Program Specialist VI

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Specialist VI (Policy and Rule Specialist) performs senior‑level work with the Health Care Regulation (HCR) Policies and Rules Unit (PRU) within the HHSC Regulatory Services Division. HCR regulates acute care facilities and certain health care professional licensing programs across Texas. This position plans and develops complex work products, including policies, rules, guidance letters, forms, and internal memos, that support department staff and regulated providers.
The position works under the PRU manager with minimal supervision and considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The position serves as a subject matter expert on policies, regulations, and other information related to work products and HCR-regulated providers. The role requires strong writing, editing, and communication skills, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment. The role also requires the ability to comfortably work with documents, publishing processes, Microsoft Office, and related tools.

Requirements

• Knowledge of best practices for policy and rule development and updates.
• Knowledge of project management processes and techniques.
• Knowledge of problem‑solving and process improvement approaches.
• Knowledge of facilitation and consensus-building principles.
• Knowledge of public administration and government practices.
• Knowledge of State, and federal regulations related to Health Care Regulation
• Skill in writing clearly and professionally for different audiences.
• Skill in creating clear, concise, and organized written research findings.
• Skill in explaining complex information in plain language.
• Skill in collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
• Skill in facilitating complex discussions.
• Skill in reviewing and editing documents, providing helpful feedback.
• Skill in managing time, priorities, and multiple assignments.
• Skill in keeping projects on track and meeting deadlines.
• Skill in using good judgment and professionalism.
• Skill in using common computer software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Pro, learning new systems as needed.
• Ability to plan, develop, and carry out complex policy- and rule-related work.
• Ability to review proposed and new laws to identify how they affect agency programs and regulated providers.
• Ability to track and report work progress, working to resolve and elevate concerns as necessary.
• Ability to concisely provide relevant context during review and approval processes.
• Ability to research issues and summarize complex information, tailoring to the audience.
• Ability to provide background, context, and interpretation on issues based on policies, regulations, and other work products to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as needed.
• Ability to facilitate and participate in meetings related to work product development, problem solving, and process improvement.
• Ability to work effectively with leadership, legal staff, program staff, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships.
• Ability to identify problems or gaps in current processes and suggest practical improvements.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• Strong written communication skills, demonstrated by application and assessment answers.

Nice To Haves

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in public policy, public administration, English, or a similar area is preferred. Relevant experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience leading business tasks and working on or managing activities related to policies, rules, or other related work products.

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains complex and highly advanced work products supporting HCR programs through internal and external stakeholder engagement and independent judgment.
• Leads development of PRU deliverables impacting HCR and HHSC operations, including rules, forms, guidance letters, website updates, policies, internal memos, and other initiatives.
• Establishes and manages work product timelines, monitors progress, and ensures deliverables meet necessary deadlines
• Consults with internal and external stakeholders to resolve complex policy- and publication-related issues and to improve clarity, consistency, and usability of PRU work products.
• Analyzes and evaluates policy and rule needs by reviewing stakeholder input and program requirements and providing recommendations to PRU management and HCR leadership.
• Provides high-level consultative services and technical assistance by reviewing, evaluating, and providing expert feedback on PRU work products.
• Routes work products through established internal and external review processes and collaborates with reviewers to ensure quality, consistency, and timely completion.
• Maintains comprehensive working knowledge of HCR-regulated provider types to support cross-coverage, peer consultation, and stakeholder inquiry responses.
• Coordinates with internal partners to support accurate interpretation and implementation of policies and regulations.
• Maintains effective working relationships with HCR and HHSC staff and serves as a reliable subject matter resource within PRU.
• Contributes to continuous improvement of PRU processes, documentation, and decision-making to enhance quality, accountability, consistency, efficiency, and compliance
• Promotes a culture of collaboration, professionalism, and excellence through information sharing, constructive engagement, and knowledgebase building.
• Performs related work as assigned and maintains regular and predictable attendance.
• Maintains current, in-depth knowledge of HCR-regulated providers and applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations through ongoing research and analysis.
• Serves as a subject matter expert on policy and rule matters by researching and responding to complex internal and external inquiries and providing background, context, and interpretation; facilitating consensus-building; and offering recommendations.
• Coordinates the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of relevant information and materials in response to leadership, stakeholder, and external requests within required deadlines
• Analyzes proposed and enacted state and federal legislation to determine policy, rule, and implementation impacts on PRU, HCR, and HHSC programs.
• Identifies implementation needs and leads policy and rule development activities necessary to operationalize enacted legislation
• Tracks, monitors, and reports legislative implementation status and outcomes to internal and external stakeholders.
• Provides consultative support related to legislative inquiries

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