Communications and 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. Functional Title: Communications and Engagement Specialist Job Title: Program Specialist VI Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: BCP - Program Admin Posting Number: 13988 Closing Date: 03/03/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Community and Social Services Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $5,833.00 Pay Frequency: Monthly Shift: Day Additional Shift: Telework: Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 60% 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 Brief Job Description: The Children's Autism and Blindness Services Communication and Engagement Specialist works under the Director of the Children's Autism and Blindness Services. Performs advanced senior level development of a comprehensive outreach and communication plan for both the Children's Autism Program and the Blind Children's Vocational Discovery and Development Program (BCP). Collaborates with internal communications, including HHS media services, to ensure all external communications meet agency requirements. Works with staff in both the Children's Autism Program and the Blind Children's Vocational Discovery and Development Program to provide statewide outreach and public awareness events. Manages the referral system for both programs to ensure appropriate referrals are assigned to appropriate geographic caseloads and contractors. Represents the program at meetings, conferences, and seminars to promote the Children's Autism and Blindness Services. Coordinates with both state and national external partners to ensure quality services are provided to children and families. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Essential Job Functions: Creates and implements a coordinated outreach and public awareness plan for both the Children's Autism Program and the Blind Children's Vocational Discovery and Development Program to ensure the educational, medical and social service communities know eligibility requirements and how to refer children to services. (35%) Creates all external communications for the section including both the Children's Autism Program and the Blind Children's Vocational Discovery and Development Program. Collaborates with agency communications and media services to ensure all external communications meet agency requirements. Makes recommendations to leadership for updates to brochures and websites. (30%) Creates and manages the referral system for both programs to ensure appropriate referrals are assigned to appropriate geographic caseloads and contractors. Makes recommendations to management based on data for policy and procedure development and caseload distribution. (20%) Works with community and professional groups to coordinate, improve, and create partnerships. Attends and presents at conferences to promote the program. Consults with statewide and national community partners and serves as a liaison to identify trends, gaps in services, and solve problems to improve effectiveness of services for children with autism and/or visual impairments statewide. (15%) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): Knowledge of HHS HR Manual, HR Policies, and other local/state/federal rules, statutes or policies related to the agency, program areas and developmental disabilities. Knowledge of child development, autism, visual impairments, deafblindness, and childhood disabilities/syndromes. Knowledge of methods for the development and delivery of training. Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities. Skill in identifying problems, analyzing, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions related to programmatic challenges, and other issues. Skill in reviewing and preparing a variety of written documents with attention to detail and to make recommendations. Skill in organizing, coordinating, developing and directing projects. Skill in identifying measures of quality assurance/program performance. Skill in completing outreach, including public speaking and developing community partnerships. Skill in working collaboratively with colleagues at all levels in the organization as well as external stakeholders. Skill in using the internet and computer software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook proficiently. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, social and health care professionals, national, state and local governmental and community organizations, and advocacy groups. Ability to build effective work teams, train, motivate and evaluate the work of others. Ability to organize and present information effectively both orally and written to a wide range of audiences including but not limited to memos, reports and presentations. Ability to lead in an environment of change, think creatively and support creative thinking in others. Ability to develop, facilitate and conduct trainings and presentations. Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: NA Initial Screening Criteria:Initial Criteria Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university or 4 years of experience in communications, media campaigns, outreach or public awareness work. Experience composing publications Experience developing and delivering presentations Experience cultivating collaborative community partnerships Preferred Criteria Master's Degree from an accredited college or university Experience developing and delivering training and technical assistance Bilingual (English/Spanish) Additional Information Applications must be complete and grammar will also be assessed. Interviewee selection is based on applicant demonstrating a clear match to all minimum criteria and preference is given to those applicants matching the majority of preferred criteria. Applicants must complete an assessment upon submission of their application. Interview selection will be based upon a combination of clear match to criteria and the assessment. Resumes will not be considered in lieu of a complete application nor for supplemental consideration in meeting initial criteria. Individuals selected for interview may be required to travel to the location of in-person interview at their own expense. This position is eligible for telework consistent with HHSC telework policy, which is subject to change. Employees will be required to work in their assigned office one or more days a week. This position is posted in Austin for applicants external to the Blind Children's Program. This position is posted as Statewide for all current Blind Children's Program staff and requires regular travel and consistent on-site presence at the Austin office location, regardless of residence. 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.

Created: 2026-03-04