Policy and Information 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 and Information Specialist

Job Title: Program Specialist V

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Facilities DEC

Posting Number: 20205

Closing Date: 09/17/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, Media

Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $7,253.83

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21

Shift: Day

Additional Shift:

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: 909 W 45TH ST #634 BLDG 4

Other Locations:

MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS

Brief Job Description:

This position will perform a variety of hands-on, administrative and strategic tasks for the Health and Specialty Care Systems (HSCS) Strategy, Policy and Communications team. It will involve cross-division collaboration, project coordination, implementation of organization systems, policy development and coordination, and technical assistance for a variety of presentations, conferences, meetings and projects and other public information projects as assigned.

This position will be expected to problem-solve and project manage in a variety of high-visibility situations and will be expected to be organized, diligent, and forward thinking. They will work with staff across HSCS and the Health and Human Services Commission of Texas to complete critical assignments related to open records, information management, communications, data analytics, policy and procedure development, and rule making.

This position will work under the Communications Manager and Associate Commissioner of Strategy, Policy and Communications, but will have significant autonomy in regards to the daily tasks and ongoing projects.

Performs related work as assigned.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• Responds to Open Records Requests by gathering, organizing and working with the open records office to determine which information best responds to the request. Identifies key contacts within the Health and Specialty Care System (HSCS) who will provide information for public information requests in a timely and effective manner. Will work with those key contacts to identify the information requested in the ask, and will coordinate with legal on which information is pertinent and releasable. Will review the information for accuracy, pertinence, grammar and more. 20%
• Works with the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Communications Department to keep the Health and Specialty Care System websites and SharePoint updated with timely, accurate and grammatically correct information and documents. Will work internally with Health and Specialty Care System (HSCS) staff to gather the information needed to revise the SharePoint or web page. Will develop contacts and relationships with the HHSC web team and learn processes and procedures for editing and submitting web page submissions. Will review submissions for grammar, spelling, punctuation, accuracy and more. Will work with HHSC communications to develop timelines to ensure web page submissions are completed in a timely manner. 20%
• Writes copy for blog posts, advertisements, web stories, or scripts. This includes doing research on the key topic being written about, talking to internal and external stakeholders, developing key messages to include, and revising or editing as needed. Will work with the communications manager on communications best practices. Will do research on best practices for each channel and revise content as appropriate. Will talk to sources at various HSCS facilities to collect information and quotes to use in editorial copy. Will travel to various facilities to talk to sources. Will revise, edit and draft documents as needed to assist in the HSCS communications efforts. 10%
• Assists in coordinating stakeholder relations activities by working with HSCS and HHSC staff to develop material including but not limited to flyers, information sheets, videos, PowerPoint presentations, and more. Will work with staff to ensure information presented to stakeholders is timely, accurate and accessible. Will travel to facilities to coordinate stakeholder relations and build contacts in the community. Will work with local leaders to find and address key groups to include in the planning process. 10%
• Coordinates rule and policy projects including rule amendments, repeal and replace, or promulgation of new rules. Determines where the rule will go in the Texas Administrative Code and the best timeline to fit the project. Will complete most of the paperwork, including the Rule Notification Form (RNF) and the Proposal Packet and have the subject matter experts (SME) add language as needed. Will determine who the assigned attorney and senior executive policy advisor (SEPA) is for the project. Will assist with any formatting and any general rule questions as well as ensure paperwork is complete, approved, routed in time. Will liaise with the Rules Coordination Office (RCO). 10%
• Collects and analyzes data from across HHSC to use in reports, open records requests, memos and more. Will be asked to present findings in the form of a report, presentation, memo, or other action items. Will work with Microsoft Excel and other data analyzing tools to sort and analyze data in different forms. Will assist in collecting and submitting data for various projects. 10%
• Looks at best practices across programs, divisions and agencies to identify areas that need to be more effectively operated. Will work with staff to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) across the division. Will document SOPs and present them in the form of a report, memo, presentation, or more. Will store and organize SOP documents in an easily accessible location for HSCS staff to find. 10%
• Performs related work as assigned. 10%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the program area.

Knowledge of public administration and management techniques.

Knowledge of statistical analysis processes.

Knowledge of research techniques.

Knowledge of marketing and copywriting.

Knowledge of grammar, spelling and punctuation.

Knowledge of open records laws.

Knowledge of website best practices including ADA compliance.

Knowledge of rulemaking and processes.

Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software, specifically Microsoft Office Suite.

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts.

Ability to devise solutions to problems and problem solve.

Ability to communicate program information to stakeholders.

Ability to prepare reports.

Ability to develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a field relevant to the position such as journalism or communications is preferred.

Excellent written communication as observed by detail and completeness of information provided on the state application.

Experience applying policies and procedures preferred.

Experience working with open records request is preferred.

Experience in data review and analysis is preferred.

Experience in making decisions required.

Experience performing multiple tasks in a timely manner required.

Application indicates the willingness to work beyond normal work hours of 8AM-5PM as needed/required.

Experience using computer software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook required.

Application indicates the willingness to travel 10% of the time required.

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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 Auditors 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.