Legislative Affairs Liaison

Location: Austin, TX (with statewide travel up to 10%) | Agency: Texas Health and Human Services Commission | Department: Facilities DEC | Posting #22966 | Closes: 11/17/2026 | Salary: $5,797.66 – $7,653.25/month (Salary Group B-25) | Full-time, Day shift, Exempt | Telework eligible

About the role

The Legislative Affairs Liaison (Program Specialist VII) performs highly advanced consultative services and technical assistance work for the Strategy, Policy & Communications office within the Health and Specialty Care System (HSCS) division. Working with considerable latitude and independent judgment, the role streamlines legislative and communication systems and processes, leading to process improvement and best practices. Under the guidance of the HSCS Legislative Director, the position assists with developing guidelines and procedures for legislative analyses and assignments, interprets policies and regulations related to HSCS programs, implements guidelines on legislative and communication assignments, and utilizes project management practices to organize and complete work. The liaison coordinates tracking and development of legislative reports and implementation plans, prepares and maintains documents and briefings, carries out special projects, and may represent the division on ad hoc workgroups and committees. The role also performs advanced technical, training, research, planning, policy, program assessment, and administrative activities supporting state hospitals, state supported living centers, business operations, and the Office of Forensic Services and Coordination. Coordination with Government and Stakeholder Relations, monitoring of local/state/federal policy and stakeholder recommendations, and regular attendance are required. The position serves as backup for the HSCS Legislative Director and may require after-hours work during the legislative session.

Responsibilities

• Perform highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance: research, plan, develop, and implement major division initiatives, pilots, business plan outcomes, and legislative implementation; provide consultative services and technical assistance to program staff, governmental agencies, and community organizations (35%)
• Identify potential bills, maintain the tracking system, analyze bills, assist with staff updates, watch assigned hearings and provide post-hearing updates; assist with research on local, state, and federal laws that may need to change based on exceptional items or statutory initiatives (20%)
• Complete and monitor required administrative and performance reports and recommend appropriate changes; collaboratively work with division program areas and other divisions on assigned projects, identify areas of improvement, and recommend solutions (20%)
• Assist with developing program policies, procedures, standards, and manuals and planning program activities in accordance with program objectives and goals (20%)
• Perform other duties as assigned, including review and editing of materials and reports, rule projects, agency memoranda, and assisting with division-wide events (5%)

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public health, psychology/sociology, social work, public affairs, or a related field required, or a minimum of four years' experience (education and experience can be substituted for one another)
• Master's degree or other advanced degree preferred
• Experience working in a state supported living center or state hospital preferred
• Experience working in state, local, and federal government offices preferred

Skills

• Knowledge of program and policy planning, development, implementation, and evaluation
• Knowledge of informational research techniques and applications
• Knowledge of Texas legislative and appropriations process
• Knowledge of federal and state health and human services legislation and the organization of federal, state, and local health programs
• Knowledge of major functions of mental health and intellectual developmental disabilities initiatives and policy development
• Knowledge of state supported living centers, state hospitals, forensic mental health or intellectual developmental disabilities, or business components such as information technology (preferred)
• Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts and data and devise solutions to operations problems
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to analyze, develop, and evaluate policies, procedures, and reports
• Ability to manage a wide range of tasks in a fast-paced environment with conflicting deadlines without jeopardizing outcomes or milestones
• Ability to analyze proposed legislation and its policy and fiscal impact on programs
• Ability to plan, prioritize, schedule, assign, and monitor completion of assignments
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly, concisely, and effectively in writing or verbally to a variety of audiences
• Ability to take initiative and think critically to improve current processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness
• Skill in reviewing and preparing a variety of written documents with attention to detail
• Skill in the use of computer for word processing and spreadsheet applications
• Skill in conducting and facilitating meetings
• Skill in project management, strategic planning, and goal setting
• Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance, and qualitative and quantitative analysis

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
• Defined benefit pension plan
• Generous time off benefits
• Numerous opportunities for career advancement

Pay

Monthly salary range: $5,797.66 – $7,653.25 (Salary Group TEXAS-B-25)

Schedule

• Full-time, Day shift (Days/First shift)
• Exempt (FLSA)
• Telework eligible (subject to state and agency telework policies and supervisor discretion)
• Travel up to 10%