Legislative Affairs Liaison

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); Remote; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) seeks a Program Specialist VII, located in Austin, to advance legislative analyses, policy development, and program initiatives within the Strategy, Policy & Communications office. The role emphasizes senior-level advisory support, complex data interpretation, and cross‑division collaboration for state health programs.

The position offers telework eligibility, a day shift, and regular full‑time status with a competitive monthly salary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public health, psychology/sociology, public affairs, or a related field required or a minimum of four years’ experience.
• Experience with legislative processes and governmental agencies is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Perform highly advanced consultative services and technical assistance for division initiatives.
• Identify potential bills, track legislation, and monitor hearings with timely updates.
• Prepare reports, analyses, and briefings; support policy development and guidance.
• Assist with developing program policies, procedures, and manuals; plan activities.
• Help with division events and act as a back-up for the Legislative Director.

Skills

Policy analysis

Stakeholder communication

Project management

Data analysis

Legislative tracking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Date: Nov 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: Legislative Affairs Liaison
• Job Title: Program Specialist VII
• Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
• Department: Facilities DEC
• Posting Number: 22966
• Closing Date: 11/17/2026
• Posting Audience: Internal and External
• Occupational Category: Office and Administrative Support
• Salary Range: $5,797.66 - $7,653.25
• Pay Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25
• Shift: Day
• Additional Shift: Days (First)
• Telework: Eligible for Telework
• Travel: Up to 10%
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Full Time/Part Time: Full time
• FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
• Facility Location: State Office
• Job Location City: AUSTIN
• Job Location Address: 909 W 45TH ST #634 BLDG 4
• MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS

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Brief Job Description

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. Works with considerable latitude using initiative and independent judgement to streamline legislative and communication systems and processes leading to process improvement and best practices.

Under the guidance of the HSCS Legislative Director, assists with the development of guidelines and procedures regarding legislative analyses and assignments. Interprets policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and standards related to HSCS programs. Implements guidelines and procedures on legislative and communication assignments.

Utilizes project management practices to organize and complete assignments. Ensures timely assignment and completion of assignments and reports. Coordinates the tracking and development of legislative reports and implementation plans. Prepares and maintains documents, papers, and briefings. Carries out special projects assigned by the HSCS Legislative Director. May represent the Division on ad hoc workgroups and committees.

Performs a variety of highly advanced technical, training, research, planning, policy, program assessment, and administrative activities to support the other areas of the division, which includes the state hospitals, state supported living centers, business operations, and Office of Forensic Services and Coordination. Coordinates legislative work with Government and Stakeholder Relations and other areas as appropriate. Monitors local, state, and federal policy as well as internal and external stakeholder recommendations and testimony.

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with conflicting deadlines. Serves as a back-up for the HSCS Legislative Director and may work after hours during the legislative session.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• (35%) Performs highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work. Work involves researching, planning, developing, and implementing major division initiatives, pilots, business plan outcomes and legislative implementation and providing consultative services and technical assistance to program staff, governmental agencies, and community organizations. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
• (20%) Identifies potential bills, maintains the tracking system, analyses bills, assists with staff updates, and watches assigned hearings and provides updates after the hearing finishes. Assists with research on local, state, and federal laws that may need to change based on exceptional items or statutory initiatives.
• (20%) Completes and monitors required administrative and performance reports and recommends appropriate changes. Collaboratively works with division program areas and other divisions on assigned projects, identifies areas of improvement and recommends solutions.
• (20%) Assists with developing program policies, procedures, standards, and manuals and planning program activities in accordance with program objectives and goals.
• (5%) Other duties as assigned, which may include review and editing of materials and reports, rule projects, and agency memoranda and assisting with division-wide events.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)

• 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 the 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 to 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 desired 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.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria

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, state hospital preferred. Experience working in state, local, and federal government offices preferred.

Additional Information

N/A

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.

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