Senior Policy Advisor

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

9d•$7,438 - $9,508•Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Specialist VII (Senior Policy Advisor) performs highly advanced policy, regulatory, and programmatic work for 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. The position serves as a senior advisor and resource to HCR leadership and staff, supporting complex initiatives, high-priority projects, strategic decision-making, and organizational goals through policy analysis, regulatory interpretation, research, planning, consultation, and process improvement. The position works under the PRU Director with minimal supervision and considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The role supports team strategy, collaborates with internal and external stakeholders, and requires excellent communication, analytical, project management, research, process evaluation, and risk assessment skills. Some statewide travel may be required to gather information on policy and rule needs and to represent the agency or team at meetings.

Requirements

Valid drivers license required.
Experience leading complex projects, business initiatives, or program activities and providing guidance, consultation, or direction to others.
Excellent written communication skills, including writing, editing, grammar, attention to detail, and completeness of information provided in the state application.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Public Health, Human Services, English, Human Resources, Organizational Development, Education, or a related field preferred. Relevant experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education, up to four years.
Experience in project management, program evaluation, policy analysis, regulatory compliance, or related work preferred.
Experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data to support recommendations and decision-making preferred.

Responsibilities

Serves as the lead advisor, researcher, analyst, and developer on complex, high-priority projects and initiatives assigned by the PRU Director.
Maintains expertise in applicable laws, regulations, policies, and best practices related to HCR-regulated providers.
Leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned projects and work products, collaborating with stakeholders to develop practical recommendations that support organizational priorities and informed decision-making.
Develops and proposes practical and attainable project development plans, recommendations, and implementation timeframes for assigned work products and projects.
Demonstrates professionalism, sound judgment, resilience, and adaptability while ensuring the quality and accuracy of assigned work products.
Assists the PRU Director with planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating complex, high-priority PRU and HCR initiatives.
Evaluates programs, processes, and practices using data, performance metrics, stakeholder feedback, and other relevant information to identify risks, gaps, efficiencies, trends, and opportunities for improvement.
Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to assess operational effectiveness and support organizational priorities.
Develops and communicates practical, evidence-based recommendations informed by data analysis, program evaluation findings, and stakeholder input to improve program performance and service delivery.
Analyzes state and federal legislation and provides implementation impact analysis and recommendations to support leadership decision-making.
Serves as a PRU liaison for legislative, media, and other external inquiries, ensuring the accuracy, consistency, and timeliness of responses.
Coordinates and prepares reports, analyses, and other materials to support organizational priorities.
Serves as a PRU team lead and as a resource to internal stakeholders by providing consultation, technical assistance, and guidance on projects, initiatives, and matters within area of expertise.
Promotes the quality, consistency, and accuracy of PRU work products through collaboration, review, and strategic guidance.
Represents the PRU Director, as designated, in meetings, legislative activities, and other engagements.
Supports team development and operational effectiveness through mentorship, coordination, and other leadership activities as assigned.
This position is expected to perform related work as assigned and attend work on a regular and predictable schedule.