Special Projects Coordinator

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:

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence. 

The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers.

If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!

Under the direction of the Associate Commissioner for State Supported Living Centers (SSLCs), the Special Projects Coordinator performs highly responsible and complex duties serving as a key project manager for new initiatives and high-priority projects. Oversees the coordination, planning, initiation and completion of projects and workgroups across the SSLC division of varying scope, size, duration and complexity. The Special Projects Coordinator is responsible for project implementation and cross-department coordination, managing projects; monitoring the progress and schedule of projects; and communicating with project stakeholders, management and other relevant parties. Facilitates workgroups for the SSLC and makes recommendations for the improvement of operations or services. Responsible for the preparation and coordination of various required reports.  Represents the SSLC at meetings and serves on various committees. Serves as a back-up for the legislative liaison during the legislative session.  Prepares information in response to legislative inquiries and completes bill review and analysis. Attends legislative hearings or is on-call as an information resource during hearings, as assigned.  As part of assigned projects, tracks implementation of legislative mandates and provide updates to center and state office leadership.  Works with minimal supervision with broad latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. May work from any SSLC location or state-office (Austin).  Some telework is available at the discretion of the Associate Commissioner.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. May work from any SSLC location or state-office (Austin).  Some telework is available at the discretion of the Associate Commissioner.

Coordinates, plans, initiates and completes assigned projects for the SSLC division. Ensures that established direction and objectives for SSLCs are being adhered to. Within the project plan, ensures clear articulation of the project mission and incorporates the important elements of a project plan including project scope, schedule, budget, communication plan, risk management, stakeholder needs, quality assurance and resource management (such as defined roles and responsibilities).

Set project goals, outcomes and deliverables. Clearly defines the end result (goals) of the project, the tangible changes or impacts that will be achieved (outcomes) and the specific, measurable products or documents that will be produced to reach the outcomes (deliverables).  Tracks project outcomes and provides reports and updates as appropriate. Problem-solves delays or barriers and communicates unresolved issues to the Associate Commissioner or designee.

Leads and participates in assigned committees/work groups. Facilitates meetings and elevates risks or issues as appropriate. Develops partnerships with staff, stakeholders including consumers and their families, advocacy groups, intellectual and developmental disability authorities, the Legislature, other state and federal agencies, professional associations, and the general public. Serves as a member of the Statewide Review Team (SRT).

Prepares and coordinates various reports including legislative reports and executive briefings, reports related to assigned projects, SRT review reports, and ad hoc reports as assigned. Ensures reports are written clearly, concisely, coherently, completely and using required formats.  Proofreads others’ reports as assigned.

Communicates or presents information to stakeholders, management, and legislative staff upon request. Prepares information in the required format using clear and concise language and graphics. Presents a polished and professional demeanor when making presentations.

Serves as a back-up for the legislative liaison during the legislative session.  Works in partnership to ensure all areas/needs are covered during the legislative session.  Prepares information in response to legislative inquiries and completes bill review and analysis. Uses provided tracking systems and electronic records effectively.  Attends legislative hearings or is on-call as an information resource during hearings, as assigned.

Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.  Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Ability to manage project activities; to establish project goals and objectives; to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions; to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues; to demonstrate negotiation and facilitation skills; to identify project risks and gaps; to prepare reports; to communicate effectively; and to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.

Skill in project management monitoring, in addressing changes in scope or timing, and in operating computers and applicable software.

Ability to develop effective partnerships with staff, consumers and their families, advocacy groups, stat office, professional associations, and the general public.

Ability to organize and present information effectively, both in spoken and written word, and to make presentations and lead committees.

Knowledge of SSLC operations and services including the Agency's strategic plan, policies, ICF/IID standards, programs, and critical issues.

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program areas and of the principles and practices of public administration and management.

Skill in establishing and implementing policies and procedures.

Knowledge or experience in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing effective solutions.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

Three years full time experience in human services.

Graduation from an accredited four-year college.

Experience in managing projects.

Experience working in residential or treatment programs for specialized populations such as people with IDD, mental health needs, or criminogenic risks is preferred.

-OR-

Seven years full time experience in human services.

Experience in managing projects.

Experience working in residential or treatment programs for specialized populations such as people with IDD, mental health needs, or criminogenic risks is preferred.

Additional Information:

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).

Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

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