Senior Policy Specialist

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Brief Job Description:

The Program Specialist VI works under the general supervision of the Manager for the nursing facility (NF)and life safety code (LSC) branch of the Long-Term Care Regulation Policy and Rules section. The program specialist performs highly advanced (senior-level) complex consultative and technical work in the planning, development and implementation of assigned programs within an approved implementation and operational plan.

Under general supervision, the program specialist has extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment in the performance of job assignments and project management for the assigned programs. The program specialist has expert skills and knowledge related to the regulation of services provided to individuals with aging and disability-related needs.

The program specialist is responsible for the acquisition, maintenance and dissemination of timely information and knowledge to the regulatory services division and its external stakeholders.

The program specialist is the subject matter expert for program development including policies, procedures, rules, curricula and interpretive guidance materials. The program specialist will provide technical assistance to Long-term Care Regulation directors, regional directors and program managers in licensing, enforcement and survey operations. The program specialist will also provide technical guidance and assistance to individuals in other areas of the Health and Human Services (HHS) enterprise related to the assigned programs.

The primary responsibility of the program specialist is to provide timely and informed technical assistance to staff regarding assigned program areas. The program specialist researches answers to questions and provides options and guidance to regional staff. The program specialist provides assistance in locating effective resources and innovative strategies for providing services to P&R customers leading to successful outcomes. The program specialist is responsible for review, analysis and tracking of bills in the Texas Legislature and Federal Legislature.

The program specialist may be responsible for rule promulgation, stakeholder engagement, surveyor training development, provider joint training development, and public policy development and analysis.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

1. Implements, oversees and accomplishes program responsibilities through the development of policies, provider standards processes and procedures, guidance, and materials; interprets and applies Long-term Care Regulation policies and procedures as applicable to program area.
2. Responds to requests from internal and external stakeholders by providing consultative services and technical assistance.
3. Conducts liaison activities regarding assigned programs, committees, councils, advisory committees, the business community or other entities, including attendance at meetings, conferences and committees, and consults with programmatic regional staff, community organizations, and other programmatic areas as assigned.
4. Monitors for policy and program effectiveness through planning, research, consultation and report writing; and assists in disseminating and interpreting policy and procedures.
5. Liaises with and provides consultative services and technical assistance to regional and state office staff in Long-term Care Regulation Licensing, Enforcement and Survey Operations units, as well as other areas of the HHS Enterprise, to determine trends and resolve operational problems.
6. Oversees compliance with applicable programmatic standards, policies and procedures in coordination with appropriate staff, and takes or makes recommendations for corrective action as needed.
7. Oversees the collection, organization, analysis and preparation of materials in response to requests for program information and reports for executive management.
8. Reviews, analyzes and provides comments on proposed legislation and regulations, and guides programmatic implementation of final legislation and regulations in program areas.
9. Acts as manager of the assigned branch and unit in the absence of the program manager and/or division director.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Local, state and federal laws related to the program area and ability to apply the principal federal and state laws related to program responsibilities, and the basic legislative intent and interpretation of these laws.
• Analysis processes and research techniques.

Skill in:

• Identifying measures or indicators of program performance and in monitoring and reporting on program performance and program expenditures.
• Analyzing information, interpreting trends and recommending program adjustments or revisions.
• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Planning objectives, timelines and action plans to accomplish program goals.
• Communicating or negotiating with other programs and organizations.
• Making presentations to groups.

Ability to:

• Gather, assemble, correlate and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems; to market programs; to prepare reports; to develop, evaluate and interpret policies and procedures; and to train, lead and prioritize objectives.
• Review, interpret and apply the policies and procedures.
• Provide technical assistance to the industry regarding assigned program responsibilities.
• Perform work with limited supervision.
• Operate with high professional standards.
• Use computer systems, legislative tracking tools and query/research tools.
• Research up to date information related to assigned programmatic responsibilities.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Licensure, registration, or certification is not required for the position, but preference may be given to individuals with the following registrations, licenses, certifications, or qualifications: Registered Nurse, Social Worker, Architect, Engineer, Bachelor’s degree in a field applicable to the position, or Master’s degree or other advanced degree in a field applicable to the position.

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Experience with long-term care regulatory programs, including nursing facility or life safety code, preferred.
• Experience preparing and presenting complex information in writing or orally.
• Experience writing professional business documents, such as reports, policy documents, handbooks, or rules.
• Experience with interpreting, developing or implementing policy, preferred.
• Experience leading complex business activities or managing large-scale policy and/or technical initiatives.
• Experience dealing with a wide variety of stakeholder groups preferred.

Additional Information:

N/A

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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