Policy Analyst

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

2d•$5,798 - $9,508•Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Specialist VII, functionally known as a Policy Analyst, reports to the Director of Policy in the Office of Forensic Services and Coordination (OFSC) in the Health and Specialty Care System. The role performs highly advanced policy-focused work, serves as a subject matter expert on policy, legislation, rules, and regulatory activities related to forensic services in Texas, and helps coordinate, develop, and implement forensic policy initiatives. The position supports the statutorily mandated duties of the Forensic Director under SB 1507, including statewide coordination and oversight of forensic services, coordination of HHSC forensic programs, and addressing issues in the delivery of forensic services in Texas. The successful candidate is expected to bring expertise in forensic mental health policy and extensive knowledge of Texas’s forensic mental health continuum of care, while working collaboratively across department and division teams. The role requires strong written and oral communication, the ability to manage multiple projects and assignments, and effectiveness in a fast-paced, demanding environment. The position follows a regular and predictable work schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and may require after-hours work during the legislative session. It is based at the State Office in Austin, is eligible for telework, and requires up to 30% travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in public policy, public administration, public affairs, psychology, social work, anthropology, or sociology; other disciplines may be considered based on relevant coursework and experience.
At least two years of policy experience in forensic mental health and/or the intersection of behavioral health and justice.
Knowledge of forensic mental health policy, including forensic statutes, rules, legislation, and the national, state, and local policy landscape.
Knowledge of competence to stand trial and service delivery in inpatient, outpatient, and jail-based competency restoration programs.
Knowledge of the intersection between behavioral health and justice involvement.
Knowledge of policy analysis, research and development, legislative processes, and the Texas legislative process.
Knowledge of inpatient mental health services in contracted private psychiatric beds, state hospitals, and state supported living centers.
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts and data and devise solutions to policy challenges.
Ability to analyze proposed legislation and its policy and fiscal impact on programs.
Ability to analyze, develop, and evaluate policies, procedures, and reports.
Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop solutions to complex issues.
Ability to think critically to improve processes and enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Ability to build trust and communicate effectively with a high degree of integrity.
Oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey complex policy issues and research findings clearly and concisely.
Creative and innovative thinking to collaborate strategically with team members and stakeholders.
Action-oriented self-direction and self-motivation.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or other advanced degree.
Experience working in local, state, or federal government offices and/or policy-focused organizations.

Responsibilities

Monitor and track legislation and bills, conduct bill analyses, and coordinate subject matter reviews.
Research potential statutory changes and exceptional items; watch assigned hearings and provide summaries and analyses to OFSC leadership.
Coordinate with the Legislative Affairs Liaison and assist with drafting legislative reports and preparing executive briefing materials during legislative session.
Support the development, implementation, and evaluation of statewide forensic policy initiatives and strategic priorities.
Monitor policy and regulatory activities concerning forensic services at local, state, and federal levels, and research and analyze forensic policies in Texas, nationally, and in other states.
Draft executive briefings, issue briefs, memoranda, and other policy-focused written materials.
Serve as the OFSC point of contact for the HSCS Strategy, Policy and Communications office and support litigation coordination as directed by the Director of Policy.
Collaborate across OFSC to support development of program policies and procedures.
Provide technical assistance and consultation to internal and external stakeholders on policy, legislation, rules, and codes related to forensic and justice-involved populations.
Develop resources to educate partners on forensic policies, rules, and best practices.
Lead internal and external meetings and workgroups and represent OFSC in workgroups, meetings, and committees.
Execute high-level tasks at the request of executive leadership, respond to tasks directed by the Associate Commissioner, and perform other duties as assigned.