Legislative and Policy Coordinator

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.

Employee 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). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: Legislative and Policy Coordinator 
Job Title: Program Specialist VI 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Chief State Epidemiologist 
Posting Number: 14712 
Closing Date: 04/09/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $6,383.30 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 10% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (RDM) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Performs highly advanced (senior level) consultative services and technical assistance work for the daily operations of the Chief State Epidemiology (CSE) Division under the general direction of the Chief State Epidemiologist. Works with considerable latitude using both initiative and independent judgment to facilitate the coordination and completion of legislative assignments including bill analyses, inquiries, agency cost estimates, legislatively mandated reports, bill implementation, etc., working in conjunction with CSE Sections. Provides oversight for rule and policy development. Assists with preparing for and coordinating Division advisory committee meetings. Performs high-level document review, assuring materials are accurate, clear, concise, easily understood by their target audience, and submitted on time. Prepares documents, papers, briefings, and presentations for CSE leadership. This position is not eligible for teleworking.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

(40%) Coordinates CSE Division activities related to legislative and appropriations issues. Coordinates with Sections and Government Affairs on legislative analysis, tracking, and activities for the Division. Works with Sections to develop bill analyses and cost estimates, revise legislation, implement bills, and to monitor compliance with legislative mandates. Outlines bill implementation requirements, establishes timelines, and coordinates with Sections and other requisite DSHS or Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) areas to assure all deliverables are completed on time. Communicates with department staff, stakeholders, legislators, advocates, and others on legislation affecting the Division programs. Participates directly in activities related to appropriations issues, exceptional items, public hearings, rulemaking associated with key legislation, operational plans, interim studies or agency workgroups, and outreach activities designed to improve the overall relationship between CSE/DSHS and legislative leadership. Oversee development, review, and submission of all CSE rules and reports. Coordinates efforts to ensure that CSE leadership is aware of all upcoming CSE, DSHS, and HHS policy changes and has the opportunity to provide feedback. Monitors legislatively mandated report submission deadlines and coordinates timely review and submission to internal and external stakeholders.  

(40%) Performs high-level document review, assuring materials are accurate, clear, concise, easily understood by their target audience, and submitted on time. Makes data and information available to decision makers to assist them with policy decisions and resource allocations. In conjunction with Division and Section subject matter experts, prepares related presentations for use by DSHS Senior Management. Oversees and tracks memoranda, correspondence, assignments, productivity reports, and studies (compliance/response to House/Senate Bills, Riders, legislative and public inquiries, etc.) within the Division and Government Affairs Unit. Assists CSE to prepare for and conduct advisory committee meetings, including the Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response and the Health Professions Workforce Coordinating Council. Ensure public webpages for CSE advisory committees and all documents related to these efforts are updated and posted accordingly.

(15%) Monitors state and federal public health developments and findings through research and review of major publications to assist in making policy decisions and allocations of program funds. Prepare briefing documents including Commissioner staff briefing requests and informational memos and other materials and makes presentations on state and national trends and issues that have an impact on funding and delivery Division activities. Develops and implements project management principles and processes to ensure timely and effective delivery of assignments and responses. Facilitates high-level responses appropriate to Section involvement with inter- and intra-agency activities related to health policy priorities and the implementation of program activities.

(5%) 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 of Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of public health principles.

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws relating to public health.

Knowledge of program policies with the Infectious Disease Prevention.

Knowledge of public administration and management techniques.

Knowledge of formal rulemaking requirements for state agencies.

Knowledge of Texas legislative and appropriations process.

Skill in bill analysis and tracking and in monitoring and coordinating responses to legislative and other inquiries.

Skill in strategic planning and goal setting.

Skill in the use of computer for word processing and spreadsheet applications.

Skills in gathering, analyzing, and explaining complex information.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Skill in conducting and facilitating meetings.

Ability to manage and direct multiple program activities.

Ability to analyze proposed legislation and its policy and fiscal impact on programs.

Ability to complete bill analysis and monitor developments.

Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and activities concurrently.

Ability to establish goals and objectives.

Ability to devise and implement solutions to problems.

Ability to write, develop, implement and evaluate administrative 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 work independently.

Ability to work in a fast-pace environment.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

Experience in Texas legislative and appropriations process, with preference to at least two years of experience.

Experience in managing projects across multiple teams.

Experience communicating with senior or executive level staff.

Additional Information:

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form