Strategic Business Operations Staff Services Officer (SSO-III)

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: Strategic Business Operations Staff Services Officer (SSO-III) 
Job Title: Staff Services Officer III 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: MCS Cross Div Coordination 
Posting Number: 11267 
Closing Date: 12/01/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Office and Administrative Support 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19 
Salary Range: $4,020.33 - $5,678.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 5% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST 
Other Locations: Austin 
MOS Codes: 0102,0111,0147,0160,0161,0170,0171,0430,0431,0491,2102,3152,4801,4802,4803,4804,4810,4821,6607,8411 
8412,8840,8862,120X,16GX,20C0,2G0X1,30C0,36A,36B,38FX,3F0X1,3F1X1,420A,42A,42B,42H,4A1X1,51C,60C0 
63A,63AX,63G0,63S0,641X,70C,70F,89A,8A200,8U000,90A,920A,920B,92A,92Z,FIN10,F&S,LS,LSS,PERS,PS,SEI11 
SEI15,SK,WEPS,YN,YNS 

Brief Job Description

The HHSC Medicaid & CHIP Services (MCS) Division seeks a highly qualified candidate to serve as the Strategic Business Operations (SBO) Staff Services Officer (SSO). MCS is driven by its mission to deliver quality, cost-effective services to Texans. The SSO plays a critical role in supporting the SBO team and coordinating key administrative activities across the division. This is a high-visibility position with frequent interaction across MCS and HHSC, requiring professionalism, sound judgment, and strong follow-through.

This position will report to and provide advanced administrative and operational support to the Director of SBO and her leadership team. The role works closely with other SSOs across MCS to ensure coordinated division-wide scheduling, communication, and operational alignment.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to administrative management, HR and hiring support, purchasing, business continuity coordination, records management, and maintaining division-wide operational resources. The position also provides backup coverage to other administrative staff across MCS to ensure uninterrupted operations. 

The ideal candidate:

• Demonstrates exceptional organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Communicates clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, and maintains strict confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
• Builds strong working relationships, delivers excellent customer service, and collaborates effectively with staff and leadership.
• Is proactive in identifying operational solutions, improving administrative processes, and (where possible anticipates the needs of SBO leadership.
• Adapts quickly to shifting priorities and serves as reliable backup administrative support to other Staff Services Officers and administrative personnel across MCS.
• Shows strong technical aptitude, including navigating productivity software, managing complex scheduling in Outlook.
• Has the ability to learn and use unfamiliar software, such as Career Center.

Work is performed with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions

• Oversees cross-divisional processes and documentation, including maintaining master MCS organizational charts and coordinating an MCS “mission-control” calendar for leadership and stakeholder meetings.
• Coordinates scheduling for the SBO team, resolves conflicts, and prepares and distributes meeting agendas, minutes, and related materials.
• Maintains a centralized repository of internal operational policies, processes, and procedures; develops templates, forms, standards, and communications to support quality and efficiency improvements.
• Performs HR-related activities for SBO and other MCS areas as needed, including navigating Career Center as a Job Requisition Coordinator or Recruitment Partner, submitting and validating HR forms, conducting initial screening, and coordinating candidate interview logistics.
• Supports MCS operations functions such as open records requests, asset management inventory reviews, wireless device usage reviews, space management activities (including regional space coordination), and telework profile and training updates.
• Supports disaster response activities, including maintaining the division’s business continuity plan and coordinating required drills (e.g., call-down exercises).
• Assists with cross-division records management, ensuring compliance with agency retention schedules and updating schedules annually or as needed.
• Prepares complex correspondence, reports, presentations, charts, spreadsheets, and graphs; maintains electronic and paper files; retrieves information as needed; and ensures all documents are clear, concise, relevant, and grammatically correct.
• Assists with purchasing and travel processes, including developing purchase orders and supporting travel documentation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge of

• Advanced administrative practices and procedures.
• Basic project management techniques.

Skill in

• Using office software, such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and Excel.
• Organizing, tracking, and developing written and electronic documents.
• Formatting, proofreading, and editing letters, memos, and professional correspondence.

Ability to

• Learn and navigate web-based systems such as the Career Center, Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System (CAPPS), and other HR related systems.
• Maintain electronic and physical filing systems.
• Prioritize and complete multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
• Assess situations, identify issues, and develop practical solutions.
• Interact effectively and courteously with staff and the public through Teams, phone, email, and in person.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Work independently within defined role expectations.
• Interpret and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Implement administrative procedures and evaluate their effectiveness.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Process information and prepare concise reports, charts, and documents.

Initial Screening Criteria

High school diploma or GED, at least 3 years of full-time administrative support experience, and at least 1 year of experience working in a government agency or large organization (large organization defined as 200+ employees)

Additional Information 

Must be available to work in-person at our central Austin office. 

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

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.