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 20-month fellowship from January 2025 to August 2026.

Responsibilities:

• Provide key policy support to the Health Policy Team by helping raise policymakers' awareness of the importance of health coverage and access to mental health services to Texas children and families.
• Contribute to team efforts on legislation to improve kids’ health insurance coverage, enhance postpartum depression screening in pediatric settings, and other issues focused on family well-being.
• Participate in coalitions and forums related to mental health and health coverage;
• Write policy analysis, testimony, and other materials to build policymaker awareness and support.
• Provide support for team efforts to protect investments and access to health and mental health programs through the development of sign-on letters, data collection, and coalition outreach.
• Track and analyze state legislation on access to effective mental health and health care.
• Attend informational meetings in person and online (hearings, webinars, conferences, summits, etc.) to understand national, state, and local promising practices.
• Advocate for effective policy improvements in the 2025 Legislative Session.
• Participate in interim research and help to develop recommendations to improve access to mental health services for Texas children and families.
• Work with agency leaders and staff to address key issues through administrative efforts, as relevant.

Requirements

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, vision and life insurance,
• Employer retirement matching contributions, and
• Paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal time leave.