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: TWPS Community Liaison 
Job Title: Program Specialist VI 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Texas Works Path to Success 
Posting Number: 11044 
Closing Date: 11/20/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $6,701.75 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 45% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Job Description:

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Access and Eligibility Services (AES) department seeks skilled professionals to join a collaborative, high-performing team committed to innovation. AES is guided by its mission of connecting Texans to quality services and its vision of empowering Texans and strengthening communities for sustained well-being. Its core values of integrity, community, accountability, respect, and excellence reflect a commitment to doing what is right, fostering belonging, taking responsibility, treating others with dignity, and striving for high standards each day.

The Texas Works Paths to Success (TWPS) program advances this mission by reducing the effects of situational and generational poverty by enhancing participants’ economic self-sufficiency and empowering them to create a better future. Guided by its vision of creating pathways to economic self-sufficiency, staff continuously learn and improve, thrive in fast-paced, and evolving environments, and demonstrate effective communication skills, a positive outlook, a solid work ethic, and a desire to succeed.

The Community Liaison (Program Specialist VI) reports to the TWPS Manager and this position works on multiple program activities, including coordinating and implementing organizational studies, reviewing systems and procedures, and reviewing operations and procedures to assist management with improving operations and program expansion. Work requires an in-depth understanding of strategic goals, partnership development, funding streams, and operational roles for community stakeholders, including case management, referral and related social support, and assistance services, to provide technical advice regarding resource allocation and policy impact on operational implementation.

Responsibilities include serving as the main program liaison in the community; coordinating and identifying viable partners; assisting with policy coordination and quality assurance; assisting with development and monitoring of performance measures; and strategic planning. This position develops relationships across divisions and agencies to ensure program, fiscal, project, and contracted activities are collaborative and coordinated with the impacted parties. The Community Liaison will collaborate and communicate with internal and external stakeholders and build relationships with community leaders and organizations. This role works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

*Applicant(s) must be able and willing to occasionally travel to Austin and statewide, as needed and requested by Management.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Stakeholder Relations, Strategic Planning, and Partner Development (35%)

Serves as the primary program liaison for TWPS within the Community Access Division of AES. Provides guidance, support, and consultative services to internal and external partners regarding policy interpretation, quality assurance, and program implementation. Meets with community-based organizations to identify barriers, strengthen collaboration, and explore potential grant and partnership opportunities. Conducts organizational studies of potential stakeholders, including reviewing systems and procedures to determine readiness and alignment with TWPS objectives. Coordinates strategic planning and business objectives to strengthen statewide collaboration and consistency in program delivery. Represents TWPS and Community Access in project-specific activities and community events to promote program visibility and maintain productive relationships with partners and stakeholders.

Program Coordination and Oversight (35%)

Coordinates communication and information exchange with internal and external employment specialists, navigators, and other stakeholders. Oversees Career Closet operations, which may include marketing, donation coordination, and event planning activities. Coordinates and leads TWPS participant cohorts, organizes graduations, and facilitates focus groups to capture participant feedback and promote program improvement. Responsible for tracking participant progress and placement, monitoring monthly participation, performance measures, policy coordination, and quality assurance. Performs data-entry and program-evaluation activities as required and works independently and cross-functionally within a team to achieve program goals.

Administrative and Policy Support (20%)

Provides administrative and analytical support for TWPS. Participates in program-related meetings, committees, workgroups, new departmental initiatives, and other projects as assigned. Conducts policy and legislative research to inform policy creation, implementation, and program improvement. Tracks and responds to inquiries and maintains a documentation database that captures community outreach, stakeholder engagement, and communication activities. Ensures documentation is accurate, current, and available for reference and reporting.

Other Duties as Assigned (10%)

Performs other duties as assigned to support program operations and agency priorities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to program areas.
• Strategic planning, and project management strategies and procedures.
• Procedures used to evaluate a third-party vendor's performance.
• Texas legislative process.
• Government organization and administration.

Skilled in:

• Establishing project goals and deliverables, managing multiple and competing priorities, and tracking and monitoring project progress.
• Identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions.
• Communication and public speaking.
• Working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.
• Managing various levels of employees.
• Performing research and various research techniques.
• Analyzing and evaluating complex program and policy issues.
• Developing creative and workable solutions to complex problems and policy issues;

Ability to:

• Interpret data and develop effective operating procedures.
• Organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing
• Think creatively and support creative thinking in others.
• Establish goals and objectives.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff at all levels of organizations, agencies, providers, stakeholders, and offices of elected officials.
• Lead in an environment of change.
• Make timely and effective decisions and produce results through planning and evaluation of policies and programs.
• Evaluate reports comprehensively and accurately.
• Develop and implement effective customer service systems and perform effectively to produce results.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments among contracted and non-contracted staff; Ability to perform work with a high degree of diligence.
• Work independently and operate effectively within established guidelines and timeframes.
• Lead project teams, collaborate with multiple stakeholders, and provide oversight to contracted vendors;
• Write and revise standards and procedures.
• Evaluate and make recommendations for program improvements.
• Train others and prioritize staff work.

Initial Selection Criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in human services, sociology, social work, or related field, preferred. Experience may be substituted for education on a year­ for-year basis up to four years.
• Two (2) years professional experience coordinating program communications, developing partnerships, or supporting community and stakeholder engagement activities, required.
• Two (2) years professional experience in public benefits, workforce development, non-profit, or other human services field working with senior management, leadership, and diverse stakeholders, required.
• Public relations or communications experience involving outreach, media coordination, or public information, preferred.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Possession of a valid US driver’s license.

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.