Child Care Policy Analyst (Austin)

Child Care Policy Analyst (Austin) (827149) Texas Workforce Commission connects people with careers across the state. While we are based in Austin on the north lawn of the Texas State Capitol, we have offices statewide. We are a Family Friendly Certified Workplace with great work‑life balance, competitive salaries, extensive opportunities for training and development, and fantastic benefits. This position is located at 1117 Trinity St, Austin, TX, in the Child Care department. Applicants must be a Texas resident, willing to relocate to Texas, or otherwise qualify under Texas residency requirements. The Texas Workforce Commission does not consider applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those with H1B visas or those currently on student or postgraduate visas. Who you are Detail‑oriented professional with a passion for child care and a strong foundation in policy analysis and development, program development, and project management. An adaptable individual who possesses strong written and verbal communication skills, with a commitment to producing high‑quality work. Motivated, collaborative problem‑solver capable of working independently and as part of a team. What you will do The Child Care Policy Analyst (Program Specialist IV–V) will perform highly complex to advanced (senior‑level) analysis and consultative services. Work involves researching, planning, developing, and implementing child care and early learning programs and providing consultative services and technical assistance to program staff, government agencies, community organizations, or the general public. May serve as lead worker providing direction to others. You will work under limited supervision, with moderate to considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Responsibilities Develop and assist in the development of plans, policies, procedures, standards, rules, reports, and guidelines for the child care program. Research, interpret, and analyze complex federal or state legislation, statutes, and regulations to determine impact on the child care program and special initiatives. Provide written recommendations on impact to program operations and management, program policy changes, automation changes, and other processes necessary to successfully operate the child care program. Develop and facilitate trainings, webinars, and presentations on program standards, policy changes, and special initiatives. Coordinate major policy projects and special initiatives, keeping management abreast of progress, issues, and risks. Perform complex policy and programmatic research related to the child care program to support the development of agency policy, directives, and special initiatives. Represent the department at cross‑department meetings and for agency and division‑wide efforts, and represent the agency at meetings and conferences with federal, state, and local agencies or organizations. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Program Specialist IV: Two years of full‑time experience in the development, implementation, or interpretation of policies and procedures in a public or private agency. Program Specialist V: Two years and six months of full‑time experience in the development, implementation, or interpretation of policies and procedures in a public or private agency. Both levels: Relevant academic credits may be applied toward experience qualifications for this position. Desired Skills and Experience Excellent writing skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences. Experience with policy analysis and development. Strong knowledge of child development and early childhood education. Attention to detail and enthusiasm for producing high‑quality work products. Experience presenting to or training adults. Experience writing and interpreting policy. Experience with quantitative and qualitative research and analysis. Ability to quickly learn complex new content and to gather, assess, correlate, and analyze facts. Proven ability to juggle multiple, shifting priorities. Ability to explain policies and procedures to others. Ability to work effectively as a member of a team. Master’s degree in Public Administration, Public Affairs, Public Policy, Social Work (macro), or related field with policy coursework preferred. Benefits Family Friendly Certified Workplace. Competitive starting salary: $4,523.16–$6,833.33 per month. Defined Retirement Benefit Plan. Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts. Medical insurance. Paid time off, including time for vacation, sick and family care leave. Additional benefits for active employees can be found at This position involves travel up to 10% of the time and the ability to carry/lift 15 pounds. It may involve working hours other than 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday. Candidates will be expected to complete a pre‑interview questionnaire. How to Apply To be considered, please complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and apply online at or on Taleo (Job Search). In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. A position utilizing this classification will be designated as security sensitive according to the Texas Labor Code, Section 301.042. #J-18808-Ljbffr Texas Workforce Commission