Legislative Liaison

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Performs highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work for the daily operations of the HIV/STD Section (THSS) under the general direction of the Operations Director with minimal supervision. Works with considerable latitude using both initiative and independent judgment to facilitate the coordination and completion of legislative assignments including bill analyses, cost estimates, inquiries, appropriations request, performance measures, legislative reports, legislative tracking, bill implementation, etc. Oversee the rule making process which includes drafting rules to implement state laws, soliciting stakeholder feedback, and rule implementation through the creation of programmatic policies and procedures. Coordinates the integration and streamlining of processes and activities within the Operations Unit. Works with the Operations Director to set priorities and provide direction, guidance, review and produce summary of assignments completions for Operations Director review. Coordinate how program assignments are to be communicated to Unit Directors and review incoming completed assignments for Operations Director approvals. Assist to carry out activities and the mission of the Section and the Division of Infectious Disease Prevention Division (IDPD). Develops guidelines, policies and procedures for the HIV/STD program and assists program in compliant with policies and procedures. Reviews and revises policies and documentations, as required, Provide responses for legislative inquiries, review records requests to ensure compliance. Performs high-level document review of assignments for Operations Director approvals, assuring materials are accurate, clear, concise, easily understood by their target audience and submitted on time. Prepares documents, papers and briefings for the Section Director and Assistant Commissioner for IDPD. Coordinates special projects for the Operations Director.

Requirements

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program activities and/or business functions.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration
• Knowledge of Texas legislative process
• Knowledge of public health principles
• Knowledge of local, state and federal laws relating to public health.
• Knowledge of formal rule making requirements for state agencies.
• Knowledge of legislative and appropriations process.
• Skill in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support an overall business strategy.
• Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and negotiating and implementing solutions.
• Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.
• Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.
• Skill in communication and public speaking.
• Skill in bill analysis and tracking, in monitoring and coordinating responses to legislative and other inquiries.
• Skill in strategic planning and goal setting.
• Skill in use of computer for word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Skill in policy analysis and financial impact.
• Skill in excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Skill in conducting and facilitating meetings.
• Ability to direct and organize program activities and/or business functions.
• Ability to prepare reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely.
• Ability to plan, assign, and evaluate the work of others.
• Ability to think creatively and support creative thinking in others.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with staff at all levels of an organization, agencies, providers, stakeholders, and elected officials.
• Ability to develop and implement effective customer service systems.
• Ability to understand and align operations and support strategies according to business needs.
• Ability to interpret data and develop effective operating procedures and practices.
• Ability to organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to build effective work teams.
• Abillity to work independently.
• Ability to work with the legislature.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree preferred not required. Graduate degree in public health, public administration, or related field or 5 years of relevant experience preferred.
• A minimum of three years of experience working for a public health department or state government preferred.
• Experience developing and supporting policies, fiscal notes or with assignments.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates Operations activities related to legislative and appropriations issues.
• Represents and acts on behalf of the Operations Director to provide guidance to Units/Branches and SSO staff within the Operations Unit on policy, assignment planning and administrative operations of the Department.
• 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 (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: 1,001-5,000 employees