Policy Specialist

Disability Rights Texas•Austin, TX

47d•Onsite

About The Position

The Policy Specialist serves as the in-house expert on assigned issues and leads policy advocacy aimed at improving the lives of persons with disabilities. The role supports case handlers through training and technical assistance and works with team members to identify coordinated policy advocacy opportunities. The Policy Specialist conducts policy research, writes reports, provides internal and external training, monitors and reports on legislative and administrative agency actions, responds to requests for information, provides public testimony, and prepares communications for stakeholders. The position also represents the organization through presentations and active participation or leadership in workgroups, advisory boards, task forces, and committees; works with advocacy organizations, agencies, legislators, and public officials; and helps prepare annual grant reports. The Specialist may assist other teams with additional subject areas as needed. The position is on the Institutional Rights and Civil Liberties (IRCL) Team, which serves people with mental illness and people with intellectual disabilities in institutions, community settings, and justice facilities. The team’s services include community integration and prevention of institutionalization, investigations of abuse and neglect, advocacy regarding rights violations, and guardianship restoration. The Policy Specialist coordinates the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) program, including work with the PAIMI Advisory Council and preparation of quarterly updates and annual federal reports for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The role also develops issue plans, coordinates annual program planning and reporting, tracks legislation, educates policymakers, monitors legal compliance, contributes to outreach and strategic planning, maintains records, and builds effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Travel is required as needed to provide services and training.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Public Policy, Political Science, Government, Education, Disability Studies, Social Service, or a related field.
At least seven years of public-policy-focused experience with demonstrated success working with persons with disabilities, subject to the stated substitutions: a relevant master’s degree may substitute for up to six years, a JD may substitute for up to seven years, a doctorate may substitute for up to eight years, and an eligible full-time disability-policy fellowship or internship of at least one year may substitute for up to two years.
Strong writing, verbal, and negotiation skills, including the ability to communicate concisely about complex issues to varied audiences.
Demonstrated public-speaking experience and ability to develop presentations for public audiences, boards, councils, conferences, and/or legislative testimony.
Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building, and collaboration skills, including the flexibility to manage by influence.
Proven ability to lead, mentor, and train others.
Experience working with governmental entities.
Functional knowledge of complex state and federal laws, rights-protection statutes, and regulations.
Knowledge of state and national election and voting laws, programs, and initiatives, and awareness of issues affecting people with disabilities.
Ability to take direction and independently follow through on instructions.
Ability to build collaboration among stakeholders and disability groups.
Strong attention to detail, follow-up, and organizational skills; ability to multitask, work under challenging conditions, and meet deadlines.
Knowledge and skills to implement policy strategies appropriately.
Demonstrated ability to manage workload and deliver services promptly and appropriately.
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
High commitment to service excellence and high standards of integrity, ethics, and judgment.

Nice To Haves

Lived experience and/or experience accessing services in the Texas mental health system for oneself or others, and/or peer advocate experience.
Bilingual Spanish skills, both spoken and written.
Proficiency with data analytics, R, and GIS.

Responsibilities

Serve as the in-house content expert on assigned issues and relevant program areas, statutes, and policies.
Identify major issues and priorities and coordinate information for internal and external distribution.
Coordinate the PAIMI program, work with its Advisory Council, and prepare quarterly updates and annual federal reports for SAMHSA.
Educate employees and coordinate information flow to share knowledge.
Develop and update written plans identifying issues, objectives, and action steps consistent with organizational priorities.
Present the organization’s positions to staff, board members, advisory councils, and volunteers, and respond to requests for expert opinion.
Maintain communications and cooperative relationships with advocacy organizations, advocates, agencies, and policymakers.
Review publications and other information services and circulate relevant information to stakeholders.
Develop materials and conduct education and training presentations on organizational services and disability-related issues.
Coordinate annual planning and reporting with appropriate stakeholders.
Attend relevant legislative sessions, monitor activity, research materials, and communicate findings to appropriate parties.
Track relevant legislation and educate policymakers about the impact of proposed legislation.
Ensure agency training curricula and public information align with state and federal laws.
Contribute subject-matter information to annual organizational program reports.
Monitor compliance with federal and state laws.
Participate in strategic planning and implementation.
Coordinate training and policy activities with staff and stakeholders.
Collaborate with other issue teams.
Travel as needed to provide services and training.
Prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities and tasks in a timely manner.
Build credibility within the organization to serve as an effective partner and advisor.
Contribute to the development and implementation of the organization’s outreach plan.
Communicate regularly and effectively with employees, clients, and the public at individual, team, and organizational levels.
Maintain thorough and complete records.
Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with clients, the community, the board of directors, employees, and other stakeholders.
Apply the organization’s vision and values in work-related activities and interactions.