Policy and Rules Program Specialist VI

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

6h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Specialist VI, Policy and Rules Specialist, works under the supervision of the Child Care Regulation (CCR) Policy and Rules Manager. This role operates under minimal supervision, allowing for considerable initiative and independent judgment. The Program Specialist VI is responsible for planning, researching, developing, and implementing major cross-program initiatives, which includes writing CCR rules, policies, handbooks, presentations, and compiling and analyzing data to support continuous program improvement. The position involves analyzing proposed legislation, completing cost estimates, and conducting research and assessments of state and federal requirements to inform program rule and policy. The Program Specialist VI serves as an expert on CCR rules and policies, providing advanced, senior-level consultation and technical assistance to CCR staff, leadership, other state agencies, advocacy groups, and the public. The role frequently involves representing CCR at meetings with various stakeholders and leading cross-functional teams and workgroups. An innovative mindset, skills in continuous process improvement, and the ability to apply emotional intelligence in decision-making are crucial. This position identifies the need for change and develops and implements successful change management solutions. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, exceptional interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively as a team member are required.

Requirements

Knowledge of policy and rule development.
Knowledge of Child Care Regulation.
Knowledge of federal and state requirements impacting CCR.
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.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university or four years of experience in writing rules or policy.
Complete and well-written application.
Experience leading projects, interpreting, or applying statute, rules, or policy for a program.

Nice To Haves

Experience working for a Regulatory Services Division preferred.

Responsibilities

Plans rule projects, which includes 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 will assess and consider the fiscal impact of drafted and proposed rules to 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.
Plans program policy projects from beginning 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 assigned areas.
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 work of staff.
Collaborates with 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 the pertinent information from these discussions to assist CCR in determining to further revise rules in the Texas Administrative Code. Stays abreast of current agency practices, assesses, and analyzes immediate and emerging needs, and provides technical expertise and consultation as needed.
Develops documents and communications for CCR staff, HHS leadership, providers, and stakeholders, responses to media and stakeholder inquiries, and presentations to support meetings with executive leadership. Prepares and delivers presentations on new and revised policies and rules.
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.