What are the responsibilities and job description for the Family Support Services Policy Specialist position at Texas Health and Human Services?
Date: Mar 27, 2026
Location:
AUSTIN, TX
Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.
Functional Title: Family Support Services Policy SpecialistJob Title: Program Specialist VIAgency: Health & Human Services CommDepartment: FSS Cont, Fin & Admn Supp 89thPosting Number: 15187Closing Date: 04/10/2026Posting Audience: Internal and ExternalOccupational Category: Community and Social ServicesSalary Range: $5,098.66 - $8,304.83Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23Shift: DayAdditional Shift: Days (First)Telework: Eligible for TeleworkTravel: Up to 20%Regular/Temporary: RegularFull Time/Part Time: Full timeFLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST
Other Locations: Austin
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS
Brief Job Description
Performs highly advanced consultative services, technical assistance, and program management work for Family Support Services (FSS), reporting to the Director of Policy and Prevention Strategies.
Responsible for the successful management and execution of a wide range of complex, sensitive, and high‑profile initiatives. Leads special projects; conducts research; and provides expert program, policy, and legislative analysis. Coordinates legislative and executive activities including analysis, response development, implementation management, and tracking. Serves as a liaison to cross‑departmental and interagency teams on a variety of assignments.
Develops executive communications, ad hoc reports, presentations, and regular updates on major initiatives, projects, and grants. Oversees coordination and collaboration on complex reports and materials requiring executive‑level review.
May represent the Associate Commissioner or division leadership on agency‑wide and HHS enterprise initiatives.
Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for independent judgment and initiative. May plan, assign, and/or lead the work of others and serve in a lead capacity. Represents division leadership on internal and external workgroups and agency or interagency initiatives as assigned.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs)
Plans, coordinates, and oversees complex program initiatives, special projects, grants, and pilots across FSS. Provides high‑level consultation and technical assistance to program units, agency partners, and stakeholders. Develops project plans, timelines, deliverables, and performance measures; monitors progress; and identifies efficiencies and improvements aligned with agency goals.
Leads internal legislative coordination for FSS, including bill analysis; fiscal impact reviews; and implementation planning, tracking, and reporting. Develops and reviews legislative and executive correspondence, reports, and responses. Serves as a primary point of contact for policy stakeholders, advocacy groups, and partner agencies on assigned legislative and policy matters.
Leads and facilitates internal and external workgroups, stakeholder engagement activities, and statewide initiatives. Represents FSS in meetings with state agencies, providers, associations, and community partners. Builds and maintains effective partnerships to advance prevention strategies and program objectives.
Oversees and conducts advanced research, policy analysis, and program evaluations. Reviews statutes, rules, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance and support implementation. Coordinates data collection and analysis across multiple sources to support decision‑making, reporting, and continuous program improvement.
Develops and delivers executive briefings, legislative reports, presentations, white papers, and strategic planning documents. Prepares clear, concise summaries and recommendations related to program performance, funding, policy changes, and legislative activity.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)
Knowledge of state legislative processes, public administration, and program management principles.
Skill in policy analysis, project management, and stakeholder coordination.
Ability to analyze complex information, develop recommendations, prepare executive‑level communications, and lead cross‑functional efforts.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and provide guidance to others.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications
N/A
Initial Screening Criteria
Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university is preferred. Each year of directly related experience may substitute for one year of education, up to four (4) years total. Experience in program management, policy analysis, legislative coordination, or a related field is preferred.
Additional Information
The selected candidate for this position will be required to work in our Austin office. This position offers a hybrid schedule of remote (telework) and in-office work and staff may have the opportunity to telework as HHSC telework policy allows.
Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.
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 to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.
ADA Accommodations
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
Pre-Employment Checks And Work Eligibility
Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form
Telework Disclaimer
This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.
Nearest Major Market: Austin
Location:
AUSTIN, TX
Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.
Functional Title: Family Support Services Policy SpecialistJob Title: Program Specialist VIAgency: Health & Human Services CommDepartment: FSS Cont, Fin & Admn Supp 89thPosting Number: 15187Closing Date: 04/10/2026Posting Audience: Internal and ExternalOccupational Category: Community and Social ServicesSalary Range: $5,098.66 - $8,304.83Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23Shift: DayAdditional Shift: Days (First)Telework: Eligible for TeleworkTravel: Up to 20%Regular/Temporary: RegularFull Time/Part Time: Full timeFLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST
Other Locations: Austin
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS
Brief Job Description
Performs highly advanced consultative services, technical assistance, and program management work for Family Support Services (FSS), reporting to the Director of Policy and Prevention Strategies.
Responsible for the successful management and execution of a wide range of complex, sensitive, and high‑profile initiatives. Leads special projects; conducts research; and provides expert program, policy, and legislative analysis. Coordinates legislative and executive activities including analysis, response development, implementation management, and tracking. Serves as a liaison to cross‑departmental and interagency teams on a variety of assignments.
Develops executive communications, ad hoc reports, presentations, and regular updates on major initiatives, projects, and grants. Oversees coordination and collaboration on complex reports and materials requiring executive‑level review.
May represent the Associate Commissioner or division leadership on agency‑wide and HHS enterprise initiatives.
Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for independent judgment and initiative. May plan, assign, and/or lead the work of others and serve in a lead capacity. Represents division leadership on internal and external workgroups and agency or interagency initiatives as assigned.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs)
Plans, coordinates, and oversees complex program initiatives, special projects, grants, and pilots across FSS. Provides high‑level consultation and technical assistance to program units, agency partners, and stakeholders. Develops project plans, timelines, deliverables, and performance measures; monitors progress; and identifies efficiencies and improvements aligned with agency goals.
Leads internal legislative coordination for FSS, including bill analysis; fiscal impact reviews; and implementation planning, tracking, and reporting. Develops and reviews legislative and executive correspondence, reports, and responses. Serves as a primary point of contact for policy stakeholders, advocacy groups, and partner agencies on assigned legislative and policy matters.
Leads and facilitates internal and external workgroups, stakeholder engagement activities, and statewide initiatives. Represents FSS in meetings with state agencies, providers, associations, and community partners. Builds and maintains effective partnerships to advance prevention strategies and program objectives.
Oversees and conducts advanced research, policy analysis, and program evaluations. Reviews statutes, rules, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance and support implementation. Coordinates data collection and analysis across multiple sources to support decision‑making, reporting, and continuous program improvement.
Develops and delivers executive briefings, legislative reports, presentations, white papers, and strategic planning documents. Prepares clear, concise summaries and recommendations related to program performance, funding, policy changes, and legislative activity.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)
Knowledge of state legislative processes, public administration, and program management principles.
Skill in policy analysis, project management, and stakeholder coordination.
Ability to analyze complex information, develop recommendations, prepare executive‑level communications, and lead cross‑functional efforts.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and provide guidance to others.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications
N/A
Initial Screening Criteria
Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university is preferred. Each year of directly related experience may substitute for one year of education, up to four (4) years total. Experience in program management, policy analysis, legislative coordination, or a related field is preferred.
Additional Information
The selected candidate for this position will be required to work in our Austin office. This position offers a hybrid schedule of remote (telework) and in-office work and staff may have the opportunity to telework as HHSC telework policy allows.
Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.
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 to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.
ADA Accommodations
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
Pre-Employment Checks And Work Eligibility
Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form
Telework Disclaimer
This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.
Nearest Major Market: Austin
Salary : $5,099 - $8,305