Government Relations Spec II
Apply NowCompany: Dept of State Health Services
Location: Austin, TX 78745
Description:
Job Description:
Government Relations Spec II
Serves as a Government Relations Specialist II on the Government Affairs team. Reports to the Director of Government Affairs (GA). Provides highly advanced legislative and technical consultative services to the GA Director, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Chief of Staff, the DSHS Commissioner, and other executive and senior staff. Provides advanced knowledge and analysis of state legislative issues and action concerning public health. Works with GA and staff across the agency to facilitate written and verbal communications between the agency, state leadership, and members of the Legislature. Coordinates responses to inquiries regarding policy. Performs constituent casework pertaining to public health issues. Works under general direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
During the legislative session, position requires periodic evening, night, and weekend work.
This position may work up to 40% remote / teleworking when the legislature is not in session.
Salary dependent upon budgeted funds available at the time of hiring
Essential Job Functions:
20% Develop communication on public health issues for a legislative audience. Working closely with programmatic experts and senior level staff, craft various documents including reports, presentations, talking points, briefing documents, memorandums, and letters.
15% Track implementation of legislation impacting DSHS. Work with staff to develop bill implementation plans, and monitor progress. Prepare periodic updates for interested legislators.
15% Monitor legislative issues and the status of legislation impacting DSHS. Attend legislative hearings and meetings. Develop summaries for executive and senior staff and provide legislative follow up as necessary. Prepare bill summaries, bill analyses or other written information related to filed bills.
15% Coordinate responses to inquiries from legislators regarding DSHS programs. Prepare verbal and written responses using information gathered across various parts of the agency. Ensure that responses are appropriate, accurate, and timely. Review and edit testimony for agency staff appearing before legislative committees.
15% Provide input in the development and policy analysis of public health issues. Complete special projects as assigned.
15% Represent the Director and/or agency at internal, external, legislative and non-legislative meetings. Provide guidance to advisory boards and committees associated with DSHS.
5% Other duties as assigned (marginal functions).
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Skill in using independent judgement and effecting speedy analysis to provide recommendations.
Skill in breaking down complex information for a variety of audiences.
Skill in building consensus and buy in among individuals through relationship building and sound reasoning.
Skill in organization and problem solving.
Skill in providing customer service to legislative offices and the public.
Skill in using the Internet for research and other work-related activities.
Skill in preparing, reviewing and editing correspondence, reports, presentations and other assigned documents.
Demonstration of a teamwork mentality and ability to contribute to a positive working environment.
Ability to effectively communicate positive and negative information to a variety of audiences with the best outcomes for all parties.
Ability to synthesize and analyze complex data and information from multiple sources.
Ability to manage stress and competing priorities in a rapid moving and changing environment.
Ability to use standard computer software, including Microsoft Office and the Internet.
Ability to devise solutions to administrative problems.
Ability to develop and evaluate administrative procedures.
Ability to analyze legislation, including fiscal impact.
Ability to conduct policy analysis and research.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Ability to work independently and accept responsibility.
Ability to make sound judgments in reporting and interpreting data and information.
Ability to negotiate and interact effectively with a variety of personality types.
Ability to delegate and track the completion of assignments.
Ability to work evening, night and/or weekends during the legislative session
Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Initial Selection Criteria:
Experience in policy, public relations, public information, communications, or state government work.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in policy, government, public relations, communications, or a related field. A master's level degree in a relevant field is preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.
Additional Information:
During legislative sessions, this position may require periodic evening, night, and weekend work.
MOS Code:
There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the responsibilities of this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if they meet the initial selection criteria for this position.
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at [redacted]. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS
Government Relations Spec II
Serves as a Government Relations Specialist II on the Government Affairs team. Reports to the Director of Government Affairs (GA). Provides highly advanced legislative and technical consultative services to the GA Director, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Chief of Staff, the DSHS Commissioner, and other executive and senior staff. Provides advanced knowledge and analysis of state legislative issues and action concerning public health. Works with GA and staff across the agency to facilitate written and verbal communications between the agency, state leadership, and members of the Legislature. Coordinates responses to inquiries regarding policy. Performs constituent casework pertaining to public health issues. Works under general direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
During the legislative session, position requires periodic evening, night, and weekend work.
This position may work up to 40% remote / teleworking when the legislature is not in session.
Salary dependent upon budgeted funds available at the time of hiring
Essential Job Functions:
20% Develop communication on public health issues for a legislative audience. Working closely with programmatic experts and senior level staff, craft various documents including reports, presentations, talking points, briefing documents, memorandums, and letters.
15% Track implementation of legislation impacting DSHS. Work with staff to develop bill implementation plans, and monitor progress. Prepare periodic updates for interested legislators.
15% Monitor legislative issues and the status of legislation impacting DSHS. Attend legislative hearings and meetings. Develop summaries for executive and senior staff and provide legislative follow up as necessary. Prepare bill summaries, bill analyses or other written information related to filed bills.
15% Coordinate responses to inquiries from legislators regarding DSHS programs. Prepare verbal and written responses using information gathered across various parts of the agency. Ensure that responses are appropriate, accurate, and timely. Review and edit testimony for agency staff appearing before legislative committees.
15% Provide input in the development and policy analysis of public health issues. Complete special projects as assigned.
15% Represent the Director and/or agency at internal, external, legislative and non-legislative meetings. Provide guidance to advisory boards and committees associated with DSHS.
5% Other duties as assigned (marginal functions).
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Skill in using independent judgement and effecting speedy analysis to provide recommendations.
Skill in breaking down complex information for a variety of audiences.
Skill in building consensus and buy in among individuals through relationship building and sound reasoning.
Skill in organization and problem solving.
Skill in providing customer service to legislative offices and the public.
Skill in using the Internet for research and other work-related activities.
Skill in preparing, reviewing and editing correspondence, reports, presentations and other assigned documents.
Demonstration of a teamwork mentality and ability to contribute to a positive working environment.
Ability to effectively communicate positive and negative information to a variety of audiences with the best outcomes for all parties.
Ability to synthesize and analyze complex data and information from multiple sources.
Ability to manage stress and competing priorities in a rapid moving and changing environment.
Ability to use standard computer software, including Microsoft Office and the Internet.
Ability to devise solutions to administrative problems.
Ability to develop and evaluate administrative procedures.
Ability to analyze legislation, including fiscal impact.
Ability to conduct policy analysis and research.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Ability to work independently and accept responsibility.
Ability to make sound judgments in reporting and interpreting data and information.
Ability to negotiate and interact effectively with a variety of personality types.
Ability to delegate and track the completion of assignments.
Ability to work evening, night and/or weekends during the legislative session
Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Initial Selection Criteria:
Experience in policy, public relations, public information, communications, or state government work.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in policy, government, public relations, communications, or a related field. A master's level degree in a relevant field is preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.
Additional Information:
During legislative sessions, this position may require periodic evening, night, and weekend work.
MOS Code:
There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the responsibilities of this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if they meet the initial selection criteria for this position.
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at [redacted]. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS