CCR Policy and Rules Specialist

CCR Policy and Rules Specialist role at Texas Health and Human Services

Date:
Dec 6, 2025

Location:

AUSTIN, TX 78751

Agency:
Health & Human Services Comm
Department: CCL Policy & Program Ops
Posting Number: 9012
Closing Date: 03/11/2026
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23
Salary Range: $6,520.63 - $8,304.83 per month

The Program Specialist VI, Policy and Rules Specialist reports to the Child Care Regulation (CCR) Policy and Rules Manager. The position works with minimal supervision and uses initiative and independent judgment to plan, research, develop, and implement major cross‑program initiatives. Responsibilities include writing CCR rules, policies, handbooks, presentations, and compiling and analyzing data to support continuous program improvement. The specialist analyzes proposed legislation, completes cost estimates, conducts research and assessments of state and federal requirements to inform CCR rule and policy development and implementation.

They provide advanced, senior‑level consultation and technical assistance to CCR staff, leadership, other state agencies, advocacy groups, and the public, and may oversee the work of others. The specialist frequently represents CCR at meetings with other state agencies, providers, and advocacy groups and leads cross‑functional teams and work groups, routinely interacting with internal and external stakeholders.

The Policy and Rules Specialist must have an innovative mindset, be skilled in continuous process improvement activities, and use emotional intelligence in decision making. They must identify the need for change while developing and implementing techniques for successful change management solutions. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, exceptional interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively as a member of the Child Care Regulation and Regulatory Services Division teams are required.

• EJ1 Rules Development
  :
  Plans rule projects, conducts research, interprets statute, and obtains stakeholder feedback to promulgate rules in the Texas Administrative Code. Considers impact on health, safety, well‑being of children, cost impacts, and adheres to timelines. Responds to public comments and writes justification for recommendations. (30%)
• EJ2 Policy Development
  :
  Plans program policy projects from initiation through implementation, analyzes federal and state statutes and rules, and creates handbook content for CCR staff and stakeholders. Acts as an expert on program policies. (30%)
• EJ3 Project Management
  :
  Analyzes legislation for impact on CCR, develops cost estimates, responds to legislative inquiries, documents legislative initiatives, creates implementation plans, reviews bills, prioritizes workload, and reports. (15%)
• EJ4 Collaboration
  :
  Builds effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, collaborates across divisions, leads work groups on statewide initiatives, facilitates discussions, and documents outcomes to guide rule revisions. (15%)
• EJ5 Communication
  :
  Develops documents and communications for CCR staff, HHS leadership, providers, and stakeholders, responds to media inquiries, and delivers presentations on new and revised policies and rules. (5%)
• EJ6 Regulatory Compliance and Program Support
  :
  Maintains knowledge of federal and state standards, identifies and streamlines processes, provides consultation, and works a regular predictable schedule. (5%)

• Knowledge of the policy and rule development process.
• Knowledge of federal and state processes.
• Knowledge of problem‑solving processes to produce solutions to complex problems.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including tailoring messages to intended audiences.
• Evaluating, developing, and implementing creative solutions to problems and challenges.
• Planning and facilitating meetings; delivering effective presentations in formal and informal settings.
• Interpreting, analyzing, and applying federal and state statutes, regulations, agency rules, and policies impacting CCR.
• Presenting complex information clearly and concisely.
• Professional oral and written communication in consultations, presentations,…