Policy and Rules Program Specialist VI

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

1d•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 specialist is responsible for planning, researching, developing, and implementing major cross-program initiatives, which includes writing CCR rules, policies, handbooks, presentations, and analyzing data for continuous program improvement. Key duties involve analyzing proposed legislation, completing cost estimates, and conducting research on state and federal requirements to inform program rule and policy. The position 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 specialist frequently represents CCR at meetings with various stakeholders and leads cross-functional teams and workgroups. An innovative mindset, skills in continuous process improvement, and emotional intelligence in decision-making are essential. This role involves identifying needs for change and developing/implementing successful change management solutions. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, exceptional interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively within the Child Care Regulation team 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, including conducting research, interpreting statute, and obtaining stakeholder feedback, to promulgate rules in the Texas Administrative Code for regulated child care operations and the CCR program. Considers project purpose, impact on children's health, safety, and well-being, and the availability/affordability of care, as well as fiscal impact to state and providers.
Follows CCR and HHSC Rules Coordination Office (RCO) procedures and applicable laws to draft and route rules for approval, and responds to public comments, making recommendations and providing justifications.
Plans program policy projects from beginning through implementation by analyzing federal and state statute and rules, and creates program policy handbook content to guide CCR staff and stakeholders on day-to-day operations, serving as an expert on program policies for assigned areas.
Completes activities related to legislation and legislative sessions, such as analyzing legislation for impact, developing agency cost estimates, responding to legislative inquiries, identifying legislative initiatives, developing implementation plans, and reviewing bills. Oversees, prioritizes, and reports on staff work.
Collaborates with leadership, agency staff, and staff from other state agencies to build effective relationships for developing CCR policies and rules. Collaborates with other CCR divisions to track, plan, and devise solutions for implementing legislation, policies, and rules.
Leads workgroups addressing statewide initiatives and improvement activities, facilitating discussions and documenting information to assist in revising rules. Stays current on agency practices, assesses needs, and provides technical expertise and consultation.
Develops documents and communications for CCR staff, HHS leadership, providers, and stakeholders, prepares responses to media and stakeholder inquiries, and creates presentations for executive leadership meetings. Prepares and delivers presentations on new and revised policies and rules.
Maintains current knowledge of federal, state, and program standards, policy development, regulatory practices, health and safety, and related fields through continuing education to support the program's vision. Identifies and streamlines processes, provides consultation and guidance, performs assigned work, and attends work on a regular and predictable schedule.