IT Organizational Engagement & Development Specialist

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.

Brief Job Description:

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks highly qualified candidates to fill the Organizational Engagement & Development Specialist position within Information Technology (IT). The position is in the Organizational Maturity section within the Administration and Finance division and performs advanced (senior-level) consultative and technical work. IT is driven by its mission to help HHS serve Texans by providing innovative technology solutions securely, efficiently, and effectively.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about building relationships to effectively collaborate with IT teams to build a work culture that is diverse and inviting to all IT team members. They will be dedicated to continuous improvement and focused on supporting team members, leaders, and peers in feeling connected to their work. This candidate should be open to creating unique solutions to challenges we may face and recognize that the quality of work we produce reflects our dedication to those we serve.

The Organizational Engagement & Development Specialist is responsible for coordinating employee engagement efforts that promote a positive work environment and employee well-being. Work involves researching, planning, developing, analyzing, implementing, and improving organizational engagement and/or development programs and best practices, participating in statewide activities designed to gather feedback from employees, overseeing or co-facilitating workgroups and meetings, contributing to organizational engagement and/or development projects and developing and preparing presentations and workshops.

This position will be required to attend meetings, workshops, and Organizational Maturity assignments in Austin, TX.

Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Works collaboratively with IT staff to provide high-level advice and consultative services to improve employee engagement and promote a positive work culture. This includes action planning, sharing best practices, resource creation, and program development based on feedback received from all levels of staff. (20%)

Designs, plans, and facilitates/conducts workshops and trainings for IT employee engagement and/or development initiatives. (20%)

Develops, organizes, and performs analyses on employee engagement surveys to check the pulse of IT staff to determine trends and provide findings and recommendations. Monitors and documents progress of staff engagement goals and works closely with and supports leadership to ensure program objectives are met. (15%)

Collaborates with Organizational Maturity team members to plan, design, develop, and conduct organizational engagement and/or development presentations and workshops suitable for a variety of audiences on best practices, engagement analysis results, and other relevant topics to improve employee engagement and development. (15%)

Contributes and guides a welcoming, thorough, and consistent new employee orientation (NEO) and onboarding process for all newly hired IT staff that incorporates our mission, vision, values, and goals by preparing and presenting materials that focus on our mission, vision, values, and goals. Conducts routine check-ins with newly hired staff to enhance their onboarding experience. (10%)

Facilitates or serves on various workgroups and brainstorming sessions as designated by the Organizational Maturity Director to provide guidance on engagement practices or findings and identify opportunities to ensure staff are given the opportunity to provide feedback. Works with Organizational Maturity team members and IT leadership to build employee networks, engagement committees and councils to promote IT culture. (10%)

Other duties as assigned include, but are not limited to, actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role in Culture Council activities, IT Leadership Collaboration Forum meetings, Leadership Summits, Town Halls, Staff Meetings, and other activities to meet the goals of the Organizational Maturity department. (5%)

Provides effective feedback to help improve the quality of the products developed, managed, and utilized by IT. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of organizational development and management practices as applied to the analysis, evaluation, development and implementation of programs and procedures.

Knowledge of best practices for employee engagement and organizational development.

Knowledge of facilitation techniques effective with adult learners, or ability to quickly gain this knowledge.

Excellent communication skills (both oral and written) with people with diverse backgrounds at all levels of the organization. 

Skill in interpersonal relationships, including the ability to work with others under pressure, negotiate among multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse backgrounds at all levels of the organization.

Skill in monitoring and assessing situations and determining appropriate responses.

Skill in continuous process improvement.

Skill in developing presentations and talking points to communicate strategies and plans.

Skill in problem solving and root cause identification. 

Ability to assist in evaluating, developing, and revising staff engagement plans.

Ability to operate basic office equipment and audio/visual equipment and to use Windows based programs such as Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.

Ability to work both within a team environment and independently.

Ability to demonstrate good judgment and serve as a model for others in demonstrating the mission, vision, and values of IT.

Ability to convey a welcoming and inclusive work environment.

Ability to gather, organize, and analyze data and enter information into surveying, or skill development software/systems.

Ability to establish and maintain rapport with co-workers and individuals served.

Ability to maintain flexibility in work schedule.

Ability to apply active listening skills.

Ability to influence others and move toward a common vision or goal.

Ability to be flexible and adaptable; able to work in ambiguous situations.

Ability to be resilient and tenacious with a propensity to persevere.

Ability to apply a forward-looking holistic approach.

Ability to work effectively at all levels in an organization.

Ability to respond to requests with a sense of urgency, accountability, integrity and speed.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in training, education, organizational development, or related field preferred.  In lieu of degree, experience, and advanced skill (minimum three years) in organizational development or engagement.

A minimum of two (2) years of experience with advanced skill in hands-on training and development of employee engagement programs, or stakeholder consultation required.

Minimum two (2) years of experience in conducting trainings, meetings, focus groups or workshops preferred.

Minimum two (2) years of experience in creating messages to a variety of audiences preferred.

Minimum one (1) year experience in creating and analyzing surveys preferred.

Experience in establishing and cultivating effective interpersonal relationships preferred.

Experience and knowledge working with Automation and/or AI Tools and/or comfort and willingness to learn and utilize AI and Automation tools preferred.

Additional Information:

Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual.

• Selected candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

• This is a hybrid position and the selected candidate must be willing to work from an HHS office located in Austin, designated by the hiring manager. 

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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.