Policy and Rules Program Specialist VII in Austin, TX

Description

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 Program Specialist VII 
Job Title: Program Specialist VII 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: CCL Policy & Program Ops 
Posting Number: 12473 
Closing Date: 01/19/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Protective Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25 
Salary Range: $7,438.29 - $9,508.25 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
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: Austin 
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Child Care Regulation (CCR) Director for Policy, Rules and Program Support, the Program Specialist VII performs highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance. This position plans and tracks CCR's efforts to implement legislation, major program initiatives, and other high-priority projects for CCR. Work involves developing project schedules, assigning, monitoring and reporting on the progress of project activities, leading meetings and work groups, identifying and resolving challenges to completing initiatives, responding to inquiries, and training staff. To complete these activities, the Program Specialist VII works with staff from multiple CCR divisions, HHSC departments, and other state agencies.

This position will perform additional duties during legislative sessions such as tracking and analyzing legislation, developing agency cost estimates, developing and reporting on the status of implementation plans.

The Program Specialist VII works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

The Program Specialist VII will serve as a lead worker, overseeing, prioritizing, and reporting on the work of others. The position will also develop and write rules and policies and procedures.

In performing these duties, the position works with all levels of agency staff, staff from other state agencies, internal and external stakeholders, and the general public.
 

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Coordinates the planning of projects with senior leadership to implement legislation, major program initiatives, and other high-priority projects for the division that require the coordination of rule development, IT projects, policy and procedure changes, website updates, and communication with staff and providers. Consults with CCR leadership and subject matter experts, researches the project topic, leads planning meetings, identifies project milestones, and creates work plans and project schedules. Identifies and addresses potential risks to program initiatives and assigns work tasks to members of the unit. Develops and implements standardized project management accountability tools and briefing documents. (25%)

Leads the progress of multiple initiatives, ensures project management accountability tools and documents are updated to reflect current project status, and attends initiative-related meetings. Makes determinations that address competing priorities. Reports and presents information related to program initiatives and their status to leadership and stakeholders. (25%)

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. Leads workgroups comprised of agency staff and external stakeholders. (15%)

Assists in prioritizing and developing program initiatives and goals for the CCR program. Oversees, prioritizes, and reports on the work of staff. Trains CCR staff on topics such as project management, tracking and analyzing legislation, and implementing legislation. (10%)

Tracks legislation during legislative sessions. Develops implementations plans for state and federal legislation and tracks and reports on the status of the department's progress implementing state and federal legislation to ensure that legislatively mandated objectives for CCR are met. Analyzes legislation, complete agency cost estimates, and perform additional duties during legislative sessions. (10%)

Analyzes and drafts rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to Child Care Regulation. (10%)

Through continuing education, maintains current knowledge of project management, child development, regulatory practices, health and safety, applicable law and rule, and related fields to support the mission of CCR. (5%)
 

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of:
- Project management principles, processes, and techniques;
- Texas legislative process;
- Texas rule-making processes; and
- Systems coordination, especially within government agencies.

Skill in:
- Implementing initiatives, complex projects, and legislation;
- Identifying, researching, analyzing, and solving complex program and policy issues;
- Setting goals and objectives;
- Managing multiple, sometimes conflicting, priorities without jeopardizing deadlines or system milestones;
- Evaluating, developing, and implementing effective and creative solutions to problems and challenges;
- Effectively convey (orally and in writing) complex information clearly, concisely, and effectively to a variety of audiences;
- Working with multiple, diverse teams;
- Leading workgroups, projects, and meetings; and
- Using the Microsoft Office Suite programs Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Ability to:
- Develop creative and workable solutions to complex problems;
- Lead and manage multiple high-priority projects and ensure each project is completed according to its established deadline;
- Plan, assign, prioritize, supervise, and review the work of others;
- Manage multiple responsibilities, make sound decisions under pressure, and to work independently with minimal supervision;
- Develop project management accountability tools and use project management software;
- Train others;
- Prepare briefings, reports, and other communications for a variety of audiences;
- Interpret and apply federal and state statutes, regulations, agency rules, policies and procedures;
- Develop and evaluate rules, policies, and procedures; and
- Work within a team structure and positively adapt to team growth and organizational change.  

Registration or Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
N/A  

Initial Screening Criteria: 

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university, plus one year of expereince writing or intrepreting policy and rule. Four years of experience writing and implementing state or federal laws or regulations may be substitute for the four-year degree. 

Experience implementing policy or rule for a governmental agency is preferred. 

Experience coordinating and facilitating group discussions. 

Experience organizing project information, tracking project progress, writing reports and setting deadlines. 

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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.