Director of Policy
Listed on 2026-09-13
-
Government
Government Affairs, Government Administration
Date:
Sep 3, 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:
Director of Policy
Job Title: Director II
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: CH Forensic Director
Posting Number: 20672
Closing Date: 09/17/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Salary Range: $7,015.16 - $11,864.50
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-27
Shift: Regular Evening and Weekend
Additional Shift:
Telework:
Travel: Up to 20%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility
Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 909 W 45TH ST BLDG 552
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: ,C0,111X,112X,113X,114X,20C0,30C0,40C0,611X,612X,631X,641X,648X,90G0,91C0,91W0
97E0,SEI
15
The Director II, functionally known as the Director of Policy
, reports to the Associate Commissioner for the Office of Forensic Services and Coordination (OFSC) within the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). The Director of Policy performs advanced managerial and policy work, providing strategic leadership for statewide forensic behavioral health policy, legislative affairs coordination, stakeholder engagement, and special initiatives designed to strengthen the effectiveness, coordination, and oversight of forensic services.
The position exercises extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment and serves as a key advisor to OFSC leadership, HHSC executive leadership, and external stakeholders on complex forensic behavioral health and criminal justice issues.
The Director of Policy plays a critical role in supporting the statutorily mandated responsibilities of the State Forensic Director established through Senate Bill 1507, 84th Legislature, Regular Session (2015). These responsibilities include statewide coordination and oversight of forensic services, coordination of forensic programs operated by HHSC, and addressing issues affecting the delivery of forensic services across Texas. The position leads policy analysis, legislative strategy, and cross-system initiatives that advance statewide forensic priorities and improve outcomes across the continuum of care.
The position is also responsible for overseeing OFSC’s role in ongoing litigation support and any associated activities.
The Director of Policy also supervises the Policy Analyst whose work includes legislative policy analysis and litigation support. The position also directs the development of legislative proposals, executive briefings, reports, and policy recommendations; coordinates with HHSC divisions, state hospitals, state supported living centers, local behavioral health authorities, criminal justice partners, providers, advocates, and other stakeholders; and represents OFSC in executive, legislative, and stakeholder forums.
The successful candidate will be a strategic and collaborative leader with expertise in policy development, legislative affairs, project management, and stakeholder engagement. The position requires exceptional communication skills, sound judgment, political acumen, and the ability to lead multiple high-priority initiatives while building consensus among diverse stakeholders and advancing statewide strategic objectives.
Policy Leadership and Legislative Affairs (40%)- Directs the development, implementation, and evaluation of statewide forensic policy initiatives and strategic priorities.
- Leads policy analysis and formulates recommendations related to forensic system issues.
- Oversees the development of legislative proposals, legislative analyses, executive briefings, issue papers, reports, and policy recommendations.
- Provides strategic guidance and consultation to OFSC leadership, HSCS and HHSC executive leadership, legislators, state agencies, and other stakeholders regarding forensic issues.
- Monitors emerging state and national trends, legislation, and policy developments affecting forensic services and advises leadership…
(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).