OPT Policy Jobs
Policy jobs on OPT are common in think tanks, nonprofits, government contractors, and advocacy organizations. Most roles require a degree in public policy, political science, or a related field, and many qualify as STEM-adjacent when research or data analysis is central to the position. Your 12-month OPT window is typically enough to complete a policy fellowship or entry-level analyst role.
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Get Access To All JobsJoin 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: LTCR Provider Investigations Policy and Rules Specialist VI
Job Title: Program Specialist VI
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: APS Provider Investigations
Posting Number: 19211
Closing Date: 08/21/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services
Salary Range: $6,520.63 - $8,304.83
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23
Shift: Day
Telework: Eligible for 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: 14000 SUMMIT DR
Other Locations: Austin; Abilene; Alamo; Alice; Alpine; Alvin; Amarillo; Anahuac; Andrews; Angleton; Anson; Aransas Pass; Archer City; Arlington; Athens; Atlanta; Bacliff; Ballinger; Bandera; Bastrop; Bay City; Baytown; Beaumont; Bedford; Beeville; Bellville; Big Spring; Boerne; Bonham; Borger; Bowie; Brady; Breckenridge; Brenham; Brownfield; Brownsville; Brownwood; Bryan; Burnet; Caldwell; Cameron; Canton; Canutillo; Carlsbad; Carrizo Springs; Carrollton; Carthage; Center; Centerville; Childress; Clarksville; Cleburne; Cleveland; Coldspring; Columbus; Conroe; Copperas Cove; Corpus Christi; Corsicana; Crockett; Crosby; Crystal City; Cuero; Cypress; Daingerfield; Dallas; Decatur; Del Rio; Denton; Dickinson; Dumas; Duncanville; Eagle Pass; Eastland; Edinburg; El Paso; Elgin; Elsa; Ennis; Fabens; Falfurrias; Floresville; Fort Stockton; Fort Worth; Fredericksburg; Gainesville; Galveston; Garland; Gatesville; Georgetown; Giddings; Gilmer; Goliad; Gonzales; Graham; Granbury; Grand Prairie; Grapevine; Greenville; Hallettsville; Hamilton; Harlingen; Haskell; Hearne; Hemphill; Hempstead; Henderson; Hereford; Hillsboro; Hondo; Houston; Humble; Huntsville; Hurst; Irving; Jacksonville; Jasper; Johnson City; Jourdanton; Karnes City; Katy; Kaufman; Kerrville; Killeen; Kingsville; Kingwood; Kirbyville; La Grange; Lake Jackson; Lake Worth; Lamesa; Lampasas; Lancaster; Laredo; Levelland; Lewisville; Liberty; Linden; Littlefield; Livingston; Llano; Lockhart; Longview; Lubbock; Lufkin; Lumberton; Madisonville; Marble Falls; Marfa; Marlin; Marshall; Mcallen; Mckinney; Mercedes; Meridian; Mesquite; Mexia; Midland; Mineola; Mineral Wells; Mission; Monahans; Mount Pleasant; Mount Vernon; Nacogdoches; Navasota; New Boston; New Braunfels; Odessa; Orange; Palestine; Pampa; Paris; Pasadena; Pearland; Pearsall; Pecos; Perryton; Pharr; Pittsburg; Plainview; Plano; Pollok; Port Arthur; Port Lavaca; Presidio; Quitman; Raymondville; Refugio; Richardson; Richmond; Rio Grande City; Robstown; Rockwall; Rosenberg; Round Rock; Rowlett; Rusk; San Angelo; San Antonio; San Benito; San Juan; San Marcos; San Saba; Schertz; Seguin; Seminole; Seymour; Sherman; Silsbee; Sinton; Snyder; Socorro; Sonora; South Houston; Stephenville; Sugar Land; Sulphur Springs; Sweetwater; Taylor; Temple; Terrell; Texarkana; Texas City; The Woodlands; Tomball; Trinity; Tyler; Uvalde; Van Horn; Vernon; Victoria; Waco; Washington; Watauga; Waxahachie; Weatherford; Webster; Weslaco; Wharton; Wichita Falls; Woodville; Zapata
MOS Codes: 16GX, 60C0, 611X, 612X, 63G0, 641X, 712X, 86M0, 8U000, OS, OSS, PERS, YN, YNS
Job Description:
THIS POSITION CAN BE FILLED ANYWHERE IN THE STATE OF TEXAS.
The Program Specialist VI works under the general supervision of the Intellectual or Developmental Disability and Provider Investigations programs policy and rules manager within Long-term Care Regulation (LTCR). The Program Specialist VI specializes in and supports programs that investigate abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children, young adults with disabilities, and individuals with disabilities or mental health diagnoses. The Program Specialist VI develops policies, procedures, handbooks, manuals, presentations, and other policy deliverables associated primarily with Provider Investigations and may assist with other programs. This position serves as an expert on current and proposed LTCR program policy to internal and external stakeholders, including members of the public, providers, associations, and HHS staff for Provider Investigations.
The Program Specialist VI provides highly advanced assessments of complex information and other technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders. The position also analyzes proposed legislation and manages activities associated with implementation of legislative and major agency initiatives. The Program Specialist VI reviews handbooks, manuals, and other documents for accuracy and assesses the impact of proposed policy documents. The position also frequently represents the LTCR policy and rules team at meetings with federal and state agencies and at meetings with providers and advocacy groups. While this is not a supervisory position, the employee may train, lead, assign, and/or prioritize the work of others, which may include serving in a team lead capacity.
The Program Specialist VI is expected to maintain current knowledge in assigned program areas by reviewing literature, attending meetings or seminars, and communicating with other professionals in the field. The position may participate in or lead the development and promulgation of rules and make external presentations related to assigned programs.
Market Rate Salary for this position is $6,520.63
Essential Job Functions:
- Develops and maintains rules, policies, procedures, handbooks, and manuals.
- Provides high-level technical assistance for a program; and creates efficiencies where opportunities occur.
- Tracks, monitors, plans, coordinates, and schedules activities on a highly complex level to ensure deadlines and deliverable requirements are met.
- Provides rule and policy interpretation and other complex technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders related to state and federal policies, procedures, rules, regulations, standards, and requirements.
- Provides or verifies information and addresses questions and issues raised by stakeholders.
- Analyzes the potential effects of court rulings and proposed legislation on agency operations.
- Monitors changes in legislation and manages implementation initiatives to ensure that the agency complies with legislative mandates.
- Plans, attends, and facilitates public and internal meetings.
- Develops and conducts agency and public presentations.
- Participates in or leads the development and promulgation of rules, including external presentations related to assigned programs.
- Serves as the lead on implementing and managing complex program and agency initiatives.
- May serve as a lead or acting manager providing direction to others.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
- Knowledge of project management, leadership, and organizational development principles.
- Knowledge of LTCR programs, policies, and service delivery processes.
- Knowledge of policy and rule development processes.
- Knowledge of facilitation skills and principles.
- Knowledge of Provider Investigations policy and processes.
- Knowledge of Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) programs and abuse, neglect, and exploitation investigation processes.
- Ability to independently plan and organize the work of self and others.
- Ability to prioritize and organize workloads.
- Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts.
- Knowledge of problem-solving processes to produce solutions to complex problems.
- Ability to communicate effectively professionally both orally and in writing through consulting, presentations, and concise reports.
- Ability to research, develop and evaluate policies, processes and procedures, and to implement them.
- Ability to use computer databases to analyze and solve problems.
- Skill in development of complex strategic and operational reports, including statistical analysis and the determination of relational associations within data, utilizing various databases and software to report the information.
- Knowledge of basic business operations and the working of organizations, specifically HHS agencies, along with mature business skills.
- Ability to provide excellent customer service and demonstrate diplomacy in dealings with others.
- Strong written and oral communication skills required.
Registration or Licensure Requirements:
NA
Initial Selection Criteria:
- Either three (3) years of experience working in Long-term Care Regulation or 3 years of experience working in an HHS, DSHS, or DFPS program analyzing legislation and writing administrative rule or policy.
- Experience leading complex business activities such as managing projects or developing policy or technical initiatives demonstrated in duties and responsibilities of previous employment.
- Experience dealing with a wide variety of stakeholder groups.
- Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university is preferred.
Additional Information:
Candidates will be assessed through a writing exercise to determine if an interview will be granted.
Not all candidates who meet initial screening criteria will be interviewed.
This position may be located in any HHSC LTCR office statewide.
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.
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: LTCR Provider Investigations Policy and Rules Specialist VI
Job Title: Program Specialist VI
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: APS Provider Investigations
Posting Number: 19211
Closing Date: 08/21/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services
Salary Range: $6,520.63 - $8,304.83
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23
Shift: Day
Telework: Eligible for 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: 14000 SUMMIT DR
Other Locations: Austin; Abilene; Alamo; Alice; Alpine; Alvin; Amarillo; Anahuac; Andrews; Angleton; Anson; Aransas Pass; Archer City; Arlington; Athens; Atlanta; Bacliff; Ballinger; Bandera; Bastrop; Bay City; Baytown; Beaumont; Bedford; Beeville; Bellville; Big Spring; Boerne; Bonham; Borger; Bowie; Brady; Breckenridge; Brenham; Brownfield; Brownsville; Brownwood; Bryan; Burnet; Caldwell; Cameron; Canton; Canutillo; Carlsbad; Carrizo Springs; Carrollton; Carthage; Center; Centerville; Childress; Clarksville; Cleburne; Cleveland; Coldspring; Columbus; Conroe; Copperas Cove; Corpus Christi; Corsicana; Crockett; Crosby; Crystal City; Cuero; Cypress; Daingerfield; Dallas; Decatur; Del Rio; Denton; Dickinson; Dumas; Duncanville; Eagle Pass; Eastland; Edinburg; El Paso; Elgin; Elsa; Ennis; Fabens; Falfurrias; Floresville; Fort Stockton; Fort Worth; Fredericksburg; Gainesville; Galveston; Garland; Gatesville; Georgetown; Giddings; Gilmer; Goliad; Gonzales; Graham; Granbury; Grand Prairie; Grapevine; Greenville; Hallettsville; Hamilton; Harlingen; Haskell; Hearne; Hemphill; Hempstead; Henderson; Hereford; Hillsboro; Hondo; Houston; Humble; Huntsville; Hurst; Irving; Jacksonville; Jasper; Johnson City; Jourdanton; Karnes City; Katy; Kaufman; Kerrville; Killeen; Kingsville; Kingwood; Kirbyville; La Grange; Lake Jackson; Lake Worth; Lamesa; Lampasas; Lancaster; Laredo; Levelland; Lewisville; Liberty; Linden; Littlefield; Livingston; Llano; Lockhart; Longview; Lubbock; Lufkin; Lumberton; Madisonville; Marble Falls; Marfa; Marlin; Marshall; Mcallen; Mckinney; Mercedes; Meridian; Mesquite; Mexia; Midland; Mineola; Mineral Wells; Mission; Monahans; Mount Pleasant; Mount Vernon; Nacogdoches; Navasota; New Boston; New Braunfels; Odessa; Orange; Palestine; Pampa; Paris; Pasadena; Pearland; Pearsall; Pecos; Perryton; Pharr; Pittsburg; Plainview; Plano; Pollok; Port Arthur; Port Lavaca; Presidio; Quitman; Raymondville; Refugio; Richardson; Richmond; Rio Grande City; Robstown; Rockwall; Rosenberg; Round Rock; Rowlett; Rusk; San Angelo; San Antonio; San Benito; San Juan; San Marcos; San Saba; Schertz; Seguin; Seminole; Seymour; Sherman; Silsbee; Sinton; Snyder; Socorro; Sonora; South Houston; Stephenville; Sugar Land; Sulphur Springs; Sweetwater; Taylor; Temple; Terrell; Texarkana; Texas City; The Woodlands; Tomball; Trinity; Tyler; Uvalde; Van Horn; Vernon; Victoria; Waco; Washington; Watauga; Waxahachie; Weatherford; Webster; Weslaco; Wharton; Wichita Falls; Woodville; Zapata
MOS Codes: 16GX, 60C0, 611X, 612X, 63G0, 641X, 712X, 86M0, 8U000, OS, OSS, PERS, YN, YNS
Job Description:
THIS POSITION CAN BE FILLED ANYWHERE IN THE STATE OF TEXAS.
The Program Specialist VI works under the general supervision of the Intellectual or Developmental Disability and Provider Investigations programs policy and rules manager within Long-term Care Regulation (LTCR). The Program Specialist VI specializes in and supports programs that investigate abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children, young adults with disabilities, and individuals with disabilities or mental health diagnoses. The Program Specialist VI develops policies, procedures, handbooks, manuals, presentations, and other policy deliverables associated primarily with Provider Investigations and may assist with other programs. This position serves as an expert on current and proposed LTCR program policy to internal and external stakeholders, including members of the public, providers, associations, and HHS staff for Provider Investigations.
The Program Specialist VI provides highly advanced assessments of complex information and other technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders. The position also analyzes proposed legislation and manages activities associated with implementation of legislative and major agency initiatives. The Program Specialist VI reviews handbooks, manuals, and other documents for accuracy and assesses the impact of proposed policy documents. The position also frequently represents the LTCR policy and rules team at meetings with federal and state agencies and at meetings with providers and advocacy groups. While this is not a supervisory position, the employee may train, lead, assign, and/or prioritize the work of others, which may include serving in a team lead capacity.
The Program Specialist VI is expected to maintain current knowledge in assigned program areas by reviewing literature, attending meetings or seminars, and communicating with other professionals in the field. The position may participate in or lead the development and promulgation of rules and make external presentations related to assigned programs.
Market Rate Salary for this position is $6,520.63
Essential Job Functions:
- Develops and maintains rules, policies, procedures, handbooks, and manuals.
- Provides high-level technical assistance for a program; and creates efficiencies where opportunities occur.
- Tracks, monitors, plans, coordinates, and schedules activities on a highly complex level to ensure deadlines and deliverable requirements are met.
- Provides rule and policy interpretation and other complex technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders related to state and federal policies, procedures, rules, regulations, standards, and requirements.
- Provides or verifies information and addresses questions and issues raised by stakeholders.
- Analyzes the potential effects of court rulings and proposed legislation on agency operations.
- Monitors changes in legislation and manages implementation initiatives to ensure that the agency complies with legislative mandates.
- Plans, attends, and facilitates public and internal meetings.
- Develops and conducts agency and public presentations.
- Participates in or leads the development and promulgation of rules, including external presentations related to assigned programs.
- Serves as the lead on implementing and managing complex program and agency initiatives.
- May serve as a lead or acting manager providing direction to others.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
- Knowledge of project management, leadership, and organizational development principles.
- Knowledge of LTCR programs, policies, and service delivery processes.
- Knowledge of policy and rule development processes.
- Knowledge of facilitation skills and principles.
- Knowledge of Provider Investigations policy and processes.
- Knowledge of Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) programs and abuse, neglect, and exploitation investigation processes.
- Ability to independently plan and organize the work of self and others.
- Ability to prioritize and organize workloads.
- Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts.
- Knowledge of problem-solving processes to produce solutions to complex problems.
- Ability to communicate effectively professionally both orally and in writing through consulting, presentations, and concise reports.
- Ability to research, develop and evaluate policies, processes and procedures, and to implement them.
- Ability to use computer databases to analyze and solve problems.
- Skill in development of complex strategic and operational reports, including statistical analysis and the determination of relational associations within data, utilizing various databases and software to report the information.
- Knowledge of basic business operations and the working of organizations, specifically HHS agencies, along with mature business skills.
- Ability to provide excellent customer service and demonstrate diplomacy in dealings with others.
- Strong written and oral communication skills required.
Registration or Licensure Requirements:
NA
Initial Selection Criteria:
- Either three (3) years of experience working in Long-term Care Regulation or 3 years of experience working in an HHS, DSHS, or DFPS program analyzing legislation and writing administrative rule or policy.
- Experience leading complex business activities such as managing projects or developing policy or technical initiatives demonstrated in duties and responsibilities of previous employment.
- Experience dealing with a wide variety of stakeholder groups.
- Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university is preferred.
Additional Information:
Candidates will be assessed through a writing exercise to determine if an interview will be granted.
Not all candidates who meet initial screening criteria will be interviewed.
This position may be located in any HHSC LTCR office statewide.
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.
See all 93+ OPT Policy Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Policy Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Policy
Target organizations with a history of H-1B sponsorship
Think tanks, research institutions, and large nonprofits are more likely to sponsor H-1B visas than small advocacy groups. Check OFLC disclosure data to confirm whether an organization has filed Labor Condition Applications before applying.
Clarify whether your role qualifies as STEM OPT
If your policy role involves quantitative research, data modeling, or program evaluation, your degree field may qualify for a 24-month STEM extension. Confirm with your DSO before accepting an offer to maximize your authorized work period.
Apply early in your OPT window
Policy hiring cycles at think tanks and government contractors are slow. Starting your search three to four months before OPT begins gives you time to clear security checks, background screenings, and onboarding requirements common in this sector.
Highlight research and analytical skills on your resume
Policy employers value quantitative analysis, legislative research, and policy writing. Framing your graduate coursework or thesis as applied research experience makes your profile stronger and signals a direct connection to the specialty occupation standard.
Ask HR about sponsorship before the final interview round
Policy organizations often have rigid budget cycles that affect hiring decisions mid-process. Raising the sponsorship question early saves time and helps you focus on employers already prepared to support the H-1B or other visa categories.
Consider government contractor roles as a bridge pathway
Federal contractors frequently hire policy analysts on OPT and are experienced with immigration compliance. These roles often provide structured career paths, which strengthens future sponsorship cases by demonstrating the sustained need for a specialty occupation.
Policy OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do policy jobs qualify as a specialty occupation for OPT and H-1B purposes?
Most professional policy analyst roles qualify as specialty occupations because they require at minimum a bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, economics, or a directly related field. Roles focused on legislative research, regulatory analysis, or program evaluation typically meet the specialty occupation standard. Generalist or communications-heavy roles with no degree requirement may face more scrutiny.
Can I work at a nonprofit or think tank on OPT?
Yes. Nonprofits, think tanks, and advocacy organizations are valid OPT employers as long as the role is directly related to your degree field. You can work full time, and the same authorization rules apply as with any other employer. These organizations frequently hire policy researchers and analysts on OPT, though their capacity to sponsor H-1B visas later varies significantly by size and funding.
Where can I find policy jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists policy roles from employers experienced with OPT and visa sponsorship. Filtering by job type helps you identify organizations that have a track record of hiring international students, which matters when you are planning beyond your initial OPT period and thinking about H-1B or other long-term work authorization.
Does my policy degree qualify me for a STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your specific program. Public policy degrees with a quantitative or data-heavy focus are sometimes listed under STEM-designated CIP codes, but many are not. You need to check whether your program appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. If it does, and your job duties involve research or data analysis, you may be eligible for a 24-month extension beyond your initial 12 months.
How does the OPT reporting requirement work for policy jobs?
Once you accept a policy position, you must report your employer name, address, and start date to your DSO within 10 days. Your DSO updates SEVIS, which keeps your F-1 status current. If your role changes, you start a fellowship, or you move to a different organization, each change must be reported promptly. Failing to report on time can jeopardize your F-1 status even if you are actively employed.