Director of Policy

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 78,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

HHSC seeks a Director II of Policy in Austin to lead statewide forensic policy development, legislative affairs, stakeholder engagement, and strategic initiatives. The role reports to the Associate Commissioner for the Office of Forensic Services and Coordination and provides senior guidance to HHSC executive leadership.

Responsibilities include policy analysis, drafting legislative proposals, coordinating agency litigation support, supervising staff, and building consensus across agencies,

Qualifications

• Initial Selection Criteria: A juris doctorate or masters degree or doctoral degree in public policy, public administration, psychology, social work, anthropology, sociology, or criminal justice/criminology.
• At least two years of demonstrated experience in forensic mental health policy and the intersection of justice and behavioral health.

Responsibilities

• Policy Leadership and Legislative Affairs duties: directs development and evaluation of statewide forensic policy initiatives; leads policy analysis; oversees legislative proposals, analyses, and briefings; advises leadership on forensic issues; monitors trends and coordinates legislative priorities.

Job description

Date: Sep 3, 2026
Location:
AUSTIN, TX

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: Director of Policy
Job Title: Director II
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: CH Forensic Director
Posting Number: 20672
Closing Date: 09/17/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Salary Range: $7,015.16 - $11,864.50
Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-27
Shift: Regular Evening and Weekend
Additional Shift:
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: 8003,8040,8041,8042,10C0,111X,112X,113X,114X,20C0,30C0,40C0,611X,612X,631X,641X,648X,90G0,91C0,91W0
97E0,SEI15

The Director II, functionally known as the Director of Policy, reports to the Associate Commissioner for the Office of Forensic Services and Coordination (OFSC) within the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). The Director of Policy performs advanced managerial and policy work, providing strategic leadership for statewide forensic behavioral health policy, legislative affairs coordination, stakeholder engagement, and special initiatives designed to strengthen the effectiveness, coordination, and oversight of forensic services. The position exercises extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment and serves as a key advisor to OFSC leadership, HHSC executive leadership, and external stakeholders on complex forensic behavioral health and criminal justice issues.

The Director of Policy plays a critical role in supporting the statutorily mandated responsibilities of the State Forensic Director established through Senate Bill 1507, 84th Legislature, Regular Session (2015). These responsibilities include statewide coordination and oversight of forensic services, coordination of forensic programs operated by HHSC, and addressing issues affecting the delivery of forensic services across Texas. The position leads policy analysis, legislative strategy, and cross-system initiatives that advance statewide forensic priorities and improve outcomes across the continuum of care. The position is also responsible for overseeing OFSC’s role in ongoing litigation support and any associated activities.

The Director of Policy also supervises the Policy Analyst whose work includes legislative policy analysis and litigation support. The position also directs the development of legislative proposals, executive briefings, reports, and policy recommendations; coordinates with HHSC divisions, state hospitals, state supported living centers, local behavioral health authorities, criminal justice partners, providers, advocates, and other stakeholders; and represents OFSC in executive, legislative, and stakeholder forums.

The successful candidate will be a strategic and collaborative leader with expertise in policy development, legislative affairs, project management, and stakeholder engagement. The position requires exceptional communication skills, sound judgment, political acumen, and the ability to lead multiple high-priority initiatives while building consensus among diverse stakeholders and advancing statewide strategic objectives.

Policy Leadership and Legislative Affairs (40%)

• Directs the development, implementation, and evaluation of statewide forensic policy initiatives and strategic priorities.
• Leads policy analysis and formulates recommendations related to forensic system issues.
• Oversees the development of legislative proposals, legislative analyses, executive briefings, issue papers, reports, and policy recommendations.
• Provides strategic guidance and consultation to OFSC leadership, HSCS and HHSC executive leadership, legislators, state agencies, and other stakeholders regarding forensic issues.
• Monitors emerging state and national trends, legislation, and policy developments affecting forensic services and advises leadership regarding opportunities, risks, and strategic responses.
• Supports agency legislative activities, including responding to legislative requests, preparing testimony and briefing materials, and coordinating legislative priorities and initiatives.
• Provides oversight of OFSC activities associated with ongoing litigation.

Program Oversight and Staff Supervision (30%)

• Supervises the Policy Analyst and provides direction, coaching, performance management, and oversight of assigned work activities.
• Ensures timely completion of deliverables, reports, and activities associated with ongoing litigation.
• Identifies barriers, risks, and system issues impacting implementation efforts and directs development of solutions and mitigation strategies.
• Oversees special projects and strategic initiatives to improve forensic services, coordination, efficiency, and system performance.

Executive Communication and Organizational Leadership (25%)

• Provides executive-level consultation and recommendations to OFSC, HSCS and HHSC leadership regarding forensic policy, system initiatives, and emerging issues.
• Directs the preparation of reports, presentations, strategic plans, briefing materials, and other communications for agency leadership and external stakeholders.
• Communicates complex policy, operational, and technical information to diverse audiences, including executive leadership, policymakers, providers, advocates, community behavioral health and criminal justice partners.
• Serves as a member of the OFSC leadership team and contributes to agency strategic planning, organizational development, and continuous improvement efforts.

Professional Development and Other Duties (5%)

• Maintains current knowledge of forensic behavioral health services, criminal justice trends, public policy, legislative affairs, and best practices.
• Participates in professional development activities and promotes continuous learning and innovation within OFSC.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support agency priorities and statutory responsibilities.

Licensure, Certification Requirements

NA

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Forensic behavioral health systems, including the intersection of mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), substance use disorders, and criminal justice involvement.
• State and federal laws, regulations, and policies governing forensic services, including competency to stand trial, insanity acquittal, diversion, continuity of care, and related forensic processes.
• Behavioral health and IDD services delivered through state hospitals, state supported living centers, local mental health authorities (LMHAs), local behavioral health authorities (LBHAs), local intellectual and developmental disability authorities (LIDDAs), and contracted providers.
• Public policy development, policy analysis, strategic planning, legislative processes, and governmental operations.
• Emerging state and national trends affecting forensic behavioral health services, criminal justice systems, and behavioral health policy.
• Principles of organizational leadership, project management, stakeholder engagement, change management, and continuous improvement.
• Data collection, performance measurement, program evaluation, and the use of data to support decision-making and policy development.

Skill In

• Providing strategic leadership and direction for complex policy, legislative, and systems improvement initiatives.
• Analyzing complex policy, operational, legal, and programmatic issues and developing practical recommendations and solutions.
• Developing legislative proposals, policy recommendations, executive briefings, reports, presentations, and other high-visibility written materials.
• Managing multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously while balancing competing priorities and deadlines.
• Building consensus and facilitating collaboration among diverse stakeholder groups with differing perspectives and interests.
• Supervising, coaching, mentoring, and developing staff.
• Communicating effectively with executive leadership, legislators, policymakers, providers, advocates, criminal justice partners, and other stakeholders.
• Facilitating meetings, workgroups, committees, strategic planning efforts, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Establishing and maintaining productive partnerships across agencies, organizations, and systems.

Ability To

• Lead statewide policy, legislative, strategic planning, and systems improvement initiatives that advance forensic behavioral health priorities.
• Exercise sound judgment and independent decision-making in addressing sensitive, complex, and high-profile issues.
• Represent OFSC and HHSC leadership in executive, legislative, interagency, and stakeholder forums.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and effectively navigate complex organizational and political environments.
• Translate complex policy, operational, legal, and technical information into clear, concise, and actionable recommendations for diverse audiences.
• Identify emerging issues, risks, barriers, and opportunities and develop proactive strategies to address them.
• Supervise staff and provide leadership, direction, and accountability to ensure successful completion of agency priorities and strategic objectives.
• Work independently with a high degree of initiative, professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail and producing high-quality work products.
• Work a schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with flexibility to work evenings, weekends, or extended hours as needed to support legislative activities, special projects, stakeholder engagement efforts, and agency priorities.

Initial Selection Criteria
A juris doctorate or masters degree or doctoral degree from an accredited university in one of the following disciplines: public policy, public administration, psychology, social work, anthropology, sociology, and criminal justice/criminology. Other disciplines will be considered based on relevant coursework and experience.

At least two years of demonstrated experience in forensic mental health policy and the intersection of justice and behavioral health.

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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.

Nearest Major Market: Austin