FSS Communication Program Specialist

Job Details Functional Title: FSS Communication Program Specialist Job Title: PEI Prog Spec V Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: FSS Cont, Fin & Admn Supp GRL Posting Number: 17526 Closing Date: 06/25/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Community and Social Services Salary Range: $4,523.16-$5,250.00 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Days (First) Telework: Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 10% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt Job Location City: AUSTIN Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST Other Locations: Austin MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS Brief Job Description This position supports communications work for Family Support Services (FSS) and reports to the Director of Policy and Prevention Strategies. The position plans, facilitates, and coordinates internal and external communications including reviewing, tracking, and providing guidance on communications and messaging projects and public awareness campaigns based on data and trends. The position performs advanced informational and educational work and manages multiple complex projects including oversight and developing content for FSS's public-facing parenting support website; creates and coordinates communication materials including presentations and articles for newsletters (primarily web-based) including any audiovisual content; planning and providing technical assistance to providers and stakeholders around communications and recommended marketing strategies; participating on agency and division level workgroups; coordinating high-level assignments with FSS management; ensuring internal and external communications adhere to agency standards, expectations, and accessibility requirements; and assisting FSS staff with identified communications projects. This position routinely interacts with other state and federal agencies, external stakeholders, and the general public. It develops and monitors project schedules, and prioritizes and sets standards for achieving established goals. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Essential Job Functions (EJFs) Coordinates and executes planning, researching, writing, editing and distribution of Family Support Services’s information including internal and external communications using varied platforms such as newsletters and website copy for distribution to internal and external stakeholders including different levels of agency staff, management, community organizations, and governmental entities. Works with the FSS communications team to identify and develop effective communication strategies to meet the business needs and goals of the division. Manages complex projects including Family Support Services public awareness projects. Creates project plans, sets priorities, establishes timelines and deliverables to achieve project goals. Coordinates illustrative, photographic, or audiovisual content of products such as videos, newsletters, website content, and training and technical assistance materials to inform and educate agency staff, FSS grantees, and the general public about pertinent topics and strategies. Projects may include preparing reports, presentations, and training materials. Develops and delivers executive briefings, legislative reports, presentations, white papers, and strategic planning documents. Prepares clear, concise summaries and recommendations related to program performance, funding, policy changes, and legislative activity. Tracks communication statistics and trends to identify and resolve operational problems. Works with the Communications Department within Family Health Services and Health and Human Services to track visits to the FSS and Get Parenting Tips websites as well as statistics and trends with the Get Parenting Tips public media campaign to guide the universal outreach and education strategy statewide. Establishes and maintains standards and work processes to ensure that communication strategies are utilized effectively and efficiently. Makes recommendations to agency leadership, FSS providers, and community entities as to which communication methods or platforms work best for each internal and external audience for maximizing effectiveness. Plans and executes training and technical assistance webinars, workshops, and consultation for FSS grantees across the state. Consults and works collaboratively with other teams within Family Support Services, state agencies, and federal partners in workgroups and initiatives as well as with the general public in meeting the goals and objectives of workgroups or initiatives. Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) Skill in use of personal computers to include MS Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite and Visio. Ability to develop story ideas, seek out relevant information, write, and edit stories for sharing. Ability to translate complex information into easily understandable language and adapt writing style to reach a variety of stakeholders. Ability to work cooperatively with all levels of agency staff and contractor staff in a rapid-paced, deadline-oriented environment while managing multiple, sometimes conflicting priorities, without jeopardizing deadlines and desired outcomes or milestones. Ability to exercise exceptional editorial judgment (strong writing, copy editing, and video editing skills preferred) and strong graphic design skills (knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite – Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere). Must be innovative, finding new ways to present information in a creative and compelling manner. Initial Screening Criteria Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field preferred. Experience in project management, newsletter, web development, and developing promotional materials preferred. Acceptable substitutions: Experience working in communications related field may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education. Additional Information Note: The selected candidate for this position will be required to work in our Austin office. This position offers a hybrid schedule of remote (telework) and in-office work and staff may have the opportunity to telework as HHSC telework policy allows. 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 are 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 online application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at View phone number on click.appcast.io. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr FALL CREEK FARM & NURSERY