Date: Mar 12, 2025
Location:
AUSTIN, TX
Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.
Functional Title: Communications Coordinator
Job Title: Program Specialist VII
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: ASC Management and Support
Posting Number: 3676
Closing Date: 03/26/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25
Salary Range: $5,797.66 - $6,500.00
Shift: Regular Night and Weekend
Additional Shift
Telework:
Travel: Up to 5%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST
Other Locations:
MOS Codes
16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,86P0,88A0,88B0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS
Job Description
The Community Services (CS) Communications Coordinator (Program Specialist VII) performs highly advanced (senior-level) research, evaluation, consultative services, technical assistance, and communications work for the CS division under the direction of the Director of the Deputy Executive Commissioner (DEC) Office. The Communications Coordinator is responsible for providing consultative services and technical assistance to department level staff on internal and external messaging; conveying CS messages, establishing communications priorities and objectives that support department projects and activities; determining the appropriate accessible communications tools necessary to meet the department’s objectives and goals; coordinating and evaluating communications activities and functions; and coordinating and monitoring campaigns that span across CS program areas.
Duties include developing high level executive briefing documents and presentations, assisting with high profile document reviews, communicating with staff on the appropriateness of their communications/media initiatives, coordinating responses to media inquiry assignments, serving as the accessibility lead for the CS DEC Office, and overseeing the department newsletter and SharePoint site. This position represents CS on communications and media initiatives and communicates the department's position and messaging with project stakeholders, in addition to multiple levels of agency leadership and other relevant parties. Actively collaborates with CS DEC, department leadership, and program staff to accomplish duties and resolve issues. Completes assigned documents accurately and on a timely basis. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Job Functions
EFJ #1: Ensures the division’s internal and external messaging appropriately conveys the division’s position, objectives, and goals. Acts as the liaison between program and HHS Communications. Manages high-profile, division communication initiatives and ensures the communications are relevant and appropriate for division, program, and leadership awareness. Creates, initiates, implements, and reviews divisional communication plans for feasibility and accessibility. Develops and manages communication project schedules and tracks media project workflows to provide timely project status updates to CS leadership. Accurately and timely completes assigned documents on a consistent basis. Advises leadership and project stakeholders on potential communication/media risks and risk mitigation strategies. Provides leadership, guidance, and technical assistance to program staff to ensure that the division’s objectives and goals are achieved across all program areas. (25%)
EFJ #2: Drafts, reviews, and edits written materials and presentations for division management and for internal and external stakeholders. Develops executive briefing documents and assists division staff with high-profile document reviews. Performs research and employs thorough proofreading and editing skills to ensure all materials are high quality, accurate, and appropriate. Reviews program publications to ensure alignment with agency guidelines. Conducts research on and utilizes various division-wide communication methods such as podcasts, GovDeliveries, illustrations, presentations, newsletters, webinars, social media posts, scripts, and more to inform and engage with CS staff. (20%)
EJF #3: Serves as principal owner and lead of the CS SharePoint site, working with division and HHS Information Technology staff to identify, develop, implement, and maintain the overall design and organization of the site. Evaluates the CS SharePoint site and subsites to maximize functionality based on department business needs and initiatives. Provides technical assistance and recommendations to staff on the layout, design elements, and accessibility of the department subsites. Serves as a resource to CS division staff on SharePoint issues and to ensure their content needs are met. (20%)
EFJ #4: Serves as the accessibility lead for the CS DEC office. Reviews documents for compliance with the agency’s accessibility guidelines. Considers accessibility during the planning and designing phases of communication projects. Coordinates with the HHS accessibility office. Collaborates with staff to identify, research, and develop strategies to address accessibility issues. Provides technical assistance to staff on how to implement accessibility best practices into their daily work. (20%)
EFJ #5: Consults with the Chief Public Affairs Office (CPAO), including communications and government relations staff, to carry out the communications objectives and goals of the CS department. Actively collaborates with division leadership and program staff to gather information about media inquiries, press releases, and external presentations and public appearances. Escalates issues to division leadership as appropriate for decision making and/or resolution. Assists management in the development of the division’s communication standards and then monitors and ensures compliance. Identifies opportunities for efficiencies and improvement. Coordinates and conducts meetings with internal partners relative to CS communications activities and initiatives. (10%)
EFJ #6: Performs other duties as assigned and required to meet the mission and goals of HHSC and CS. (5%)
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to HHSC programs.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration, management, and accessibility.
Skill in using a computer and applicable software to develop newsletters, annual reports, dashboards, and other management documents.
Skill in developing presentations, executive briefing documents, standard and ad-hoc reports, and annual reports.
Skill in creating infographics and visual representations of data.
Skill in assembly of booklets, handbooks, and resource materials.
Skill in making documents accessible.
Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external partners and stakeholders, department leadership and executive management, and all levels of staff, both orally and in writing.
Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions when risks are determined relative to communication and public relations.
Ability to work with internal and external stakeholders to accurately and appropriately message CS goals and objectives.
Ability to independently prioritize time and manage multiple project deadlines.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications
N/A
Initial Criteria
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree with at least three years’ experience developing, preparing, and reviewing high-quality written materials.
Education may be substituted with at least five years’ full-time experience developing, preparing, and reviewing high-quality written materials.
Previous experience working in health and human services and SharePoint development preferred.
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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, And Veterans
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.
ADA Accommodations
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
Pre-Employment Checks And Work Eligibility
Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form
Telework Disclaimer
This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.
Nearest Major Market: Austin
