Hogg Mental Health Peer Policy Fellow

POSITION TITLE:    Hogg Mental Health Peer Policy Fellow

SUPERVISOR:          Associate Director of Policy

DATE EFFECTIVE:    We will review applications on a rolling basis, but priority consideration will be given to those who submit applications by June 15, 2024.

LOCATION:    Austin, Texas

TRAVEL:        (Moderate)

JOB CLASSIFICATION:  Temporary (funded for 2 years)

SALARY TIER LEVEL:  Tier 2 Coordinator – $55,836 – $71,874

BARGAINING UNION ELIGIBILITY: Union Eligible

ABOUT THE TEXAS CIVIL RIGHTS PROJECT

At TCRP, we are Texas lawyers for Texas communities. We use our unique community lawyering model to empower Texas communities and create the policy changes necessary for a fairer, more just Texas. In our 30+ year history, we have brought thousands of strategic lawsuits, defending voting rights, reforming systems of criminal (in)justice, and fighting for the rights of immigrant families and those in our borderland communities. Our efforts have helped countless low-income and otherwise marginalized Texans and have widely advanced equality and justice. Today — with dozens of high-caliber attorneys and professionals around the state and an extensive network of pro bono counsel and community allies —TCRP is among the most influential civil rights organizations in Texas.

TCRP comprises three regional offices across Texas with over 40 employees and an annual budget of over $7 million dollars. TCRP currently operates under a hybrid work policy, allowing remote work from anywhere in Texas and requiring travel and in-person attendance for specified work activities. The in-person activities are typically based out of any of the Texas Civil Rights Projects locations: Alamo (in the Rio Grande Valley), Austin, and Houston. We are proud of our work, welcome innovative thinkers, and offer flexibility to different people’s styles and strengths. Learn more at https://txcivilrights.org/.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OR PROGRAM

TCRP’s Criminal Injustice (CI) program partners with impacted communities, prioritizing cases and campaigns in two areas: First, we advocate for reforms that reimagine the system and push back against the criminalization of poverty, mental illness, addiction and dissent. Second, we advocate to end mass incarceration and reduce the harms of incarceration.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Hogg Mental Health Peer Policy Fellow has personal or familial experience of receiving and/or coordinating mental health within various systems in Texas (for example, juvenile justice, etc.). This individual is willing to share their story and experience to shape and advocate within the policy and advocacy workspace. The Fellow leads the development and execution of TCRP’s Criminal Injustice public policy agenda at the local and state levels. This full-time position is a two-year position made possible through the support of the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health. The Hogg Mental Health Peer Policy Fellow is a key member of TCRP’s Criminal Injustice team and will be mentored directly by the team’s Senior Advocacy Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES

Legislative

Conduct policy research and analyze local and statewide statistics to help develop TCRP’s policy platforms at the state level.
Provide research to support relevant state-level policy reforms, including collecting and analyzing data and interviewing stakeholders and practitioners.
Develop written one-pagers and other public-facing materials for TCRP policy issues.
Assist in organizing pre- and post-89th Legislative Session events to educate legislators and their staff on pertinent policy issues.
Draft letters in support or opposition to legislation based on TCRP’s mission and policy priorities.
Assist in legislative bill tracking.

Advocacy

Meet with policymakers and their staff to educate them about mental health issues and potential ways to address them
Deliver both written and oral testimony in support or opposition to legislation based upon TCRP’s policy platform
Develop “advocacy alerts” to mobilize the broader community in support or opposition to specific legislation
Assist in mobilizing advocates throughout the State of Texas through electronic communications as needed for interactions with policymakers
Educate advocates regarding public policy advocacy and legislative action
Assist in facilitating and participating in relevant coalitions

QUALIFICATIONS

Two years of recent employment (paid or volunteer) experience, a college degree, or peer specialist/family partner certification preferred.
Attend Hogg Foundation Mental Health Peer Policy Fellow Program in-person events in Austin, including but not limited to a program orientation and standing monthly meetings.
Ability to assist with legislative strategies and public policy initiatives for the benefit of TCRP.
Ability to build working relationships with other organizations, legislative offices, and stakeholders.
Desire to work to improve policies benefiting people with mental health needs.
Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills, including negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
Self-reliant and motivated with exceptional written and oral communication skills.
Passion for TCRP’s mission.

COMPENSATION

Salary will be based on years of experience, with a minimum salary starting at $55,836. TCRP also offers excellent benefits, professional development opportunities, and a deep commitment to a meaningful work-life balance.

BENEFITS

We offer a broad range of benefits, including:

Four weeks paid vacation (prorated upon date of hire), up to sixteen weeks paid family leave (following a six month probationary period), paid sick time, and extensive holidays, including a two-week winter break at the end of the year and a wellness week in the summer.
Employer paid healthcare coverage for you and your dependents, including medical, dental and vision coverage.
401K retirement plan
Annual professional development funds, internal professional development programs and workshops

INCLUSION AND NON-DISCRIMINATION

TCRP is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We value and celebrate the unique perspectives and contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds and strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment from candidates of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientation, religions, abilities, and backgrounds.  Research shows that while men apply for positions when they meet an average of 60% of the requirements, women, Black people, people of color and other underrepresented groups only apply when they check every box. If you feel like this is the position for you even though you don’t check every box please apply, you could be exactly what we’re looking for!

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit your cover letter and current resume to the following link: LINK HERE.