Policy & 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. 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: Policy & Rules Specialist Job Title: Management Analyst III Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: Regulatory Svcs DEC Posting Number: 22943 Closing Date: 11/17/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Community and Social Services Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $8,304.83 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Days (First) Telework: Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 10% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City: AUSTIN Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST Other Locations: Austin MOS Codes: 0510,0570,4502,4505,8016,8840,8852,8862,8870,11A,11Z,14FX,165X,171X,35PX,37A,37F,3N0X6,46A,612X,632X 641X,70A,70D,70E,712X,732X,INF,IS,SEI13,SEI15,YN,YNS

Brief Job Description:

The Policy & Rules Specialist performs advanced (senior level) programmatic, administrative support, and technical assistance work under the supervision of the Director Policy and Stakeholder Engagement in the Regulatory Services Division (RSD). Directly supports the daily administrative operations of the division as they relate to legislative and government relations issues and regulatory reform and rules initiatives. Works closely with RSD program areas to help monitor and support legislative implementation, legislative reports and rulemaking projects. Supports the collection and analysis of materials in response to requests for program information. Helps maintain SharePoint sites and assists special projects with rule routing, tracking and other projects as needed. Works with other departments within the division to ensure timely and accurate completion of legislative and rule-related tasks. Must be able to work under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy.

(35%) Helps ensure timely responses to all requests by legislators (state and federal) and other public officials and supports all legislative activity during session including tracking bills, developing bill analyses, and associated cost impacts and/or assigning to subject matter experts. Provides support for tracking and monitoring progress in implementing legislation.

(30%) Supports the implementation of rule projects and regulatory reform initiatives by coordinating activities across program areas in RSD. Assists in developing and maintaining project schedules, deliverables, and tracking tools; evaluates the operational impacts of proposed rule changes; coordinates stakeholder input and implementation activities; monitors project status and risks; and supports communication, rollout, and post-implementation evaluation of regulatory changes.

(15%) Supports the analysis of bills that impact regulatory services and legislative implementation in the Legislative Tracking System, provides appropriate support for programmatic areas, and assists with tracking the progress of relevant legislation.

(15%) Assists with maintaining SharePoint sites and Microsoft TEAMS channels. Assists with monitoring operational inboxes and supports process improvement across division initiatives.

(5%) Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of the legislative process and laws, rules, and regulations relevant to Health and Human Services.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and management.

Knowledge of health and human service programs, services, and procedures.

Knowledge of the process for formal rulemaking in Texas.

Knowledge of policy and procedure development, implementation, evaluation and maintenance.

Skilled in communicating with varied levels of staff to develop positive effective working relationships and establish credibility, trust and confidence.

Skilled in planning, organizing, assigning, tracking progress, and taking corrective action to meet deadlines.

Skilled in organizational skills including attention to detail and multi-tasking skills.

Skilled in using Microsoft Office Suite, including SharePoint.

Skill in teamwork and in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with

people at various levels of expertise.

Skill in developing, evaluating, implementing, and interpreting policies, procedures and rules.

Skill in problem solving, conflict resolution, and negotiation.

Ability to demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to work under pressure and successfully manage multiple overlapping deadlines.

Ability to produce accurate, high-quality results.

Ability to provide excellent client-facing and internal communication skills.

Ability to work under limited supervision, exercise independent judgment, set priorities, meet deadlines and adapt to shifting technical and political developments in an environment of broad consultative management.

Ability to plan, organize, develop, implement and evaluate multiple projects, often concurrently. Ability to plan, organize, schedule, and monitor completion of assigned projects.

Ability to work with diverse teams, often with competing priorities.

Ability to present information to a variety of audiences, verbally and in writing, and to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively.

Ability to adapt to change or modify behavior in response to changes in situations or priorities.

Ability to analyze systems and procedures.

Ability to produce quality work within short deadlines.

Ability to set priorities and to plan, organize, and coordinate work with others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

NA

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university, plus two years of experience in government relations or rule writing. Experience with Health and Human Services programs preferred.

Additional Information:

Applicant will be asked to provide a relevant writing sample if selected for an interview.

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.