Immunization Legislative Liaison

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Performs highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work for the daily operations of the Immunization Section under the general direction of the Section Director. Develops or oversees the development of guidelines, policies, and procedures for the Section and monitors compliance with policies and procedures. Coordinates between the Section and the Infectious Disease Prevention Division on legislative analysis, tracking, and activities updates. Reviews and revises, as required, the Section’s legislative input. Prepares documents, papers, and briefings for the Section Director and the Division Deputy Commissioner. Works with considerable latitude using both initiative and independent judgment to facilitate the integration and streamlining of processes and activities within the Section. Works with the Section Director to set priorities and provide direction to the Section’s Units and Groups on activities to carry out the mission of the Section and Division. Coordinates special projects for the Section as directed.

Requirements

• Knowledge of public health principles and essential public health services.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws relating to public health, immunization, and immunization services.
• Knowledge of public administration and management techniques.
• Knowledge of formal rulemaking requirements for state agencies.
• Knowledge of Texas legislative and appropriations process.
• Skill in project management.
• Skill in research and data analysis.
• Skill in bill analysis and tracking.
• Skill in monitoring and coordinating responses to legislative and other inquiries.
• Skill in strategic planning and goal setting.
• Skill in gathering and analyzing information.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Skill in conducting and facilitating meetings.
• Skill in using personal computer application software such as Microsoft Office applications (especially Excel and Word), or similar programs.
• Skill in making public presentations, writing technical information in an understandable format, and producing sophisticated research reports.
• Ability to research, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts.
• Ability to analyze proposed legislation and its policy and fiscal impact on programs.
• Ability to prioritize, manage, and direct multiple projects and activities concurrently, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to establish goals and objectives.
• Ability to devise and implement solutions to problems.
• Ability to write, develop, implement and evaluate policies and procedures.
• Ability to express complex ideas clearly and accurately both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively with a variety of individuals and groups.
• Ability to lead teams and facilitate workgroups.
• Ability to work independently.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in public health, public administration, or related field preferred or 5 years of relevant experience.
• A minimum of three years of experience working for a public health department or state government preferred.
• Experience leading and coordinating large complex projects preferred.
• Experience working with senior management.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates Section activities related to legislative and appropriations activities.
• Represents and acts on behalf of the Section Director to provide guidance to the Units on policy, planning, and administrative operations of the Section.
• Monitors state and federal infectious disease and public health developments and findings through research and major publications to assist in making policy decisions and allocations of program funds.
• Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Benefits

• DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

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