Travis County, TX
Salary:
$65,997.32 - $85,796.52 Annually Location :
Austin, TX Job Type:
Full Time Job Number:
25-10215 Department:
Health & Human Services Opening Date:
10/01/2025 Closing Date:
10/15/2025 11:59 PM Central
Job Summary Senior Planners perform professional planning work in the field of health and human services across a variety of County and community projects and initiatives. Senior Planners lead and oversee complex projects involving multiple stakeholders. Senior Planners provide expertise, project management, and research around broad community-wide initiatives addressing health and human services.
This position will work in the Health and Human Services Department's Health Planning & Partnerships division. This division focuses holistically on the health of individuals in the community, both physical and behavioral, while overseeing investments in services and supports that promote the health of County residents. The work environment involves both autonomy and teamwork and requires Senior Planners to balance individual initiative and self-direction with feedback-rich and consultative practices. Senior Planners must work effectively in a team that prioritizes positive engagement, active collaboration, professional relationships, and an approach that is strengths focused and creates a safe environment for innovation. Senior Planners are supported in their learning, applying and enhancing skills through the work, and are provided and encouraged to seek opportunities for formal training and professional development.
This position requires complex and independent decision making, the ability to work independently, and a solutions-focused orientation to address or resolve barriers. The position requires a high level of flexibility and an ability to multi-task and pivot to new priorities.
This position will coordinate County responses and initiatives in the behavioral health (mental health and substance use) issue area and will play a key consultative role as a liaison with other community organizations. This position will partner with other subject matter experts within HHS and throughout Travis County to respond to emerging challenges, issues, and needs within the community and as directed by the Commissioners Court via policies and resolutions.
This position will engage in planning for behavioral health services and supports across the continuum with inter-departmental and community-wide groups and collaborations and represent HHS and the County on various committees and working groups, fully participating in any resultant projects or assignments.
Key responsibilities include managing projects, processes, and grants; managing interlocal agreements/contracts and associated programmatic and performance oversight; research, data analysis, and presentation; writing and co-authoring plans, strategies, and grant applications; and facilitating meetings and community engagement. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is the second in a series of three planner-related job classifications within the Planning and Research job family. This classification is distinguished by incumbents that typically have increased responsibility for planning, developing and implementing highly advanced complex projects and programs, and serving as project manager, and may make final decisions within areas of responsibility, and required additional education and experience.
Duties and Responsibilities
Write reports and other documents, and include conclusions and recommendations related to health and human services, mental health, substance use, and the social and public health impacts on social service systems and service delivery. Prepare and conduct presentations to community groups, local agencies and organizations, the Commissioners Court, policy makers and other stakeholders. Provide expertise as a subject matter expert on behavioral health issues and engage in initiatives to develop strategies to address these challenges while adapting to rapidly changing work and priorities. Develop strong relationships with mental health and substance use stakeholders, local agencies and organizations, and communities in Travis County. Manage complex projects and programs with broad scope and political, public health, safety, community health, and/or strategic plan impact. Research, write, review, and monitor grant applications and (if awarded) resultant projects or initiatives. Manage programmatic and performance oversight of interlocal agreements and social service contracts. Assist with the annual budget process, including the writing and review of the budget as it pertains to behavioral health programs and initiatives. Perform legislative and policy analysis. Lead or support community and task groups, including the development of community plans. Facilitate work sessions, meetings, and/or groups. Participate in collaborative group processes, working groups, and/or planning groups. Conduct process reviews and program evaluations. Represent the County and Department in a range of settings. Work in partnership with community representatives or groups, departments, and outside agencies. Use computer applications and management information systems. Perform other job-related duties as assigned. Minimum Requirements
Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration, Government, Criminal Justice, Sociology or other Social Sciences, Public Health, or a directly related field AND six (6) years increasingly responsible experience with strategic planning, planning, research, project management, policy research and program development, including one (1) year of supervisory experience or leadership experience;
OR,
Master's degree in Social Work, Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration, Government, Criminal Justice, Sociology or other Social Sciences, Public Health, or a directly related field AND four (4) years increasingly responsible experience strategic planning, planning, research, project management, policy research and program development, including one (1) year of supervisory experience OR leadership experience;
OR,
Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.
Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements: None required.
Preferred:
Work experience in social services/health and human services Work experience in the field of behavioral health Work experience in project management/developing and implementing project workplans Work experience with program performance measurement, analysis, and evaluation Work experience with facilitation/collaborative problem-solving processes
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
Human service systems and programs Mental health and/or substance use issues from a broad, public health policy perspective Knowledge of emerging trends and academic studies around solutions and programs in these areas Governmental agencies and relevant policies (local, state, and federal) Principles of community planning Primary research methods (interviews, focus groups, surveys, etc) Secondary research methods (literature reviews, use of online sources, etc.) Performance measurement Logic models Population characteristics and community conditions pertaining to health and human services Computer equipment and software, to include Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint; knowledge of databases, statistical packages, GIS, and design software can be applied Grammar, punctuation, and writing style for reports and professional communications May be required to develop knowledge of and adhere to federal and state laws requiring the confidential handling of certain health information Skill in:
Program planning, development, and implementation. Data analysis Policy research and analysis Writing reports, briefs, and other documents Developing and making presentations. Planning and facilitating meetings and groups Managing projects for self and teams (including developing work plan, coordinating tasks and timelines, etc) Verbal and written communication. Ability to:
Manage time well, perform multiple tasks, and organize diverse activities Apply to knowledge and skills above to reach sound conclusions and make recommendations Apply flexibility and initiative to new assignments Work autonomously with moderate supervision and seek guidance/consultation when needed Work collaboratively with peers and teams Represent Travis County professionally in community work Develop and maintain effective working relationships with department, County, and community staff Communicate and work with diverse stakeholders, including clients, staff, partner agencies, elected officials, and the public Consider different viewpoints Work Environment & Other Information
Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 5-20 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, walking, sitting, repetitive motion, reaching, occasional indoor/outdoor activities, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, balancing, client/customer contact, squatting to perform the essential functions.
Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions. Work Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Location: 700 Lavaca Street, Austin, TX 78701. This position is eligible for Telework, with in-office as needed. Must live in or near Austin, TX area.
Department: Health & Human Services
Criminal, Driving, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required. This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position. Benefits Employment at Travis County comes with a full array of benefits. We offer comprehensive health insurance, a no-cost, on-site Health and Wellness clinic, longevity pay, paid vacations, sick time and personal holidays, not to mention an industry competitive salary structure and a friendly, stable work environment. FY2025 Travis County Benefit Guide
In this valuable you will find benefit summaries, eligibility requirements, costs, contact numbers and addresses as well as other general information on the benefits available to Travis County Employees and Retirees.
Credit Union Employees may join the Travis County Credit Union which offers low-interest loans, savings plans through payroll deduction, safe deposit boxes and other benefits.
Deferred Compensation Employees may enroll in a tax- free sheltered investment plan through payroll deduction.
Direct Deposit Employees may sign up for direct bank deposit.
Employee Assistance Program Travis County provides a confidential counseling and referral service free of charge to county employees and their family.
Employee Organizations Membership in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Union is available through payroll deduction.
Employee Health & Wellness Clinic Employees may access the clinic for a variety of wellness program and health care services with no co-pay, no deductible and no co-insurance costs.
Holidays An average of eleven paid holidays are designated by the Travis County Commissioners Court at the beginning of each fiscal year.
Insurance Employees may select from four plans: an Exclusive Physician Organization (EPO), Choice Plus Preferred Physician Organization (PPO), Consumer Choice or a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA). All four options include a Pharmacy Plan. Travis County's current policy is to pay 100% of the employee's health insurance premium for the Consumer Choice and HDHP. Employees will pay a premium for both the EPO and PPO. Other insurance benefits include $50,000 Basic Life and AD&D paid by the County.
The following benefits are employee paid:
Dental Vision Supplemental Life, AD&D Dependent Life Short Term Disability Long Term Disability Long Term Care
New employees are covered on the first day of the month following 28 calendar days of employment.
Longevity Longevity pay is paid for each year completed after three years of continuous service. Peace Officers in a law enforcement activity, whose job requires state peace officer certification, receive pay after one year of certification.
On the regular payday on or after the employee's fourth and subsequent adjusted service dates, he or she receives a single payment for the previous year.
Parking A limited number of assigned parking spaces are available to employees in the Courthouse Complex.
Personal Holidays Regular, full-time employees are eligible for up to three paid personal holidays each calendar year. Part-time employees shall be granted personal holidays on a prorated basis. New employees earn personal holidays for the calendar year in which he/she begins employment, based on the month in which employment begins:
January - March
3 personal holidays April - June
2 personal holidays
July - September
1 personal holiday October - December
None
New employees are eligible to take personal holidays after 90 days of employment. Retirement Travis County is a member of the Texas County & District Retirement System with mandatory participation by certain classes of employees. Seven percent (7%) of the gross salary is deducted each pay period. An employee is fully vested after eight years of service. Benefits are prorated for part-time employees.
Sick Leave Regular employees earn sick leave at a rate of eight hours per month with unlimited accrual during employment. Part-time employees earn sick leave on a pro-rated basis.
Parental Leave Each Full-time Paid Parental Leave Eligible (PPL) Employee is entitled to a total of 320 hours of Paid Parental Leave in a 12 month period. Paid Parental Leave for Part-time PPL Eligible Employees is prorated based on the number of hours that they are regularly scheduled to work.
Tuition Refund Certain classes of full-time employees may receive reimbursement for fees associated with pre-approved, job related course work completed satisfactorily.
Vacation Based on years of county service, regular, full-time employees earn vacation time at the following rates:
0 to 5 years
4.0 hours per pay period
6 to 10 years
4.5 hours per pay period
11 to 15 years
5.0 hours per pay period
16 to 20 years
5.5 hours per pay period
21 plus years
6.0 hours per pay period
Part-time employees earn vacation leave on a pro-rated basis. Workers' Compensation The county provides all employees workers' compensation coverage with benefits in accordance with state statute, if the employee sustains an injury out of, or in the course of work. 01
Do you have work experience in social services/health and human services?
Yes No
02
Do you have work experience in the field of behavioral health?
Yes No
03
Do you have work experience in project management/developing and implementing project workplans?
Yes No
04
Do you have work experience in program performance measurement, analysis, and evaluation?
Yes No
05
Do you have work experience with facilitation/collaborative problem-solving processes?
Yes No
06
Are you related to any employees currently employed by Travis County HHS?
Yes No
07
If so, please list the employee and describe the relationship. Having a familial relationship with a current HHS employee does not automatically disqualify you and is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and in the context of the position requirements. Required Question
$65,997.32 - $85,796.52 Annually Location :
Austin, TX Job Type:
Full Time Job Number:
25-10215 Department:
Health & Human Services Opening Date:
10/01/2025 Closing Date:
10/15/2025 11:59 PM Central
Job Summary Senior Planners perform professional planning work in the field of health and human services across a variety of County and community projects and initiatives. Senior Planners lead and oversee complex projects involving multiple stakeholders. Senior Planners provide expertise, project management, and research around broad community-wide initiatives addressing health and human services.
This position will work in the Health and Human Services Department's Health Planning & Partnerships division. This division focuses holistically on the health of individuals in the community, both physical and behavioral, while overseeing investments in services and supports that promote the health of County residents. The work environment involves both autonomy and teamwork and requires Senior Planners to balance individual initiative and self-direction with feedback-rich and consultative practices. Senior Planners must work effectively in a team that prioritizes positive engagement, active collaboration, professional relationships, and an approach that is strengths focused and creates a safe environment for innovation. Senior Planners are supported in their learning, applying and enhancing skills through the work, and are provided and encouraged to seek opportunities for formal training and professional development.
This position requires complex and independent decision making, the ability to work independently, and a solutions-focused orientation to address or resolve barriers. The position requires a high level of flexibility and an ability to multi-task and pivot to new priorities.
This position will coordinate County responses and initiatives in the behavioral health (mental health and substance use) issue area and will play a key consultative role as a liaison with other community organizations. This position will partner with other subject matter experts within HHS and throughout Travis County to respond to emerging challenges, issues, and needs within the community and as directed by the Commissioners Court via policies and resolutions.
This position will engage in planning for behavioral health services and supports across the continuum with inter-departmental and community-wide groups and collaborations and represent HHS and the County on various committees and working groups, fully participating in any resultant projects or assignments.
Key responsibilities include managing projects, processes, and grants; managing interlocal agreements/contracts and associated programmatic and performance oversight; research, data analysis, and presentation; writing and co-authoring plans, strategies, and grant applications; and facilitating meetings and community engagement. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is the second in a series of three planner-related job classifications within the Planning and Research job family. This classification is distinguished by incumbents that typically have increased responsibility for planning, developing and implementing highly advanced complex projects and programs, and serving as project manager, and may make final decisions within areas of responsibility, and required additional education and experience.
Duties and Responsibilities
Write reports and other documents, and include conclusions and recommendations related to health and human services, mental health, substance use, and the social and public health impacts on social service systems and service delivery. Prepare and conduct presentations to community groups, local agencies and organizations, the Commissioners Court, policy makers and other stakeholders. Provide expertise as a subject matter expert on behavioral health issues and engage in initiatives to develop strategies to address these challenges while adapting to rapidly changing work and priorities. Develop strong relationships with mental health and substance use stakeholders, local agencies and organizations, and communities in Travis County. Manage complex projects and programs with broad scope and political, public health, safety, community health, and/or strategic plan impact. Research, write, review, and monitor grant applications and (if awarded) resultant projects or initiatives. Manage programmatic and performance oversight of interlocal agreements and social service contracts. Assist with the annual budget process, including the writing and review of the budget as it pertains to behavioral health programs and initiatives. Perform legislative and policy analysis. Lead or support community and task groups, including the development of community plans. Facilitate work sessions, meetings, and/or groups. Participate in collaborative group processes, working groups, and/or planning groups. Conduct process reviews and program evaluations. Represent the County and Department in a range of settings. Work in partnership with community representatives or groups, departments, and outside agencies. Use computer applications and management information systems. Perform other job-related duties as assigned. Minimum Requirements
Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration, Government, Criminal Justice, Sociology or other Social Sciences, Public Health, or a directly related field AND six (6) years increasingly responsible experience with strategic planning, planning, research, project management, policy research and program development, including one (1) year of supervisory experience or leadership experience;
OR,
Master's degree in Social Work, Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration, Government, Criminal Justice, Sociology or other Social Sciences, Public Health, or a directly related field AND four (4) years increasingly responsible experience strategic planning, planning, research, project management, policy research and program development, including one (1) year of supervisory experience OR leadership experience;
OR,
Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.
Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements: None required.
Preferred:
Work experience in social services/health and human services Work experience in the field of behavioral health Work experience in project management/developing and implementing project workplans Work experience with program performance measurement, analysis, and evaluation Work experience with facilitation/collaborative problem-solving processes
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
Human service systems and programs Mental health and/or substance use issues from a broad, public health policy perspective Knowledge of emerging trends and academic studies around solutions and programs in these areas Governmental agencies and relevant policies (local, state, and federal) Principles of community planning Primary research methods (interviews, focus groups, surveys, etc) Secondary research methods (literature reviews, use of online sources, etc.) Performance measurement Logic models Population characteristics and community conditions pertaining to health and human services Computer equipment and software, to include Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint; knowledge of databases, statistical packages, GIS, and design software can be applied Grammar, punctuation, and writing style for reports and professional communications May be required to develop knowledge of and adhere to federal and state laws requiring the confidential handling of certain health information Skill in:
Program planning, development, and implementation. Data analysis Policy research and analysis Writing reports, briefs, and other documents Developing and making presentations. Planning and facilitating meetings and groups Managing projects for self and teams (including developing work plan, coordinating tasks and timelines, etc) Verbal and written communication. Ability to:
Manage time well, perform multiple tasks, and organize diverse activities Apply to knowledge and skills above to reach sound conclusions and make recommendations Apply flexibility and initiative to new assignments Work autonomously with moderate supervision and seek guidance/consultation when needed Work collaboratively with peers and teams Represent Travis County professionally in community work Develop and maintain effective working relationships with department, County, and community staff Communicate and work with diverse stakeholders, including clients, staff, partner agencies, elected officials, and the public Consider different viewpoints Work Environment & Other Information
Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 5-20 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, walking, sitting, repetitive motion, reaching, occasional indoor/outdoor activities, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, balancing, client/customer contact, squatting to perform the essential functions.
Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions. Work Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Location: 700 Lavaca Street, Austin, TX 78701. This position is eligible for Telework, with in-office as needed. Must live in or near Austin, TX area.
Department: Health & Human Services
Criminal, Driving, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required. This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position. Benefits Employment at Travis County comes with a full array of benefits. We offer comprehensive health insurance, a no-cost, on-site Health and Wellness clinic, longevity pay, paid vacations, sick time and personal holidays, not to mention an industry competitive salary structure and a friendly, stable work environment. FY2025 Travis County Benefit Guide
In this valuable you will find benefit summaries, eligibility requirements, costs, contact numbers and addresses as well as other general information on the benefits available to Travis County Employees and Retirees.
Credit Union Employees may join the Travis County Credit Union which offers low-interest loans, savings plans through payroll deduction, safe deposit boxes and other benefits.
Deferred Compensation Employees may enroll in a tax- free sheltered investment plan through payroll deduction.
Direct Deposit Employees may sign up for direct bank deposit.
Employee Assistance Program Travis County provides a confidential counseling and referral service free of charge to county employees and their family.
Employee Organizations Membership in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Union is available through payroll deduction.
Employee Health & Wellness Clinic Employees may access the clinic for a variety of wellness program and health care services with no co-pay, no deductible and no co-insurance costs.
Holidays An average of eleven paid holidays are designated by the Travis County Commissioners Court at the beginning of each fiscal year.
Insurance Employees may select from four plans: an Exclusive Physician Organization (EPO), Choice Plus Preferred Physician Organization (PPO), Consumer Choice or a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA). All four options include a Pharmacy Plan. Travis County's current policy is to pay 100% of the employee's health insurance premium for the Consumer Choice and HDHP. Employees will pay a premium for both the EPO and PPO. Other insurance benefits include $50,000 Basic Life and AD&D paid by the County.
The following benefits are employee paid:
Dental Vision Supplemental Life, AD&D Dependent Life Short Term Disability Long Term Disability Long Term Care
New employees are covered on the first day of the month following 28 calendar days of employment.
Longevity Longevity pay is paid for each year completed after three years of continuous service. Peace Officers in a law enforcement activity, whose job requires state peace officer certification, receive pay after one year of certification.
On the regular payday on or after the employee's fourth and subsequent adjusted service dates, he or she receives a single payment for the previous year.
Parking A limited number of assigned parking spaces are available to employees in the Courthouse Complex.
Personal Holidays Regular, full-time employees are eligible for up to three paid personal holidays each calendar year. Part-time employees shall be granted personal holidays on a prorated basis. New employees earn personal holidays for the calendar year in which he/she begins employment, based on the month in which employment begins:
January - March
3 personal holidays April - June
2 personal holidays
July - September
1 personal holiday October - December
None
New employees are eligible to take personal holidays after 90 days of employment. Retirement Travis County is a member of the Texas County & District Retirement System with mandatory participation by certain classes of employees. Seven percent (7%) of the gross salary is deducted each pay period. An employee is fully vested after eight years of service. Benefits are prorated for part-time employees.
Sick Leave Regular employees earn sick leave at a rate of eight hours per month with unlimited accrual during employment. Part-time employees earn sick leave on a pro-rated basis.
Parental Leave Each Full-time Paid Parental Leave Eligible (PPL) Employee is entitled to a total of 320 hours of Paid Parental Leave in a 12 month period. Paid Parental Leave for Part-time PPL Eligible Employees is prorated based on the number of hours that they are regularly scheduled to work.
Tuition Refund Certain classes of full-time employees may receive reimbursement for fees associated with pre-approved, job related course work completed satisfactorily.
Vacation Based on years of county service, regular, full-time employees earn vacation time at the following rates:
0 to 5 years
4.0 hours per pay period
6 to 10 years
4.5 hours per pay period
11 to 15 years
5.0 hours per pay period
16 to 20 years
5.5 hours per pay period
21 plus years
6.0 hours per pay period
Part-time employees earn vacation leave on a pro-rated basis. Workers' Compensation The county provides all employees workers' compensation coverage with benefits in accordance with state statute, if the employee sustains an injury out of, or in the course of work. 01
Do you have work experience in social services/health and human services?
Yes No
02
Do you have work experience in the field of behavioral health?
Yes No
03
Do you have work experience in project management/developing and implementing project workplans?
Yes No
04
Do you have work experience in program performance measurement, analysis, and evaluation?
Yes No
05
Do you have work experience with facilitation/collaborative problem-solving processes?
Yes No
06
Are you related to any employees currently employed by Travis County HHS?
Yes No
07
If so, please list the employee and describe the relationship. Having a familial relationship with a current HHS employee does not automatically disqualify you and is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and in the context of the position requirements. Required Question