Policy and Rules Specialist

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 Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist V 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Professional Cred Enfmnt 
Posting Number: 8522 
Closing Date: 09/09/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Education Training and Library 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 
Salary Range: $5,758.76 - $7,253.83 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 10% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST 
Other Locations: Austin; Abilene; Alamo; Alice; Alpine; Alvin; Amarillo; Anahuac; Andrews; Angleton; Anson; Aransas Pass; Archer City; Arlington; Athens; Atlanta; Bacliff; Ballinger; Bandera; Bastrop; Bay City; Baytown; Beaumont; Bedford; Beeville; Bellville; Big Spring; Boerne; Bonham; Borger; Bowie; Brady; Breckenridge; Brenham; Brownfield; Brownsville; Brownwood; Bryan; Burnet; Caldwell; Cameron; Canton; Canutillo; Carlsbad; Carrizo Springs; Carrollton; Carthage; Center; Centerville; Childress; Clarksville; Cleburne; Cleveland; Coldspring; Columbus; Conroe; Copperas Cove; Corpus Christi; Corsicana; Crockett; Crosby; Crystal City; Cuero; Cypress; Daingerfield; Dallas; Decatur; Del Rio; Denton; Dickinson; Dumas; Duncanville; Eagle Pass; Eastland; Edinburg; El Paso; Elgin; Elsa; Ennis; Fabens; Falfurrias; Floresville; Fort Stockton; Fort Worth; Fredericksburg; Gainesville; Galveston; Garland; Gatesville; Georgetown; Giddings; Gilmer; Goliad; Gonzales; Graham; Granbury; Grand Prairie; Grapevine; Greenville; Hallettsville; Hamilton; Harlingen; Haskell; Hearne; Hemphill; Hempstead; Henderson; Hereford; Hillsboro; Hondo; Houston; Humble; Huntsville; Hurst; Irving; Jacksonville; Jasper; Johnson City; Jourdanton; Karnes City; Katy; Kaufman; Kerrville; Killeen; Kingsville; Kingwood; Kirbyville; La Grange; Lake Jackson; Lake Worth; Lamesa; Lampasas; Lancaster; Laredo; Levelland; Lewisville; Liberty; Linden; Littlefield; Livingston; Llano; Lockhart; Longview; Lubbock; Lufkin; Lumberton; Madisonville; Marble Falls; Marfa; Marlin; Marshall; Mcallen; Mckinney; Mercedes; Meridian; Mesquite; Mexia; Midland; Mineola; Mineral Wells; Mission; Monahans; Mount Pleasant; Mount Vernon; Nacogdoches; Navasota; New Boston; New Braunfels; Odessa; Orange; Palestine; Pampa; Paris; Pasadena; Pearland; Pearsall; Pecos; Perryton; Pharr; Pittsburg; Plainview; Plano; Pollok; Port Arthur; Port Lavaca; Presidio; Quitman; Raymondville; Refugio; Richardson; Richmond; Rio Grande City; Robstown; Rockwall; Rosenberg; Round Rock; Rowlett; Rusk; San Angelo; San Antonio; San Benito; San Juan; San Marcos; San Saba; Schertz; Seguin; Seminole; Seymour; Sherman; Silsbee; Sinton; Snyder; Socorro; Sonora; South Houston; Stephenville; Sugar Land; Sulphur Springs; Sweetwater; Taylor; Temple; Terrell; Texarkana; Texas City; The Woodlands; Tomball; Trinity; Tyler; Uvalde; Van Horn; Vernon; Victoria; Waco; Washington; Watauga; Waxahachie; Weatherford; Webster; Weslaco; Wharton; Wichita Falls; Woodville; Zapata 
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,86P0,88A0,88B0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

The Regulatory Enforcement (RE) Policy and Rules Specialist works in the Enforcement Coordination Team (ECT). They develop policies, procedures, handbooks, guidance letters, presentations and other policy and rule deliverables associated with RE programs and serves as an internal and external policy expert for current and proposed policy and rules to internal and external stakeholders, including members of the public, providers, associations, and internal HHS staff in a variety of program areas.

This position provides advanced assessment of complex information and other technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders. During the legislative sessions, they analyze proposed legislation and manage activities associated with implementation of legislative initiatives and internal HHSC initiatives. They review handbooks, job aids, manuals and other documents for accuracy and assesses the impact of proposed policy documents. The position may also represent ECT at meetings with federal and state agencies and at meetings with other Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) programs, providers. and advocacy groups.

This position is expected to maintain current knowledge in assigned program areas by reviewing literature, attending meetings, and communicating effectively with other HHSC staff. They may participate in or lead the development and promulgation of rules and make external presentations related to assigned programs.

The ideal candidate for this position not only focuses on their daily functions; they show an eagerness to learn. They are technologically savvy, self-motivated, and are results-oriented. They demonstrate great interpersonal skills with their colleagues and leaders. They continually seek self-improvement and strive to be a helpful member of their team. 

Essential Job Functions:

1. Collaborates with subject-matter experts to develop and maintain policies, procedures, job aids, handbooks and guidance letters. (15%)
2. Accurately tracks, monitors, plans, coordinates and schedules activities on a complex level to ensure deadlines and deliverable requirements are met. (10%)
3. Translates and presents policy, rule, and other technical information into plain-language reports, presentations, and summaries for internal and external stakeholders. (10%)
4. Provides or verifies information and addresses questions and issues raised by stakeholders. (5%)
5. Analyzes the potential effects of court rulings and proposed legislation on agency operations. (10%)
6. Monitors changes in legislation and manages implementation initiatives to ensure that the agency is in compliance with legislative mandates. (10%)
7. Plans, attends, and facilitates public and internal meetings. (10%)
8. Participates in or leads the development and promulgation of rules, including external presentations related to assigned programs. (10%)
9. Serves as a SharePoint Designer and Administrator (10%)
10. Supports RE staff in using BlackBoard (5%)
11. Completes other duties as assigned. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of Health and Human Services regulatory requirements and compliance standards.
2. Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to enforcement and regulatory programs.
3. Knowledge of software tools and databases, including Microsoft 365, Microsoft Excel, Power Apps, SharePoint, BlackBoard, and regulatory-specific systems (CLASS, ASPEN, IMPACT, iQIES, TULIP, Versa).
4. Knowledge of problem-solving processes to produce solutions to complex problems.
5. Skill in communicating effectively orally and in writing with executives and key stakeholders,
6. Skill in translating complex policies, laws, or rules into organizational impact
7. Skill in informing decision-making at a strategic level.
8. Ability to independently plan and organize the work of self and others.
9. Ability to prioritize and organize workloads.
10. Ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize information from multiple sources.
11. Ability to research, develop and evaluate policies, processes and procedures, and to implement them.
12. Ability to use computer databases and troubleshoot user issues.
13. Ability to provide excellent customer service and demonstrate diplomacy in dealings with others.

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
2. At least one year experience as a surveyor, investigator, or inspector in Long-term Care Regulation, Child Care Regulation, or Health Care Regulation. Experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
3. At least two years of experience using regulatory systems such as CLASS, IMPACT, ASPEN, iQIES, TULIP, or Versa.
4. Experience leading complex HHSC program activities and managing policy or technical initiatives.
5. Experience using Microsoft suite products.
6. Experience writing policies, procedures, or rules.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must possess valid Texas driver’s license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date.   

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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.