CCL Policy and Prg Oper Dir II

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Brief Job Description:

Under the supervision and direction of the Deputy Associate Commissioner (DAC) of Program Operations for Child Care Regulation (CCR) in the Regulatory Services Division (RSD), of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the Director of Policy and Rules provides leadership, strategic direction, management, and guidance to the CCR Policy and Rules team. This position performs advanced leadership and oversight activities by directing coordination and implementation of statutory changes, rule development and implementation, policy and procedure development, and providing technical assistance related to all listed to CCR staff.

This position directs a team of the policy manager, rules writers, and program specialists. The position is involved in establishing the strategic plan, goals, and objectives of the CCR program, writing policies, procedures, and rules, and establishing priorities, standards, and measurement tools for determining progress in meeting team goals.

This position must lead with innovative mindset and must be skilled in continuous process improvement. The position establishes priorities, goals, and objectives; evaluates progress toward meeting goals; identifies problems and develops effective solutions; and makes and implements plans for continuous process improvement.

The Director of Policy and Rules must possess and be capable of high-level, data-driven decision making, public speaking, emotional intelligence, and the ability to develop relationships with internal HHSC staff, providers, stakeholders, and community leaders. The position interacts routinely with CCR direct delivery staff, CCR state office staff, CCR and RSD senior leadership, HHSC executive leadership, HHSC legal staff, other HHSC divisions, other state agencies, and external stakeholders. This position also interacts with advocacy groups, elected officials, and legislative offices on behalf of the agency.

The position works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:

• Directs and supervises the policy manager, rules writers, and program specialists in the development, coordination, and implementation of statutes, rules, policies, and procedures related to CCR.

• Direct and supervises the team with innovative thinking, planned clear goals and objectives for solutions in achieving agency goals. Maintains and meets the required timeframes and deadlines to maintain team and program operations.

• Develops and implements techniques for evaluating program activities and/or business functions within the CCR Policy and Rules Team; and identifies process improvements and solutions for change.

• Develops, implements, and monitors plans, procedures, and functionality to ensure effective budget allocation and management of resources.

• Skill in effective and thorough written and verbal communication including the ability to prepare reports with effective communication.

• Provides consultation and technical assistance on regulatory activities to CCR staff, including CCR state office and CCR regional staff, CCR senior leadership, RSD leadership, HHSC executive leadership, and other state agencies, and external stakeholders. This position also interacts with advocacy groups, elected officials, and legislative offices on behalf of the agency.

• Represents CCR and HHSC at meetings, legislative sessions, conferences, and seminars, or on boards, panels, and committees.

• Identifies program needs and supervises the planning and development of program activities to ensure compliance with the agency and division mission and goals.
• Reviews results of internal audits, research studies, forecasts, and data analysis to provide direction and guidance while developing reports, rules, policies, and procedures.

• Reviews, analyzes, and provides direction on Legislative bill analysis and takes a leadership approach in planning bill implementation for the CCR program.

• Advises the CCR Deputy Associate Commissioner on the status and progress of policy and rules work. Performs the function of the CCR Deputy Associate Commissioner of Program Operations in their absence. Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain CCR regulatory activities. Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Demonstrate knowledge of childcare regulation and the child welfare system.
• Knowledge of policy and procedure development.
• Knowledge of Texas legislative and rule making processes.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration and management.
• Knowledge of planning and implementation.
• Knowledge of regulatory rules, statute, policies, processes, and RSD performance measures.
• Knowledge of staff development and mentoring.
• Skill in managing multiple, sometimes conflicting, priorities without jeopardizing deadlines or system milestones.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication, including clear and concise writing and plain language and the skill to adjust communications to fit the intended audience.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining productive working relationships both internally and externally.
• Skill in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support an overall business strategy.
• Skill in public speaking to large groups and with legislators or public officials.
• Skill in process improvement.
• Skill in crucial conversations.
• Ability to read budget and financial reports.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex written material.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal and state statutes, regulations, agency rules, policies and procedures related to CCR.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to identify problems, develop and implement solutions.
• Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
• Ability to develop and analyze special projects.
• Ability to direct and supervise the work of others.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Ability to represent the agency effectively with key stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, develop staff and verse the work of others.

Additional Information:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in a field relevant to the position. Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year to year basis.
• Five years full-time consultative, supervisory, managerial, professional, or technical work which must include: analysis of work problems having an administrative aspect and interpretation of complex material; or planning, organizing, and coordinating requirements for support services or program operations where a wide range of demands are involved, or interpretation of complex written material.

• Experience with public speaking, working with community stakeholders and providers related to childcare.
• Experince in Regulatory Services Division laws, rules, policies, and procedures.

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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.