Government Relations Specialist II

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

About The Position

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. The Government & Stakeholder Relations Specialist (GSR II) will support Government and Stakeholder Relations (GSR) leadership in the implementation of long- or short-term business objectives to achieve successful legislative outcomes. The GSR II will provide consultative and expert advice to the GSR leadership team. The GSR II will focus on legislative matters related to certain administrative areas of the agency, including Information Technology, Procurement and Contracting, System Support and assist with the Chief Financial Officer Office. The GSR II will support the GSR team in special projects and operational administrative duties. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

Knowledge of: The State of Texas legislative process, the Sunset Commission review process, and the state budget process.
HHSC and how it impacts other state agencies.
Skill in: Managing multiple and competing priorities.
Communicating effectively, verbally and in writing, with all levels of agency staff, stakeholders, and legislative members and their staff, with an emphasis on precision, sensitivity, and diplomacy.
Problem solving.
Ability to: Learn, use and implement new technology, applications and work processes to enhance decision making and productivity.
Explain and express facts and ideas and negotiate with individuals and groups, internally and externally and to build, establish, and maintain effective working relationships.
Analyze various issues across different agency program areas.
Work under pressure and meet close deadlines.
Communicate effectively and to provide guidance to others.
Graduation from four-year college or university with major coursework in political science, public administration, or relevant field is generally preferred. A graduate/law degree is preferred.
Must have three to five years of experience working in health and human services, government relations, a legislative office or similar position at another government agency.

Nice To Haves

A focus on health care policy is preferred.

Responsibilities

Supports GSR leadership in strategic planning and implementation of business objectives. (25%)
Coordinates and participates in agency activities related to the legislative session; and attends legislative hearings and meetings with legislators, legislative staff, and other legislative liaisons. (25%)
Supports GSR with implementation of all legislative and specialized initiatives. (20%)
Oversees, reviews, edits, prepares and finalizes presentations, briefing and legislative summary documents, and specialized research material for executive staff, legislative offices, committees, and public audiences. (10%)
Responds or facilitates the response to inquiries and requests for information from legislators, government officials, and stakeholders. (10%)
Communicates and coordinates efforts with other agency staff and GSR leadership on legislative and policy issues. (10%)