Government Relations Specialist

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: Government Relations Specialist 
Job Title: Government Relations Spec II 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Government Affairs 
Posting Number: 8932 
Closing Date: 03/09/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Office and Administrative Support 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25 
Salary Range: $6,500.00 - $7,613.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
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: 1100 W 49TH ST (RDM) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 0570,0571,4502,4505,8018,8221,8222,8223,8224,8225,8226,8227,8228,8231,8232,8233,8234,8235,8236,8237 
8238,8240,8241,8242,8243,8244,8245,8246,8247,8248,14FX,165X,16FX,16PX,171X,35PX,3N0X6,46A,46S,46Z 
48B,48E,48G,48J,48P,48X,INF,MC,PA,SEI13,SEI14,SEI15 
 

Brief Job Description:

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. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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. 20%.

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. 15%.

Other duties as assigned (marginal functions). 5%.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

The Texas legislative process.

Skill in:

Using independent judgement and effecting speedy analysis to provide recommendations.

Breaking down complex information for a variety of audiences.

Building consensus and buy in among individuals through relationship building and sound reasoning.

Organization and problem solving.

Providing customer service to legislative offices and the public.

Using the Internet for research and other work-related activities.

Preparing, reviewing and editing correspondence, reports, presentations and other assigned documents.

Ability to:

Demonstrate a teamwork mentality and ability to contribute to a positive working environment.

Effectively communicate positive and negative information to a variety of audiences with the best outcomes for all parties.

Synthesize and analyze complex data and information from multiple sources.

Manage stress and competing priorities in a rapid moving and changing environment.

Use standard computer software, including Microsoft Office and the Internet.

Devise solutions to administrative problems.

Develop and evaluate administrative procedures.

Analyze legislation, including fiscal impact.

Conduct policy analysis and research.

Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Work independently and accept responsibility.

Make sound judgments in reporting and interpreting data and information.

Negotiate and interact effectively with a variety of personality types.

Delegate and track the completion of assignments.

Work evening, night and/or weekends during the legislative session.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Required:

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.

At least three years of experience working with or for members of the Texas Legislature or organizations engaged in the Texas legislative process.

Preferred: A master’s level degree in a relevant field.

Note: Experience and education may be substituted for one another. 

Additional Information:

N/A

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 for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form