Legislative Liaison

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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 Liaison 
Job Title: Program Specialist VI 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: HIV STD Section 
Posting Number: 14424 
Closing Date: 04/01/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $6,850.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: 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: 201 W HOWARD LN STE 200 
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 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.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

1. Coordinates Operations activities related to legislative and appropriations issues. In conjunction with the Operations Director, coordinate legislative related work with Unit Directors, Programs Managers and the Division staff alongside Government Affairs office on all legislative analysis, tracking and activities for the Section. Works with Section Units/Branches to develop bill analyses and cost estimates, revise legislation, implement bills, and to monitor compliance with legislative mandates to House/Senate Bills, Riders, rules, etc. Outlines bill implementation requirements, establishes timelines, and coordinates with Section Units/Branches, LIDS, and other requisite DSHS or Health and Human Services (HHS) offices to assure all deliverables are completed on time. Communicate with department staff, stakeholders, legislators, advocates and others on legislation affecting the Section programs. Participates directly in activities related to appropriations issues, exceptional items, public hearings, operational plans, interim studies or agency work groups, outreach activities and oversees the rule making associated with key legislation designed to improve the overall relationship between Section/DSHS and legislative leadership on HIV/STD programming and funding provided to local entities.  Oversees development, review, and submission of all THSS rules and reports. (40%)
2. 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. Effectively support the Unit SSO with providing guidance on assignment completions including summaries, review data sets, coordinate and collaborate with Unit directors to ensure assignments are completed on time for submission. Makes data and information available to decision-makers in order to assist them with policy decisions and resource allocations. Oversees memoranda, correspondence, productivity reports, policy and procedures updates, factsheets and studies related to HIV/STD Programs. Assist Unit Directors with any Audit related matters requiring updates or amendments to policies and procedures that would met audit recommendations. Conducts regular review of assignment status and updates on assignment completions and responses. Review, monitor and implementation leadership initiative with internal procedure changes. (25%)
3. 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. Prepares briefing documents and other materials including Commissioner staff briefing request and information memos and other materials and makes presentations on state and national trends and issues that have an impact on funding and delivery of the Section’s program activities. Develops and implements project management principles and processes to assure timely and effective delivery of Section services 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. Identifies opportunities for the Section to further strategic goals and develops recommendations to improve the overall relationship between the Section/DSHS and leadership. (30%)
4. 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. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

Local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program activities and/or business functions.

Principles and practices of public administration

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 bill analysis and tracking, 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.

  Experience leading and coordinating large complex projects.

Experience with policy analysis and financial impact.

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.

Abillity to work independently.

Skill in:

Establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support an overall business strategy.

Identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and negotiating and implementing solutions.

Working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.

Managing multiple and competing priorities.

Communication and public speaking.

Ability to:

Direct and organize program activities and/or business functions.

Prepare reports.

Communicate effectively.

Express ideas clearly and concisely.

Plan, assign, and evaluate the work of others.

Think creatively and support creative thinking in others.

Establish effective working relationships with staff at all levels of an organization, agencies, providers, stakeholders, and elected officials.

Develop and implement effective customer service systems.

Understand and align operations and support strategies according to business needs.

Interpret data and develop effective operating procedures and practices.

Organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing.

Build effective work teams.

Work with the legislature.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

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.

Additional Information:

Proficiency/Skills Test: Applicants selected for interview may be required to complete a proficiency/skills test at the time of the interview (e.g., Excel or professional writing sample).

Work Hours and Location Note: Applicants must have the ability and willingness to work core business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. This position is based in-person at offices located in Austin, Texas.

Application/Resume Notes: Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application but may be provided as supplemental materials. All fields on the application must be filled in completely. Applicants must provide information relevant to the experience required for this position in the job history sections of the application.

Employment References Note: If selected, a candidate must be able and willing to provide current and previous work references before a final offer of employment is extended.

Salary Note: Agency salary policy, budget, and candidate’s qualifications will dictate the final salary offer.

Visa Sponsorships Note: Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

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