Communications Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Communications Specialist (Program Specialist V) performs highly advanced communications and content management work for the Health Care Regulation (HCR) Policies and Rules Unit (PRU) within the HHSC Regulatory Services Division (RSD). HCR oversees regulatory functions for acute care facilities and certain health care professional licensure programs in Texas. This position is responsible for coordinating publishing workflows for communications and work products, including policies, rules, GovDelivery stakeholder notifications, forms, and web updates. The position will also help manage inquiry intake and triage; maintain process documents, templates, and job aids; and support plain language, editing, and proofreading activities.

The role will primarily support communication needs related to PRU projects, intiatives, and legislation implementation, but also assists with internal communication needs such as preparing meeting notes, routing documents for review, and coordinating with staff and other internal stakeholders. Work will additionally include:

Developing and maintaining plain language materials.
Ensuring published content is consistent, accessible, and compliant with applicable program policies and procedures and regulations.
Analyzing performance data to help ensure compliance with program policies and procedures and regulations.
Drafting recommendations for updates or improvements to PRU‑related communication products, templates, and processes to support compliance with applicable policies, statutes, and rules.

The Communications Specialist works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The position requires strong writing, editing, and communication skills; the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment; and proficiency with document management, publishing processes, and Microsoft Office and related tools.

Requirements

• Knowledge of principles and best practices for communications, editing, and content management.
• Knowledge of plain‑language, readability, accessibility standards.
• Knowledge of document control, versioning, and process documentation methods.
• Knowledge of state agency communication processes and professional writing standards.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to Health Care Regulation.
• Skill in writing and editing clearly, concisely, and accurately.
• Skill in managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Skill in coordinating review cycles, routing documents, and communicating status updates.
• Skill in providing excellent customer service and working with diverse stakeholders.
• Skill in analyzing and presenting information clearly and concisely in written and verbal formats.
• Skill in using software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint) and Adobe Acrobat Pro.
• Ability to plan, organize, and manage communications and work product workflows.
• Ability to review draft content for accuracy, clarity, and adherence to standards.
• Ability to learn and apply agency procedures and requirements related to publishing and communication.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to gather, interpret, and synthesize information for reports and communications.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Valid driver’s license required
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in communications, English, public administration, public policy, journalism, or a related field preferred.
• Experience writing, editing, or coordinating communications materials.
• Experience reviewing and editing documents for clarity, grammar, and consistency.

Nice To Haves

• Experience may be substituted for education.
• Experience supporting content management, publishing workflows, or process documentation preferred.
• Experience in state government or regulatory environments is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates the preparation, review, routing, approval, and publication of communication and work products, including policies, rules, stakeholder notifications though GovDelivery, forms, and web updates.
• Coordinates with HHSC Communications and other internal stakeholders to complete required publishing steps.
• Supports the development of communication plans and materials for PRU projects and initiatives.
• Performs simple content updates independently and ensures accuracy, accessibility, and formatting consistency.
• Works with PRU staff to coordinate intake for inquiries.
• Triages messages to identify routine or recurring questions and drafts responses using approved guidance and templates.
• Elevates more complex questions to PRU staff with appropriate context, including precedent and recommendations.
• Maintains inquiry-related work tools, including templates and knowledge base.
• Tracks trends and metrics related to inquiries, publishing timelines, and content maintenance activities.
• Helps maintain PRU process documents, including templates, job aids, and style and formatting guides.
• Works with PRU leadership and staff to update internal materials when requirements change.
• Provides proofreading and editing support as needed, including reviewing draft content for clarity, accuracy, grammar, readability, accessibility, and adherence to plain‑language principles.
• Consolidates and maintains guidance related to plain‑language standards and formatting expectations.
• Assists in developing and maintaining the PRU style guide.
• Provides logistical support, including preparing meeting notes, decision logs, status summaries, and internal communication materials to support PRU project activities.
• Coordinates document routing, consolidation of feedback, and tracking of review cycles.
• Assists with coordination among internal stakeholders, including other areas in the department, HHSC Rules Coordination Office, HHSC Legal, HHSC Communications, and other internal stakeholders.
• Assists with communication-related activities connected to legislative implementation, as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• comprehensive benefits package includes 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