Policy Fellow for Child Protection
Job Description
The Policy Fellow for Child Protection at Texans Care for Children is responsible for advancing policies to
support a cross-systems approach to improving access and quality of services available to children and
youth in foster care and the juvenile justice system. To meet this responsibility, the Fellow, in partnership
with the Senior Child Protection Policy Associate and members of the policy team, will undertake data
and policy analysis, draft policy briefs and outreach materials, and coordinate related events to increase
awareness of the needs of youth in foster care and the juvenile justice system.
This is a two-year fellowship opportunity with the possibility of continuation in a permanent
position following the fellowship.
Texans Care for Children is a statewide, non-profit, non-partisan, multi-issue children’s advocacy
organization based in Austin, Texas. We develop policy solutions, produce research, and engage Texas
community leaders to educate policymakers, the media, and the public about what works to improve the
well-being of Texas children and families.
Texans Care for Children is an equal opportunity employer. We actively seek to build an organization that
reflects the diversity of the population we serve.
Responsibilities:
? Serve as project lead and thought partner working in close partnership with our Senior Policy
Associate for Child Protection, Policy Director, Director of Health Policy, and Director of Mental
Health Policy;
? Facilitate a policy workgroup on the intersection of child protection and juvenile justice;
? Participate in coalitions and forums related to mental health, child protection, and juvenile justice
issues;
? Research Texas communities to identify gaps in the child and family service array and highlight
communities implementing promising practices to improve the access and quality of services for
children;
? 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 2023 Legislative Session.
Preferred Qualifications:
? Lived experience with the CPS/foster care system, juvenile justice system, or public
mental health system.
? Bachelor’s degree with a focus on public policy, social work, or other relevant field and a
minimum of one year of experience in public policy. A graduate degree in public policy, social
work, or other relevant field may substitute for work experience.
? Knowledge of policies and programs for families and children related to mental health, foster care
or juvenile justice systems.
? Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple tasks with
initiative.
? Strong writing, research and data analysis skills.
Policy Fellow for Child Protection
Job Description
? 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.
? Commitment to the mission of Texans Care for Children and passion for improving the well-being
of Texas children.
Salary and Benefits: Salary is $50,000. 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.
Application Process:
Please send your resume, cover letter, and three references to hiring@txchildren.org to apply for this
position. Only complete submissions will be considered.