Government Relations Specialist II Job Listing at Texas Health and Human Services in Austin, TX (Job ID 13451-en_US)

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: Government Relations Specialist II 
Job Title: Government Relations Spec II 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Governmnt&StakeholderRelations 
Posting Number: 13451 
Closing Date: 02/17/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25 
Salary Range: $5,797.67 - $7,500.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 25% 
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:  
MOS Codes: 0570,0571,4502,4505,8018,8221,8222,8223,8224,8225,8226,8227,8228,8231,8232,8233,8234,8235,8236,8237 
8238,8240,8241,8242,8243,8244,8245,14FX,165X,16FX,16PX,171X,35PX,3N0X6,46A,46S,46Z,48B,48E,48G,48J 
48P,48X,INF,MC,PA,SEI13,SEI14,SEI15 
 

Brief Job Description:

The Government & Stakeholder Relations Specialist (GSR II) will support Government and Stakeholder Relations (GSR) leadership in the implementation of long- or short-term business objectives to achieve successful legislative outcomes. The GSR II will provide consultative and expert advice to the GSR leadership team.

The GSR II will focus on legislative matters related to certain administrative areas of the agency, including Information Technology, Procurement and Contracting, System Support and assist with the Chief Financial Officer Office.

The GSR II will support the GSR team in special projects and operational administrative duties.

Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Supports GSR leadership in strategic planning and implementation of business objectives. (25%)

Coordinates and participates in agency activities related to the legislative session; and attends legislative hearings and meetings with legislators, legislative staff, and other legislative liaisons. (25%)

Supports GSR with implementation of all legislative and specialized initiatives. (20%)

Oversees, reviews, edits, prepares and finalizes presentations, briefing and legislative summary documents, and specialized research material for executive staff, legislative offices, committees, and public audiences. (10%)

Responds or facilitates the response to inquiries and requests for information from legislators, government officials, and stakeholders. (10%)

Communicates and coordinates efforts with other agency staff and GSR leadership on legislative and policy issues. (10%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

The State of Texas legislative process, the Sunset Commission review process, and the state budget process.

HHSC and how it impacts other state agencies.

Skill in:

Managing multiple and competing priorities.

Communicating effectively, verbally and in writing, with all levels of agency staff, stakeholders, and legislative members and their staff, with an emphasis on precision, sensitivity, and diplomacy.

Problem solving.

Ability to:

Learn, use and implement new technology, applications and work processes to enhance decision making and productivity.

Explain and express facts and ideas and negotiate with individuals and groups, internally and externally and to build, establish, and maintain effective working relationships.

Analyze various issues across different agency program areas.

Work under pressure and meet close deadlines.

Communicate effectively and to provide guidance to others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from four-year college or university with major coursework in political science, public administration, or relevant field is generally preferred. A graduate/law degree is preferred.

Professional experience may substitute for education, but education may not substitute for professional experience, on a year-for-year basis.

Must have three to five years of experience working in health and human services, government relations, a legislative office or similar position at another government agency. A focus on health care policy is preferred.

Additional Information:

Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual. Flexibility in hours may be required, including occasional extended hours.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work

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.