CCR Policy and Rules Specialist

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Functional Title: CCR Policy and Rules Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist VI 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: CCL Policy & Program Ops 
Posting Number: 9012 
Closing Date: 03/11/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Protective Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Salary Range: $6,520.63 - $8,304.83 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 20% 
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:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,86P0,88A0,88B0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Job Description:
The Program Specialist VI, Policy and Rules Specialist, reports to the Child Care Regulation (CCR) Policy and Rules Manager. The Policy and Rules Specialist works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, and 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 Policy and Rules Specialist analyzes proposed legislation, completes cost estimates, conducts research and assessments of state and federal requirements to inform CCR rule and policy development and implementation. 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.

The Policy and Rules Specialist must have an innovative mindset and must be skilled in continuous process improvement activities, with the ability to utilize emotional intelligence in decision making. This position identifies the need for change while developing and implementing techniques for successful change management solutions.

The Policy and Rules Specialist requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, exceptional interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively as a member of the Child Care Regulation and Regulatory Services Division teams.

Essential Job Functions

EJ1 Rules Development: Plans rule projects, including 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 must adhere to, and oversee successful timeline completion, to ensure rules and policy are posted in timelines provided to executive leadership. The position will assess and consider the fiscal impact of drafted and proposed rules to the 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%)

EJ2: Policy Development: Plans program policy projects from policy initiation 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 the impacted and assigned areas. (30%)

EJ3 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 specialist’s individual workload. (15%)

EJ4 Collaboration: Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders, such as, 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 information from these discussions to assist CCR in determining to further revisions of rules in the Texas Administrative Code. Remains current of current agency practices, assesses, and analyzes immediate and emerging needs, and provides technical expertise and consultation as needed. (15%)

EJ5: Communication: Develops documents and communications for CCR staff, HHS leadership, providers, and stakeholders, and responds to media and stakeholder inquiries, and presentations to support meetings with senior and executive leadership. Prepares and delivers presentations on new and revised policies and rules. (5%)

EJ6 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 the policy and rule development process.
• Knowledge of federal and state processes.
• 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 is preferred. Education and/or experience equivalent to a four-year college degree may be substituted for the four-year degree. 

A Complete and well-written application.

Experience leading projects, interpreting, or applying statute, rules, or policy.

Experience working for a Regulatory Services Division preferred.

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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.