Policy and Rules Specialist

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.

Location:

Houston, TX 77022 – 1425 E 40TH ST. Other sites:
Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, San Antonio. Telework eligible. Travel up to 15%.

Functional

Title:

Policy and Rules Specialist

Job Title:

Program Specialist VI
Agency:
Health & Human Services Comm
Department: CCL Policy & Program Ops
Posting Number: 12161
Closing Date: 01/12/2026
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23
Salary Range: $6,520.63 - $8,304.83 monthly

Shift: Day
Full Time/Part Time:
Full time

The Program Specialist VI works under the supervision of the Child Care Regulation (CCR) Policy and Rules Director, with minimal supervision and latitude for initiative.

Key responsibilities include planning, researching, developing, and implementing major cross-program initiatives, writing CCR rules, policies, handbooks, presentations, and compiling and analyzing data to support continuous program improvement.

The Specialist analyses proposed legislation, completes cost estimates, conducts research and assessments of state and federal requirements, and serves as an expert on CCR rules and policies.

The position may oversee the work of others, represents CCR at meetings with state agencies, providers, and advocacy groups, and leads cross-functional teams and work groups.

Required mindset: innovative, skilled in continuous process improvement, and emotional intelligence in decision making. Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills are essential.

• Rules Development (30%):
  Plan rule projects, conduct research, interpret statute, obtain stakeholder feedback, draft and route rules for approval, respond to public comments, and justify recommendations.
• Policy Development (30%):
  Plan program policy projects, analyze federal and state statute and rules, create policy handbook content, and serve as an expert on program policies.
• Project Management (15%):
  Analyze legislation, develop cost estimates, respond to inquiries, document initiatives, create implementation plans, review bills, oversee staff activity and priority.
• Collaboration (15%):
  Build effective relationships with leadership, agency staff, and other state agencies; track, plan, and devise solutions for legislation, policies, and rules; lead work groups to address statewide initiatives.
• Communication (5%):
  Develop documents and communications for staff, leadership, providers, stakeholders, media; prepare and deliver presentations to executive leadership.
• Regulatory Compliance and Program Support (5%):
  Maintain current knowledge of federal, state, and program standards; identify and streamline processes; provide consultation and guidance to stakeholders.

• 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 assessment of intended audience.
• Skill in evaluating, developing, and implementing effective and creative solutions to problems and challenges.
• Skill in planning and facilitating meetings and delivering effective presentations.
• Ability to interpret, analyze, and apply federal and state statutes, regulations, agency rules, policies impacting CCR.
• Ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to communicate effectively professionally orally and in writing through consultations, presentations, and reports.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and 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.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience working for a Regulatory Services Division preferred.

Registration, Licensure, and

Certifications:

N/A or None.

Active duty, military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified.

ADA Accommodations: HHSC will provide reasonable accommodations during hiring and selection for qualified individuals with a disability. Contact HHS Employee Service Center at for assistance.

Pre‑Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:
Applicants may need to pass background and other due diligence checks. HHSC uses E‑Verify; bring I‑9 documentation on first day.

Telework Disclaimer:
This position may be eligible for telework. All HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies and supervisor discretion.

Nearest Major Market:
Houston.