Instructional Designer

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: Instructional Designer 
Job Title: Training & Dev Specialist V 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: CTD 
Posting Number: 6916 
Closing Date: 07/22/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Education Training and Library 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22 
Salary Range: $4,801.16 - $5,833.34 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 25% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 909 W 45TH ST #633 BLDG 3 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 0233,0277,0306,0577,0691,0877,0911,0913,0914,0916,0917,0918,0919,0930,0931,0932,0933,0951,5977,6077 
6177,6877,7077,7277,7377,7537,7577,8077,8802,8803,11Z,120X,121X,123X,18Z,19Z,35Z,38FX,3F2X1,47A,47C 
47D,47E,47F,47G,47H,47J,47K,47L,47M,47N,47P,47Q,47R,47S,47T,47U,47V,47W,57A,70H,74D,81C0,81L0,81T0 
82A0,83R0,86M0,8B000,8B100,8B200,8T000,8T100,9H000,PERS,PS,SEI20,YN 

Brief Job Description:

The Health and Specialty Care System (HSCS) serves 23 facilities in Texas with over 18,000 employees who provide care to individuals with mental illness and intellectual disabilities. HSCS Competency, Training, and Development (CTD) is part of the Staff Support Services (SSS) team in the Business Operations Unit.

The HSCS CTD team supports facility CTD Departments by providing in-person, virtual, and hybrid training content as requested; creating and maintaining instructor-led and computer-based training and curriculum; responding to inquiries; providing guidance based on state mandates and HHS/HSCS policies and procedures; keeping accurate and up-to-date materials and records; managing and reporting data; certifying facility instructors; and facilitating division-wide training.

As part of the HSCS CTD team, the Instructional Designer will provide exceptional customer service to the HSCS facilities while collaborating with subject matter experts and instructional designers to design and develop instructor-led and computer-based training for multi-generational and multi-cultural facility staff. This role may also include program coordination and management for division-wide training programs. The ideal candidate has excellent verbal and written communication skills, is extremely proficient with software programs used for instructional development, and values innovation, creativity, and continuous process improvement. This individual will thrive when working independently and as part of a team and will stay abreast of current evidence-informed training best practices.

An in-basket exercise will be part of the interview process. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Plans, designs, and develops engaging, interactive, and effective instructor-led and computer-based training content or programs and revises existing curricula or programs, to meet identified objectives while incorporating adult learning principles and current instructional design techniques. (40%)

Collaborates with subject matter experts or team members as required to formulate learning objectives, assess training needs, and draft or revise instructional content based on collaborative feedback. (20%)

Delivers high-quality instructor-led training sessions in person, virtually, or in a hybrid environment, using effective classroom management techniques, adapting to the audience’s needs and learning styles, and ensuring active participant engagement and knowledge retention. (15%)

Creates visually appealing and user-friendly training materials that includes graphics, videos, and interactive elements. (10%)

Participates in evaluating training and curriculum to identify challenges and opportunities with a focus on continuous improvement. (5%)

Coordinates scheduling and logistics with stakeholders and prepares classrooms to create optimal learning environments. (5%)

Stays up to date on all laws, rules, policies, and procedures related to training and industry best practices. (5%) 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge and understanding of adult learning principles, instructional design models, and learning theories.

Knowledge of various training delivery methods, including in-person, virtual, and blended learning.

Ability to manage multiple training projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adhere to project timelines.

Ability to effectively work both independently and collaboratively as a member of the Competency, Training, & Development team.

Ability to provide excellent customer service to HSCS leadership and facility staff.

Advanced skill in written and oral communication.

Skill in formulating learning objectives and creating engaging curriculum and training materials with content tailored to diverse audiences and learning styles.

Skill in providing interactive and engaging training sessions, workshops, and webinars.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Cloud products or similar software.

Proficient in use of training technologies. 

Ability to become a certified instructor in Basic Life Support (BLS), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Forklift Operation, Van Driving, and a Behavior Risk Management Program, which may require a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and physical abilities that include lifting at least 55 pounds. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in instructional design, education, English, human resources, organizational development, or related field. Experience as a trainer or instructional designer may be substituted for a degree on a year for year basis.

Additional Information:

Travel up to 25% may be required to deliver instructor-led training sessions and provide facility support and training program oversight.

This position is currently working a hybrid telework schedule that reports on-site in Austin. Telework schedules are subject to change based on agency policy or operational needs.

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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.