Hogg Foundation for Mental Health

Employment Opportunities

Program Coordinator (Consumer and Family Liaison)
Questions & Answers

Learn more about the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health and the consumer and family liaison positions by reading these questions and answers. Check back for updates – new questions may be added as they arise.

• What’s the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health?
• Why is the foundation hiring consumer and family liaisons?
• What does the foundation mean by “consumer” and “family member”?
• Does the foundation provide counseling and other mental health services to consumers and family members?
• Why is the foundation conducting a national search for these jobs?
• What will the liaisons do?
• Can I be a liaison if I prefer to work behind the scenes instead of in public?
• What are the qualifications for the positions?
• Are these full-time or part-time positions?
• Is a college degree required?
• Will I be considered if I have a criminal offense in my background?
• Why is the salary range for these positions so wide?
• Will the foundation pay moving expenses for out-of-town candidates?
• Can the position be located outside of Austin?
• Will the liaisons be employees of the university?
• What benefits will I receive as an employee of The University of Texas at Austin?
• How do I apply?
• When is the application deadline?
• What are the next steps?
• How can I learn more about mental health services and resources in Texas?

What’s the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health?
The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health is dedicated to improving the mental health of all Texans. The foundation achieves this mission through grant-making, consumer involvement, research, public policy and education activities in Texas. More about the foundation’s major programs.

The foundation was created in 1940 by Miss Ima Hogg, daughter of former Texas Governor James Stephen Hogg. More about the foundation’s history.

The foundation is part of the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement at The University of Texas at Austin.

Why is the foundation hiring consumer and family liaisons?
The foundation believes consumers of mental health services and their families can provide invaluable insights about what’s needed to improve mental health services and systems in Texas through their experiences and challenges. The foundation created these positions to bring the voice of consumers and family members into its day-to-day operations and decision-making processes.

The liaisons also will guide the foundation’s efforts to engage consumers and family members and bring attention to their issues and needs in Texas. Texas ranks 47th in the nation for per capita spending on mental health and earned a grade of “C” for its mental health systems, according to a 2006 report by the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

What does the foundation mean by “consumer” and “family member”?
In this context, “consumers” are people who experience a serious mental illness such as depression or bipolar disorder and seek treatment from public or private health care systems or providers. “Family members” have a close relative with a serious mental illness and are involved in the relative’s treatment and recovery process. A person could be both a consumer and a family member.

Does the foundation provide counseling and other mental health services to consumers and family members?
No. The foundation does award grants to a variety of organizations that provide mental health services to consumers and family members. The grants focus on improving specific areas of mental health services in Texas. The foundation awards grants through a solicited bid process and does not accept unsolicited grant proposals. More about the foundation’s grant guidelines.

Why is the foundation conducting a national search for these jobs?
The foundation wants to find the most-qualified candidates for these positions and encourages consumers and family members who meet or exceed the requirements to apply, regardless of where they live. The foundation will pay the travel costs for any out-of-state candidates who are invited to Austin for an interview.

What will the liaisons do?
The roles and responsibilities of the liaisons are described in detail in the job posting. The foundation worked with an advisory panel of local, state and national consumer experts and advocates to develop the roles and responsibilities for these positions.

Can I be a liaison if I prefer to work behind the scenes instead of in public?
No. The liaisons must be comfortable speaking on behalf of consumers and family members in public and with others outside the foundation. The liaisons also will represent the foundation and the views of consumers and family members at local, state and national meetings, conferences, committees and policy forums.

What are the qualifications for the positions?
The qualifications for the positions also are described in the job posting and were developed with input from the advisory panel.

Are these full-time or part-time positions?
Full-time is preferred, but some candidates may need a part-time position. The foundation is willing to consider part-time working arrangements. The salary range is based on full-time employment.

Is a college degree required?
While a college degree is required, a combination of relevant experience and education may be substituted for that degree requirement. The foundation will consider applicants based on their skills, experiences and education combined and strongly encourages all applicants to apply.

Will I be considered if I have a criminal offense in my background?
Yes. Applicants with a criminal justice history may be considered based on how recently the the offense occurred and how the offense relates to the position.

Why is the salary range for these positions so wide?
The foundation recognizes that people who experience serious mental illness may face difficult challenges and obstacles through the course of the illness and the process of recovery. For that reason, education levels, employment histories, advocacy activities and life experiences of people who have mental illness can vary widely. The foundation will consider all of these factors during the hiring process.

Will the foundation pay moving expenses for out-of-town candidates?
No, the foundation does not pay moving expenses for new employees.

Can the position be located outside of Austin?
No, the positions are located at the foundation’s office in Austin.

Will the liaisons be employees of the university?
Yes. The foundation is part of the university and its staff members are university employees.

What benefits will I receive as an employee of The University of Texas at Austin?
The university offers a variety of benefits to employees.

How do I apply?
Applicants must follow the application process used by The University of Texas at Austin.

When is the application deadline?
The position closed on July 7 at 5 p.m. CDT. All requested materials (letter of interest, references and a resume) were due within five working days of the online application date in order to complete the application process.

What are the next steps?
A selection committee is reviewing more than 150 applications submitted for the positions. Once the review process is completed, the committee will begin contacting a smaller pool of candidates to schedule interviews.

How can I learn more about mental health services and resources in Texas?
The internet is a great source of information about local, state and federal mental health services and resources for consumers. Here are a few examples of Texas resources:

Advocacy Inc. Advocates for, protects and advances the legal, human and service rights of people with disabilities in Texas.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Texas Improves the lives of people with mood disorders by providing self-help support groups and education.

Mental Health America of Texas Dedicated to promoting mental health, preventing mental disorders and achieving victory over mental illness through advocacy, education, research and service.

National Alliance on Mental Illness of Texas Helps improve the lives of people affected by mental illness through education, support, and advocacy.

Texas Council of Community Mental Health Mental Retardation Centers Coordinates activities of community MHMR centers in Texas.

Texas Department of State Health Services Administers and regulates health, mental health and substance abuse programs in Texas.

Texas Mental Health Consumers Organizes, encourages and educates mental health consumers throughout Texas.

Texas Organization of Parents, Attorneys and Advocates Assists advocates, attorneys and parents in securing appropriate quality educational services for children with any type of disability.