CCR Policy and Rules Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

120d • $6,520 - $8,304

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university is preferred.
• Experience leading projects, interpreting, or applying statute, rules, or policy.
• Experience working for a Regulatory Services Division preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Plans program policy projects from policy initiation through implementation by analyzing federal and state statute and rules.
• Completes activities associated with legislation and legislative sessions such as analyzing legislation for the impact to CCR and the child care industry.
• 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.
• Develops documents and communications for CCR staff, HHS leadership, providers, and stakeholders, and responds to media and stakeholder inquiries.
• 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.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
• Defined benefit pension plan
• Generous time off benefits
• Numerous opportunities for career advancement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree