Legislative and Audit Coordinator
AUSTIN, TX
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Functional Title: Legislative and Audit Coordinator
Job Title: Program Specialist VII
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: AES Administration Division
Posting Number: 9650
Closing Date: 10/16/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25
Salary Range: $5,797.66 - $7,652.91
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
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: 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:
The Office of Administration (OA) within the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Access and Eligibility Services (AES) department is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented candidate for the position of Program Specialist VII (Legislative and Audit Coordinator). This role supports the mission of AES to connect individuals to quality services that promote self-sufficiency and community living. The Program Specialist VII will provide advanced consultation and technical assistance to management, ensuring effective responses to internal and external audits while also overseeing legislative coordination and strategic planning initiatives.
Under the direct supervision of the Audit/Legislative Manager for the Office of the Associate Commissioner, the Program Specialist VII provides highly advanced consultative expertise, planning, and support in two critical areas, OA legislative coordination and AES audit coordination.
Primary responsibilities include liaisons with the HHSC Internal Audit Division on behalf of the Deputy Executive Commissioner to ensure auditors receive full and unrestricted access to all activities, personnel, property, records, information, and systems requested by auditors, including contractors and subcontractor resources during the performance of an audit; responds to requests, effectively tracks and responds to requests from internal and external stakeholders; thoroughly analyzes legislative bills and agency cost estimates; establishes and maintains effective communication with the Office of the Deputy Executive Commissioner, Associate Commissioner of the Office of Administration, Directors, Managers, and support teams; and manages daily workload with exceptional analytical skills, independent judgment, and the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships across multiple teams.
The ideal candidate possesses critical thinking skills when analyzing and coordinating assignments and responses, is organized, thrives in a fast-paced environment, can adapt to evolving needs, and is driven by a passion for public service and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs):
EJF1: Audit Coordination: Serve as the primary point of contact regarding the overall audit process for the division. Attend audit meetings, including entrance, status, and exit conferences, and facilitate communication between auditors and division management teams. Reviews draft audit reports for accuracy and completeness, recommends necessary corrections, and facilitates the approval of management responses to address audit issues, including planned actions and responsible managers.
EJF2: Legislative Coordination: Serve as the Office of Administration Legislative Coordinator, leading, coordinating, and tracking all legislative inquiries, assignments, and activities. Collaborate with the Deputy Executive Commissioner’s Senior Policy Advisor team and coordinate Legislative Appropriation Requests and Exceptional Item Requests.
EJF3: Audit Follow-Up and Internal Controls: Assist the Deputy Executive Commissioner in monitoring the implementation of action plans addressing audit recommendations, regularly reporting on division activities and submitting status reports to the HHS Internal Audit division. Leads efforts to strengthen internal controls by identifying operational risks, recommending improvements, and developing mitigation strategies to reduce potential audit findings.
EJF4: Policy and Procedure Development: Provide consultation on the development, interpretation and continuous improvement of policies, procedures, and business processes. Reviews and recommends updates to documentation to ensure compliance and accuracy.
EJF5: Special Projects Coordination: Leads and supports Office of Administration special projects, documenting milestones and ensuring timely information flow to meet project deadlines. Report on progress in AES Project Review Committee and Decision Board meetings.
EJF6: Communication Liaison: Act as a vital communication conduit within the Office of Administration and between AES areas. Collaborate with AES leadership to identify and resolve issues, ensuring regular communication of plans and changes
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
- Knowledge of local, state and federal laws relating to contracting, budgeting, and projects.
- Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration.
- Knowledge of effective business management practices and operations.
- Knowledge of Texas legislative process.
- Skill in business analysis, effective presentation development, and report preparation.
- Skill in excellent written and oral communication skills, with an ability to work collaboratively and manage multiple tasks.
- Skill in problem-solving, conflict resolution, and negotiation skills.
- Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with colleagues.
- Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines.
- Skill in use of computer software applications, including Excel, SharePoint, Word, Access, and other relevant systems.
- Ability to work professionally and effectively with internal and external customers, in person and/or by telephone.
- Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
- Ability to adapt to change or modify behavior in response to changes in situations or priorities.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks and projects with competing deadlines and meeting demanding deadlines.
- Ability to provide excellent internal and external customer service.
- Ability to organize assigned work and develop effective work methods.
- Ability to establish goals and objectives.
- Ability to evaluate policies and procedures and identify areas for improvement.
- Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze findings.
- Ability to produce accurate work.
- Ability to work independently and make independent judgments.
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with others.
- Ability to maintain relevant knowledge necessary to perform essential job functions.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
N/A
Initial Screening Criteria:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a field relevant to the assignment is generally preferred. Experience and education may be substituted on a year for year basis.
Experience with AES programs.
Experience communicating orally and in writing to internal and external parties.
Experience developing and delivering executive-level presentations.
Experience using computer software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint.
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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.
Nearest Major Market: Austin