Strategic Initiatives 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:

Are you a driven self-starter looking for an opportunity to grow and succeed in a highly collaborative team environment? If yes, the Office of Transformation and Innovation (OTI) wants to hear from you! OTI is the hub for process improvement and change management efforts in the Health and Human Services system (HHS). With a unique focus on strategy, innovation, and transformation, OTI’s Process Excellence and Strategy division partners with HHS stakeholders to develop innovative solutions to complex problems, strategically plan for the future, and reinforce a culture of continuous improvement. These activities increase health and safety for our clients, save time for HHS team members, and create a foundation for continued innovation.

The Strategic Analysis and Planning team leads comprehensive analysis projects and coordinates efforts across HHS to ensure alignment with the agency’s vision and mission, including large-scale strategic initiatives such as development of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) strategic plan and Sunset Commission review coordination. The Strategic Initiatives Specialist (Program Specialist VI) reports to the Director of Strategic Analysis and Planning and is responsible for leading and supporting these efforts. This role also provides strategic planning training and consultation; manages OTI monthly and quarterly activity reporting and performance measures; reviews and edits deliverables; helps to develop processes and tools that support efficient and quality work; and supports or leads OTI initiatives. The successful candidate is a critical thinker with strong executive communication and writing experience and attention to detail, and experience with (or a willingness to learn) organizational strategic planning and the use of technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness. We are looking for someone with a background in communications, business operations, process improvement, and/or knowledge management. Experience with process improvement methodologies is preferred but not required (we will train you!). The ideal candidate must have excellent communication skills, a strong commitment to customer service, and demonstrated ability to work with internal and external stakeholders.

The Strategic Initiatives Specialist works with HHSC partners to develop the HHSC strategic plan, identifies opportunities to streamline and improve strategic planning efforts, and supports the timely completion of quality client deliverables. The Strategic Initiatives Specialist works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Works in close collaboration with directors, project managers, and analysts to support the development, implementation, and coordination of strategic initiatives, including the Sunset Commission review. (20%)

Assists in the development and publication of the HHSC strategic plan. Activities may include developing timelines, coordinating meetings, compiling content, ensuring document accessibility, writing, and copy-editing. (20%)

Manages and reports on OTI activities and performance measures. Activities include maintaining and updating activity intake tools, trackers, and reports. (20%)

Provides editorial support for reports, memos, and other deliverables. Activities may include document review, development of work processes and tools, and identification of training opportunities. (10%)

Assists the Deputy Associate Commissioner and Director of Strategic Analysis and Planning in the development and implementation of operational improvement initiatives. (10%)

Supports OTI and Process Excellence and Strategy meetings and trainings. (10%)

Participates in professional development activities. (5%)

Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Strategic planning.
• Process improvement techniques.
• Developing and monitoring performance indicators.
• Performance improvement and continuous quality improvement processes.
• Document accessibility practices.
• Microsoft Office products and services, including but not limited to MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, SharePoint, and PowerBI.

Skill in:

• Professional writing and copy editing.
• Coordinating and collaborating.
• Communicating effectively orally and in writing and presenting information publicly.
• Synthesizing, analyzing, and evaluating highly complicated and technical information and translating it easily into clear and concise documents or presentations.

Ability to:

• Identify issues and effectively solve problems.
• Exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.
• Evaluate, analyze, and make innovative recommendations for improvements that increase efficiency.
• Collaborate and develop effective professional relationships with coworkers and stakeholders.
• Develop work plans and organize work.
• Work independently and as a team lead on complex initiatives.
• Prioritize and manage multiple project deadlines.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or four years of relevant work experience substituted for a Bachelor's degree. Master’s degree in a related field preferred, but not required.

Experience writing and editing professional communications and presenting oral and written reports.

Experience in strategic planning, business operations, or process improvement preferred.

Two years of full-time professional experience.

Additional Information:

Individuals selected for interview will provide work samples. Only applicants who are interviewed will receive written notification of selection results. Candidates selected for an interview will be required to complete an in-basket exercise.

SALARY NOTE: 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 Chapter 7.

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.