Family Support Services Policy Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

Performs highly advanced consultative services, technical assistance, and program management work for Family Support Services (FSS), reporting to the Director of Policy and Prevention Strategies.
Responsible for the successful management and execution of a wide range of complex, sensitive, and high‑profile initiatives. Leads special projects; conducts research; and provides expert program, policy, and legislative analysis. Coordinates legislative and executive activities including analysis, response development, implementation management, and tracking. Serves as a liaison to cross‑departmental and interagency teams on a variety of assignments.
Develops executive communications, ad hoc reports, presentations, and regular updates on major initiatives, projects, and grants. Oversees coordination and collaboration on complex reports and materials requiring executive‑level review.
May represent the Associate Commissioner or division leadership on agency‑wide and HHS enterprise initiatives.
Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for independent judgment and initiative. May plan, assign, and/or lead the work of others and serve in a lead capacity. Represents division leadership on internal and external workgroups and agency or interagency initiatives as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of state legislative processes, public administration, and program management principles.
• Skill in policy analysis, project management, and stakeholder coordination.
• Ability to analyze complex information, develop recommendations, prepare executive‑level communications, and lead cross‑functional efforts.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and provide guidance to others.
• Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university is preferred.
• Each year of directly related experience may substitute for one year of education, up to four (4) years total.
• Experience in program management, policy analysis, legislative coordination, or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plans, coordinates, and oversees complex program initiatives, special projects, grants, and pilots across FSS.
• Provides high‑level consultation and technical assistance to program units, agency partners, and stakeholders.
• Develops project plans, timelines, deliverables, and performance measures; monitors progress; and identifies efficiencies and improvements aligned with agency goals.
• Leads internal legislative coordination for FSS, including bill analysis; fiscal impact reviews; and implementation planning, tracking, and reporting.
• Develops and reviews legislative and executive correspondence, reports, and responses.
• Serves as a primary point of contact for policy stakeholders, advocacy groups, and partner agencies on assigned legislative and policy matters.
• Leads and facilitates internal and external workgroups, stakeholder engagement activities, and statewide initiatives.
• Represents FSS in meetings with state agencies, providers, associations, and community partners.
• Builds and maintains effective partnerships to advance prevention strategies and program objectives.
• Oversees and conducts advanced research, policy analysis, and program evaluations.
• Reviews statutes, rules, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance and support implementation.
• Coordinates data collection and analysis across multiple sources to support decision‑making, reporting, and continuous program improvement.
• Develops and delivers executive briefings, legislative reports, presentations, white papers, and strategic planning documents.
• Prepares clear, concise summaries and recommendations related to program performance, funding, policy changes, and legislative activity.

Benefits

• comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
• defined benefit pension plan
• generous time off benefits
• numerous opportunities for career advancement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees