Senior Policy Advisor

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: Senior Policy Advisor 
Job Title: Program Specialist VII 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: HCR Program Operations PA 
Posting Number: 21328 
Closing Date: 09/24/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Office and Administrative Support 
Salary Range: $7,438.29 - $9,508.25 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 25% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST 
Other Locations: Austin 
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Job Description

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.

Essential Job Functions    

EFJ1 Project Development, Leadership, and Management (30%)

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.

EJ2 Program Planning, Evaluation, and Risk Assessment (30%)

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.

EJ3 Legislative and Executive Support (20%)

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.

EJ4 Team Leadership and Support (20%) 

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.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

Valid drivers license required. 

Knowledge Skills Abilities

Knowledge of:

Public administration, organizational operations, and leadership principles.

Program planning, evaluation, performance measurement, data analysis, reporting, and risk assessment methodologies.

Project management principles, methodologies, and practices, including project planning, implementation, monitoring, and risk management.

Research, process improvement, and organizational assessment techniques.

Policy development, regulatory compliance, and consultation practices.

Applicable state and federal laws, regulations, legislative processes, and industry best practices related to HCR-regulated providers.

Stakeholder engagement, facilitation, and collaborative decision-making strategies.

Skill in:

Leading, planning, managing, and coordinating complex projects and strategic initiatives, including developing project plans, timelines, recommendations, and implementation strategies.

Conducting research, collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, and developing evidence-based recommendations.

Identifying, evaluating, and interpreting program performance metrics and trends.

Providing consultation, technical assistance, and professional guidance.

Building collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Facilitating meetings, workgroups, and stakeholder discussions.

Communicating effectively in writing and verbally with diverse audiences.

Reviewing and evaluating policies, programs, processes, and operational practices.

Prioritizing, organizing, and managing multiple projects, assignments, and deadlines.

Maintaining professionalism and emotional intelligence when receiving, processing, responding to, and addressing feedback.

Identifying and mitigating risks, solving complex problems, and implementing practical solutions.

Using computers and standard business software applications.

Ability to:

Analyze, develop, implement, and evaluate policies, procedures, rules, guidance, reports, and other program materials.

Evaluate programs, processes, and operational performance using data, performance metrics, and stakeholder input to identify risks, gaps, trends, and opportunities for improvement.

Collect, analyze, interpret, and communicate data, performance metrics, and research findings to support decision-making, program evaluation, risk assessment, and continuous improvement.

Interpret and apply statutes, regulations, policies, and legislative requirements.

Develop actionable recommendations and implementation strategies based on research, data, and stakeholder input.

Lead, coordinate, and monitor complex projects and initiatives.

Serve as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor on matters related to HCR and PRU operations and relevant laws and regulations.

Provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance in support of team and organizational goals.

Represent PRU and HCR in meetings, legislative activities, and stakeholder engagements.

Foster collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Initial Screening Criteria

Experience leading complex projects, business initiatives, or program activities and providing guidance, consultation, or direction to others.

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.

Excellent written communication skills, including writing, editing, grammar, attention to detail, and completeness of information provided in the state application.

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.

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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.