Receptionist I

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 ready to be professionally challenged? Are you looking to be part of a dynamic team of engaged and committed professionals? Then the State Hospital System (SHS) may be just the place for you! The SHS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals located throughout the state, and one youth residential psychiatric center in Waco. The SHS is a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. The hospitals provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. Whether in a direct-care or support role, your contribution will make a difference in the life of a Texan.

Under the direction of the Switchboard Program Supervisor, places, answers and transfers local and long-distance calls. Keeps records and performs clerical duties that are necessary to PBX. Update on-call schedules. Handle all unusual occurrences such as fire alarms, maintenance problems and all emergency calls. Make after 5pm and weekend money deposits, Provide liaison service for language interpreters and consumers. Issue and signal portable pagers, cellular pagers and cellular telephones. Schedule vehicles and distribute keys to state vehicles for the Wichita Falls Campus.

Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor to ensure efficient operation of the patient care unit. 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. 

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.

Operates the PBX equipment skillfully, answers the phones promptly and courteously.

Keeps records and performs clerical duties that are necessary to the PBX functions.

Updates all on call schedules with correct contact information.

Handle all unusual occurrences, fire alarms, maintenance problems, and all emergency calls.

Make after 5pm and week-end money deposits, using numbered envelopes and enters all information into the proper log.

Provide liaison service for language interpreters and consumers.

Issue and signal portable pagers and cellular telephones.

Provide master key service.

***This position serves as the receptionist/hospital operator. This is shift work. You must be able to cover any shift, at any time, including Nights, Weekends, Holidays. Punctuality and Reliability are essential to the operation of the switchboard. ***** 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of administrative, clerical, and data entry procedures and systems.

Skill in the use of a telephone switchboard.

Ability to transfer incoming calls to appropriate personnel; to greet and direct visitors; and to communicate effectively. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

If transporting patients, must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state driver license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy. 

Initial Screening Criteria:

Applicant must have a verifiable working history of at least 3 years’ experience in providing general clerical support or other service-oriented positions that involved patients and/or families.

Verifiable means that all past supervisor information is filled out completely with names and contact numbers. Fields must not be left blank.

Additional Information:

This position must be able to work any shift, (0700-1500, 1500-2300, 2300-0700) with little to no notice. THIS WILL INCLUDE WEEKENDS, AND HOLIDAYS. APPLICANT MUST BE ABLE TO WORK BACK-TO-BACK SHIFTS WHEN REQUIRED. Flexibility and reliability are essential.

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, and HHS OIG list of Excluded Individuals/Entities. Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco Center for Youth applicants must be at least 21 years of age.

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

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

If you need assistance completing the online application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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. 

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.