Description
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: State Hospital Policy Specialist
Job Title: Program Specialist VI
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Hospitals Section
Posting Number: 8872
Closing Date: 11/04/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $8,304.83
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework:
Travel: Up to 20%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 909 W 45TH ST BLDG 552
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,86P0,88A0,88B0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS
Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people's lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.
Under the supervision of the Texas State Hospitals Quality Management Director, the Program Specialist VI (State Hospital Policy Specialist) performs highly advanced (senior-level) policy analysis, consultation and technical support to the Texas State Hospitals, including the 9 state hospitals and the youth residential psychiatric center, to facilitate the provision of patient care services in compliance with applicable CMS Conditions of Participation, standards of The Joint Commission (TJC), agency and Texas State Hospitals policies and operating procedures, and other applicable state and federal laws, regulations and rules. The Policy Specialist provides support for the development, analysis, and implementation of proposed legislation and initiatives as they relate to the Texas State Hospitals. The Policy Specialist identifies and/or develops policies that are consistent across the state hospitals and coordinates the development, review, and implementation of Texas State Hospitals Operating Procedures. The Policy Specialist assists the Quality and Governance Manager with providing verbal and written reports for HHSC Health and Specialty Care System and State Hospital System Leadership regarding findings identified through on-site visits by CMS and/or TJC requiring Plans of Correction and Evidence of Standards Compliance. The Policy Specialist serves as a back up to the Quality and Governance Manager as a liaison with TJC, CMS, State Hospital System Leadership and Health and Specialty Care System relevant to TJC accreditation and CMS certification questions and clarifications. The Policy Specialist provides policy support for the Texas State
Hospitals Governing Body and related committees and/or subcommittees as requested and as required. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs):
Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Provides advanced research, analysis, and evaluation of state and federal legislation, regulations and communications, professional literature, and other publications to identify potential impacts and policy recommendations for the Texas State Hospitals. Prepares and approves high quality written project updates, summaries, reports and other documents as assigned or as needed. Responds to special requests and assignments from HSCS executive management, including open records requests, legislative inquiries, and other such requests. Oversees workgroups and meetings related to state hospital policy research, analysis and implementation functions as assigned and/or as needed. Assignments may include participation in task forces, committees, and interagency work groups, and facilitating department work groups as needed. Plans for and oversees the analysis, development, implementation, and documentation of uniform standardized Texas State Hospitals policies and operating procedures in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations and The Joint Commission and CMS requirements. Provides verbal and written reports for HHSC Health and Specialty Care System and the Texas State Hospitals Leadership regarding new/revised regulatory/statutory requirements and the implications for the Texas State Hospitals. Coordinates with Texas State Hospitals committees and workgroups in the development and monitoring of state hospital operating procedures.
Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations impacting state hospital operation.
Strong skills in analyzing and evaluating complex federal and state legislation, program, policy, and operations issues. Skills in project management.
Skills in policy analysis.
Skills in performing research.
Skills in synthesizing, analyzing and evaluating highly complicated and technical information and translate it easily understandable and concise documents and oral presentations for agency execution, elected officials and the public.
Skills in developing creative and workable solutions to complex problems and policy issues.
Skills in interpersonal relationships, including the ability to work with people under pressure, negotiate among multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with various level personnel in governmental entities.
Skills in communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to exercise judgment and work independently with minimum supervision.
Ability to lead and work cooperatively in a team environment. Ability to use word-processing and spreadsheet applications in a windows environment.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
None
Initial Screening Criteria:
Graduation from a four-year college or university. Additional related work experience may substitute for the required education on a year for year basis with a maximum substitution of four (4) years.
Five (5) years of experience relating to the job description.
Skill in researching, synthesizing, analyzing and evaluating highly complicated and technical information and translate it easily understandable and concise policy documents and oral presentations for agency execution, state hospitals, and the public.
Prefer knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations relevant to state hospitals, including Medicaid and Medicare, and forensic policy issues. Prefer strong skills in analyzing and evaluating complex federal and state legislation, program, policy, and operations issues.
Additional Information:
Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.
Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.
Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.
Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.
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.
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