCR staff.
• Manages legislative analysis, cost estimates, and implementation plans.
• Leads cross-functional workgroups and facilitates meetings.
• Communicates policy changes to stakeholders and leadership.
• Maintains current knowledge of federal, state standards and regulatory practices.

Skills

Policy development

Rule development

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree / four years experience

Job description

Date: Sep 11, 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: Policy and Rules SpecialistJob Title: CCL Prog Spec VIAgency: Health & Human Services CommDepartment: CCL Policy & Program OpsPosting Number: 21329Closing Date: 09/25/2026Posting Audience: Internal and ExternalOccupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social ScienceSalary Range: $6,520.63 - $8,304.83Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group: TEXAS-B-23Shift: DayTelework: Eligible for TeleworkTravel: Up to 15%Regular/Temporary: RegularFull Time/Part Time: Full timeFLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST

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

Job Description

The Program Specialist VI, Policy and Rules Specialist, works under the supervision of the Child Care Regulation (CCR) Policy and Rules Director. The Program Specialist VI works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The Program Specialist VI is responsible for planning, researching, developing, and implementing major cross-program initiatives that involves writing CCR rules, policies, handbooks, presentations, and compiling and analyzing data to support continuous program improvement. The Program Specialist VI analyzes proposed legislation, completes cost estimates, conducts research and assessments of state and federal requirements to inform program rule and policy. The position serves as an expert on CCR rules and policies and provides advanced, senior-level consultation and technical assistance to CCR staff, leadership, other state agencies, advocacy groups, and the public. This position may be responsible for overseeing the work of others. The position frequently represents CCR at meetings with other state agencies, providers, and advocacy groups. The position leads cross-functional teams and workgroups, routinely interacting with internal and external stakeholders.

Essential Job Functions

• Rules Development: Plans rule projects, which includes conducting research, interpreting statute, and obtaining feedback from stakeholders, to promulgate rules in the Texas Administrative Code for regulated child care operations and the CCR program. When planning projects, the position considers the purpose of the project while also considering how a rule will impact the health, safety, and well-being of children in care and the availability and affordability of care. The position will assess and consider the fiscal impact of drafted and proposed rules to state and regulated providers. Follows the procedures developed by CCR and the HHSC Rules Coordination Office (RCO) and applicable rules and state laws to draft and route for approval rules and other documents related to proposing and adopting changes to rules in the Texas Administrative Code. Responds to public comments received during the informal and formal comment periods, including making recommendations to make a suggested change and writing a clear and concise justification for the recommendation. (30%)
• Policy Development: Plans program policy projects from beginning through implementation by analyzing federal and state statute and rules. Creates program policy handbook content to provide guidance to CCR staff and stakeholders on day-to-day operations. Serves as an expert on program policies for assigned areas. (30%)
• Project Management: Completes activities associated with legislation and legislative sessions such as analyzing legislation for the impact to CCR and the child care industry, developing agency cost estimates, responding to legislative inquiries, identifying or documenting information regarding legislative initiatives and exceptional items, developing implementation plans, and completing tasks necessary to implement legislation. Reviews bills as assigned. Oversees, prioritizes, and reports on the work of staff. (15%)
• Collaboration: Collaborates with leadership, agency staff, and staff from other state agencies to successfully build effective relationships while developing CCR policies and rules. Collaborates with other divisions within CCR to track, plan, and devise solutions for implementing legislation, policies, and rules. Leads workgroups addressing statewide initiatives and improvement activities, including facilitating workgroup discussions, and documenting the pertinent information from these discussions to assist CCR in determining to further revise rules in the Texas Administrative Code. Stays abreast of current agency practices, assesses, and analyzes immediate and emerging needs, and provides technical expertise and consultation as needed. (15%)
• Communication: Develops documents and communications for CCR staff, HHS leadership, providers, and stakeholders, responses to media and stakeholder inquiries, and presentations to support meetings with executive leadership. Prepares and delivers presentations on new and revised policies and rules. (5%)
• Regulatory Compliance and Program Support: Through continuing education, maintains current knowledge of federal, state, and program standards, policy development, regulatory practices, health and safety, and related fields to support the vision for the program. Identifies and streamlines processes accordingly. Provides consultation and guidance to internal and external stakeholders. Performs related work as assigned and attends work on a regular and predictable schedule. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of policy and rule development.
• Knowledge of Child Care Regulation.
• Knowledge of federal and state requirements impacting CCR.
• Knowledge of problem-solving processes to produce solutions to complex problems.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication, including skill in assessing an intended audience to adjust communications.
• Skill in evaluating, developing, and implementing effective and creative solutions to problems and challenges.
• Skill in planning and facilitating meetings and developing and delivering effective presentations in both formal and informal settings.
• Ability to interpret, analyze, and apply federal and state statutes, regulations, agency rules, policies impacting CCR.
• Ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively professionally both orally and in writing through consultations, presentations, and concise reports.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to provide direction and lead others.

Initial Selection Criteria

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university or four years of experience in child care services or regulation is preferred.
• Complete and well-written application.
Experience leading projects, interpreting, or applying statute, rules, or policy for a program.

Final Selection Criteria

Final selection will be based upon interview and in-basket results.

There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

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