Organizational Engagement 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.

Join a dynamic team of engaged and committed professionals on the Organizational Engagement and Support (OES) team within Access and Eligibility Services (AES).

The Organizational Engagement Specialist position works in the OES section of the Strategic Engagement and Employee Support (SEES) division. The OES team is dedicated to supporting AES team members by fostering an inclusive culture that values individual contributions and where all AES team members feel supported, heard and appreciated. The Organizational Engagement Specialist reports to the OES Director and performs advanced (senior-level) consultative and technical work.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about building relationships to effectively collaborate with AES teams to build a work culture that is diverse and inviting to all AES team members. They will be dedicated to continuous improvement and focused on supporting team members, leaders, and peers in feeling connected to their work. This candidate should be open to creating unique solutions to challenges we may face and recognize that the quality of work we produce reflects our dedication to those we serve.
 

The Organizational Engagement Specialist is responsible for coordinating employee engagement efforts that promote a positive work environment and employee well-being. Work involves researching, planning, developing, and analyzing organizational engagement programs and best practices, participating in regional and statewide activities designed to gather feedback from employees, overseeing or co-facilitating workgroups and meetings, contributing to organizational engagement projects and developing and preparing presentations and workshops.

Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

This position will be required to attend meetings, workshops, and OES assignments in Austin, TX and other cities across the state.

Essential Job Functions:

Works collaboratively with Organizational Engagement team members providing high-level advice incorporating organizational development resources, tools and programs, along with feedback received from front-line and regional management staff to help coordinate and assist with the development of robust engagement programs based on best practices of organizational development to enhance staff engagement, job satisfaction and promote an inclusive and positive workplace culture. (40%)

Develop, organize and perform analyses on employee engagement surveys to check the pulse of regional AES staff to determine regional trends and provide findings and recommendations, along with best practices found through research and staff feedback. Monitors and documents progress of staff engagement goals and works closely with and supports local leadership to ensure program objectives are met. (15%)

Contributes and provides guidance to the new employee orientation (NEO) and onboarding process for all newly hired regional front-line staff by preparing and presenting materials that focus on the AES mission, vision and values. May develop other Organizational Engagement content for NEO as needed and make updates to existing materials. Collaborates with the regional new employee orientation team to help ensure the onboarding process is welcoming, thorough, consistent and incorporates the AES mission, vision and values. Conducts routine check-ins with newly hired staff to enhance their on-boarding experience. (10%)

Collaborates and consults with Organizational Engagement team members to plan, design, develop and conduct organizational engagement presentations, seminars and workshops incorporating organizational engagement best practices, results of engagement surveys or assessments and focus group findings. (15%)

Facilitates or serves on various workgroups and brainstorming sessions as designated by the OES manager or Regional Team Lead to provide guidance on engagement practices or findings and identify opportunities to ensure staff are given opportunity to provide feedback. Works with Organizational Engagement team members and regional management to build employee networks and engagement committees to promote AES culture. (10%)

Provides effective feedback to help improve the quality of the products developed, managed and utilized by AES. (5%)

Other duties as assigned include, but are not limited to, actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role in Regional Engagement Council and Regional Change Champion meetings, Regional Summits, Town Halls and other activities to meet the goals of the Strategic Engagement and Employee Support department. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of organizational development and management practices as applied to the analysis, evaluation, development and implementation of programs and procedures.

Knowledge of best practices for employee engagement and organizational development.

Knowledge of facilitation techniques effective with adult learners, or ability to quickly gain this knowledge.

Excellent communication skills (both oral and written) with people with diverse skills at all levels of the organization.

Skill in interpersonal relationships, including the ability to work with others under pressure, negotiate among multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse backgrounds at all levels of the organization.

Skill in monitoring and assessing situations and determining appropriate response.

Skill in continuous process improvement.

Ability to assist in evaluating, developing, and revising staff engagement plans.

Ability to operate basic office equipment and audio/visual equipment and to use Windows based programs such as Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.

Ability to work both within a team environment and independently.

Ability to demonstrate good judgment and serve as a model for others in demonstrating the mission, vision and values of AES.

Ability to convey a welcoming and inclusive work environment.

Ability to gather, organize and analyze data and enter information into Survey Monkey, Survey Gizmo or other surveying software.

Ability to establish and maintain rapport with co-workers and individuals served.

Ability to maintain flexibility in work schedule.

Establishing and cultivating effective interpersonal relationships.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

N/A

Initial Selection Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. Experience can be substituted for education on a year-per-year basis.

A minimum of two (2) years experience with hands-on training and development of employee engagement programs or stakeholder consultation.

Minimum two (2) years experience in conducting trainings, meetings, focus groups or workshops.

Minimum two (2) years experience in creating messages to a variety of audiences.

Minimum one (1) year experience in creating and analyzing surveys.

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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.