Policy Fellow for Mental Health

The Policy Fellow for Mental Health at Texans Care for Children is responsible for advancing policies that improve access to quality mental health services for children and families. To meet this responsibility, the Fellow, in partnership with the Director of Health Policy and members of the health policy team, will undertake policy analysis, draft policy briefs and outreach materials, participate in coalition meetings, and advocate during the 89th Texas legislative session.
Position Type: Full-time, Temporary. This is a two-year fellowship from August 2024 to July 2026.
Requirements
Responsibilities:
● Serve as project lead and thought partner working in close partnership with our Director of Health Policy, and Senior Health Policy Associate;
● Participate in coalitions and forums related to mental health and health coverage;
● Write policy briefs and reports on research findings;
● Craft policy recommendations on the ways the state and local communities can support children and youth with significant mental health needs;
● Educate key stakeholders, including policymakers, on opportunities for effective policy change at the agency and legislative levels;
● Attend informational meetings in person and online (hearings, webinars, conferences, summits, etc.) to understand national, state, and local promising practices; and
● Advocate for effective policy improvements in the 2025 Legislative Session.
Preferred Qualifications:
● Master’s degree in the previous 18 months in public policy, social work, or other relevant field.
● Knowledge of policies and programs for families and children related to health coverage and mental health systems.
● Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple tasks with initiative.
● Strong writing, research and data analysis skills.
● Demonstrated ability to work successfully with a diverse group of stakeholders.
● Experience participating in coalitions and developing and executing strategies for moving a policy agenda forward.
● Experience communicating and understanding diverse concerns of people of varied economic, geographic, racial, ethnic, and gender backgrounds.
● Lived experience with the public mental health system.
● Commitment to the mission of Texans Care for Children and passion for improving the well-being of Texas children.
Benefits
Salary and Benefits: Salary is $55,000. Texans Care for Children offers excellent benefits to full-time employees, including:
● Employer-paid health, dental and vision insurance,
● Employer retirement matching contributions, and
● Paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal time leave.