Senior Policy Advisor in Austin, TX

Description

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: Senior Policy Advisor 
Job Title: Program Specialist VII 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: CIVIL RIGHTS 
Posting Number: 14248 
Closing Date: 03/11/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Management 
Salary Range: $6,250.00 - $7,500.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 5% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST 
Other Locations: Austin 
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

The Senior Policy Advisor reports to the Civil Rights Director and performs highly advanced research, evaluation, analysis, consultative services, technical assistance, and planning work related to civil rights programs for the HHS system and executive leadership.

Work involves planning, assigning, developing, researching, analyzing, technical writing and implementing of major agency civil rights programs and initiatives; overseeing the completion and revising of reports; planning, implementing, coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating policies, procedures, and projects; and providing consultative services and technical assistance to program staff.

This position oversees and coordinates legislative bill analysis and related activities and manages special projects. The advisor trains, leads, assigns, coordinates, and prioritizes the workload of others.

The role works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1. Leads the development, implementation, and oversight of the technical, research, planning, policy, program assessment, and administrative activities for the Civil Rights Office. Oversees the preparation, analysis, evaluation, and completion of reports including civil rights investigative and compliance review reports, recommending appropriate changes. Prepares, analyzes, and oversees studies of operations and problems; drafts report of findings; and establishes goals and implements recommendations to meet goals, objectives, and priorities.

Manages specialized research projects and administrative studies and prepares high-level written materials including project updates, executive summaries, administrative reports, policies, procedures, and correspondence requiring technical writing for the Civil Rights Director. (30%)

EJF 2. Provides expert-level research, analysis, consultation, and technical assistance in evaluation of complex programs and policy issues, and state and federal legislation related to civil rights.

Leads, trains, develops and plans coordination of civil rights bill analysis process and procedures. Reviews, researches, assigns and provides final bill analysis reviews. (25%)

EJF 3. Develops, analyzes, reviews, oversees, and implements policies, procedures, standards for the Civil Rights Office. Identifies the needs for new policies and procedures and recommends improvements to existing policies, procedures, and manuals to ensure alignment with civil rights compliance and program goals.

Leads efforts to design and apply effective methods for evaluating compliance with civil rights requirements, including those outlined in agreements with federal enforcement agencies. Develops, coordinates, and conducts surveys, investigations, and reviews to assess compliance with laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Reviews the development of processes and schedules for quality assurance activities. Leads, assigns, and/or prioritizes the work of others. (25%)

EJF 4. Provides research and support to workgroups and advisory committees, as required. Participates in and leads work groups to implement new civil rights programs and initiatives based on goals, objectives, and priorities of the Civil Rights Office.

Provides consultative expertise on the development and oversight of public-facing materials, including website content, to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with civil rights objectives. Coordinates the promotion and marketing of civil rights programs to HHS agencies and professional groups to encourage interest in civil rights programs and to secure support for the programs. (20%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Federal and state civil rights laws, including Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act, and related executive orders and regulations.
• Civil rights compliance frameworks, investigative procedures, and enforcement mechanisms.
• Legislative processes and bill analysis procedures.
• Research methodologies, statistical analysis, and program evaluation techniques.
• Quality assurance and continuous improvement processes in a public sector environment.
• Skill in:
• Conducting complex research and policy analysis related to civil rights and public programs.
• Technical writing, including the ability to draft clear, concise, and accurate reports, policies, procedures, and correspondence.
• Analyzing legislation and preparing bill analyses with attention to legal and operational impacts.
• Planning, organizing, and managing multiple projects and priorities under tight deadlines.
• Leading, training, and coordinating the work of others, including assigning tasks and reviewing deliverables.
• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse audiences including executive leadership, program staff, and external stakeholders.
• Building and maintaining effective working relationships across organizational levels and with external partners.
• Using sound judgment and discretion in decision-making and problem-solving.
• Ability to:
• Interpret and apply complex civil rights laws, regulations, and policies to real-world scenarios.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives.
• Conduct and oversee compliance reviews, investigations, and program assessments.
• Prepare high-level written materials such as executive summaries, legislative analyses, and public communications.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

A bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university.

Juris Doctorate Degree or paralegal certification strongly preferred.

Three years of experience where legal writing was a primary task.

Three years of experience in research and analysis.

Experience implementing EEOC and legal writing work preferred.

Three years of experience leading special projects or as a team lead preferred.

Experience investigating complaints and applying investigative methodologies preferred.

Additional Information:

Hybrid work schedule available and subject to change.

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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.