Rules Support Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

2d•$5,099 - $6,750•Hybrid

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. Functional Title: Rules Support Specialist Job Title: Program Specialist VI Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: POLICY & RULES OFFICE /SEPA Posting Number: 19732 Closing Date: 08/24/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Management Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $6,750.00 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Telework: Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 5% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt Facility Location: Job Location City: AUSTIN Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST Other Locations: MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS Brief Job Description: The Rules Support Specialist reports to the Director of the Rules Coordination Office in the Rules and Advisory Committees Office. Performs highly advanced consultative and technical assistance work for rules development within the Health and Human Services System (HHS System). The Rules Support Specialist drafts and edits rules in accordance with Texas Administrative Code rulemaking guidelines; conducts research and analysis to determine the need for rules; and assists System program staff in the development and writing of rules. Works with the Director, the Rules Coordination Office team, and other System staff on the development of rule packet, work plans, and timelines. Communicates with internal and external stakeholders, program and executive management and other relevant parties about rules status or emerging issues. Works under minimal supervision, with latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Essential Job Functions (EJFs): EJF 1. (35%) Drafts and/or edits rules in accordance with state requirements and guidelines. Develops strong working knowledge of Texas Administrative Code policies and procedures. Advises HHS System program staff on how to correctly draft rules. Coordinates with Office of the Chief/General Counsel and Chief Financial Office staff on all rule projects. Facilitates and/or participates in internal and external agency workgroups. Provides guidance and assistance to staff on requirements of the Texas Government Code’s Administrative Procedures Act and Texas Register, including timelines for achieving desired or required effective dates. EJF 2. (25%) May act as a liaison to other program staff and other agencies concerning the rules process. Provides input, technical assistance and guidance to HHS System staff in the development and implementation of rules. Assists with negotiations and problem-solving. Keeps the director and rules team informed of activities and emerging issues. Works with the director and rules team to assess existing policies and procedures for rules development and makes recommendations for improvement. EJF 3. (15%) Prepares and approves high quality written documents for HHS System program areas, including project updates, summaries, presentations, and other documents as needed, focusing on quality initiatives for rulemaking; and creates efficiencies where opportunities occur. EJF 4. (10%) Works with and speaks to community and professional groups, other HHS System programs, other state agencies, legislative staff, and public stakeholders, to provide information and technical assistance, identify needs and resolve issues. Provides oral presentations and written materials as appropriate. EJF. 5. (10%) Provides training and technical assistance and guidance to HHS System staff on the rules development process. EJF 6. (5%) Performs other duties as assigned. Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited 4-year college or university with a major in government, political science, social work, or other relevant field of study. Experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
Experience in researching and analyzing federal or state laws, regulations, and policies.
Experience with HHS System programs preferred.
Rulemaking process for HHSC or other state agencies.
HHS System programs, including applicable laws and regulations preferred.
Project management oversight, including monitoring deadlines and compliance with policies and procedures relevant to the project.
Program and policy analysis.
Drafting and editing written documents.
Drafting rules are preferred.
Analyzing and evaluating complex program and policy issues
Performing research related to federal or state laws, regulations, and policies.
Developing interpersonal relationships, including the ability to work with people under pressure, negotiate among multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Facilitating meetings and ensuring that participants meet their deliverables
Identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
Set and manage priorities.
Organize and develop work plans and adhere to strict deadlines.

Nice To Haves

HHS System programs, including applicable laws and regulations preferred.
Drafting rules are preferred.
Experience with HHS System programs preferred.

Responsibilities

Drafts and/or edits rules in accordance with state requirements and guidelines.
Develops strong working knowledge of Texas Administrative Code policies and procedures.
Advises HHS System program staff on how to correctly draft rules.
Coordinates with Office of the Chief/General Counsel and Chief Financial Office staff on all rule projects.
Facilitates and/or participates in internal and external agency workgroups.
Provides guidance and assistance to staff on requirements of the Texas Government Code’s Administrative Procedures Act and Texas Register, including timelines for achieving desired or required effective dates.
May act as a liaison to other program staff and other agencies concerning the rules process.
Provides input, technical assistance and guidance to HHS System staff in the development and implementation of rules.
Assists with negotiations and problem-solving.
Keeps the director and rules team informed of activities and emerging issues.
Works with the director and rules team to assess existing policies and procedures for rules development and makes recommendations for improvement.
Prepares and approves high quality written documents for HHS System program areas, including project updates, summaries, presentations, and other documents as needed, focusing on quality initiatives for rulemaking; and creates efficiencies where opportunities occur.
Works with and speaks to community and professional groups, other HHS System programs, other state agencies, legislative staff, and public stakeholders, to provide information and technical assistance, identify needs and resolve issues.
Provides oral presentations and written materials as appropriate.
Provides training and technical assistance and guidance to HHS System staff on the rules development process.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.