Policy Jobs in Austin, TX

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Functional Title: Policy Analyst
Job Title: Program Specialist VII
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Facilities DEC
Posting Number: 22810
Closing Date: 11/13/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Salary Range: $5,797.66 - $9,508.25
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework: Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 30%
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 BLDG 552
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS

Brief Job Description:

The Program Specialist VII, functionally known as a Policy Analyst reports to the Director of Policy in the Office of Forensic Services and Coordination in the Health and Specialty Care System. The Policy Analyst performs highly advanced policy-focused work, acts as a subject matter expert on policy, legislation, rules and regulatory activities related to forensic services in Texas and plays a key role in coordinating, developing and implementing forensic policy initiatives.

The work of the Policy Analyst supports the statutorily-mandated duties of the Forensic Director (SB 1507, 84th Legislature, Regular Session, 2015) are met. These duties include: statewide coordination and oversight of forensic services; coordination of forensic programs operated by HHSC; and addressing issues with the delivery of forensic services in Texas including significant increases in populations with serious mental illness and criminal justice system involvement.

The successful candidate will have expertise in forensic mental health policy, extensive knowledge of Texas’s forensic mental health continuum of care and be a motivated self-starter with a collaborative and team-based mindset. Strong written and oral communication skills as well as the ability to manage multiple projects and assignments are required for the position. Must thrive in a fast-paced and demanding environment and be able to work across department and division teams.

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy. May work after hours during the legislative session.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Legislative Activities: Monitors and tracks legislation and bills, conducts bill analyses, and coordinates subject matter reviews. Researches and identifies potential statutory changes and exceptional items. Watches assigned hearings and provides summaries and analyses to OFSC leadership. Coordinates and works collaboratively with the Legislative Affairs Liaison in the HSCS Strategy, Policy, and Communications office. Assists the Legislative Affairs Liaison in drafting legislative reports and preparing briefing materials for executive leadership during legislative session. (40%)

Policy Activities: Supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of statewide forensic policy initiatives and strategic priorities. Monitors policy and regulatory activities related to forensic services at local, state, and federal government levels. Research and analyze forensic policies in Texas, nationally, and in other states. Drafts executive briefings, issue briefs, memoranda and other policy-focused written materials. Serves as the OFSC point of contact for the HSCS Strategy, Policy and Communications office. Supports litigation coordination activities as directed by the Director of Policy. (30%)

Program Activities and Technical Assistance: Works collaboratively across OFSC to support the development of program policies and procedures. Provides technical assistance and consultation to internal and external stakeholders on policy, legislation, rules and codes that cover forensic and justice-involved populations. Develops resources to educate partners on forensic policies, rules, and best practices. (20%)

Administration: Leads internal and external meetings and workgroups and represents OFSC in workgroups, meetings, and committees. Executes high-level tasks and activities at the request of executive leadership and responds to tasks directed by the Associate Commissioner. Performs other duties as assigned. (10%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

Forensic mental health policy, including forensic statutes, rules, legislation, and the current landscape of forensic policy at the national, state, and local levels

Competence to stand trial, including service delivery in inpatient, outpatient, and jail-based competency restoration programs

The intersection between behavioral health and justice involvement

Policy analysis, policy research, policy development, and legislative processes

Inpatient mental health services as provided in contracted private psychiatric beds, state hospitals, and state supported living centers

Knowledge of the Texas legislative process

Ability to:

Gather assemble, correlate, and analyze facts and data and to devise solutions to policy challenges

Analyze proposed legislation and its policy and fiscal impact on programs

Analyze, develop, and evaluate policies, procedures, and reports

Work in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to develop solutions to complex issues

Think critically to improve current processes and enhance efficiency and effectiveness

Ability to build trust and communicate effectively with a high degree of integrity

Skill in:

Oral and written communication, including the ability to convey complex policy issues and research findings in a clear and concise manner

Creative and innovative thinking to strategically partner and collaborate with team members and other key stakeholders

Action-oriented self-direction and self-motivation

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

NA

Initial Screening Criteria:

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in one of the following disciplines: public policy, public administration, public affairs, psychology, social work, anthropology, or sociology. Other disciplines will be considered based on relevant coursework and experience. Master’s degree or other advanced degree preferred.

A minimum of two years policy experience in forensic mental health and/or the intersection of behavioral health and justice. Experience working in local, state, or federal government offices and/or policy-focused organizations preferred.

Additional Information:

NA

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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.