Special Projects Coordinator

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: Special Projects Coordinator
Job Title: Program Specialist VII
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Hospitals Section
Posting Number: 20787
Closing Date: 09/27/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations
Salary Range: $5,797.66- $9,508.25
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework:
Travel: Up to 10%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 909 W 45TH ST BLDG 552
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. Psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

Under the direction of the Senior Advisor for State Hospitals (SH), the Special Projects Coordinator performs highly responsible and complex duties ensuring effective communication, providing oversight and technical assistance, and completing special projects regarding State Hospitals continuity of care and operations. This position is responsible for high-visibility communication with executives, a variety of external stakeholders, and elected officials. This includes work that is patient specific and highly sensitive. It may also include the initiation, scheduling, and continuous monitoring of projects. The Special Projects Coordinator may facilitate workgroups for the SH division and make recommendations for the improvement of operations or services. This position may serve as the primary designee for responses to legislative and media inquiries. This position may also prepare and coordinate various required reports.

This position may represent the SHs at meetings and serve on various committees. This position may be required to complete legislative bill analyses, prepare information for legislative hearings and may be required to attend hearings. This position will coordinate the responses to all media requests. The position works with minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include 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 asked 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.

Communicates or presents information to stakeholders, management, legislative, governmental relations, and communications staff in a timely and accurate manner.

Responsible for the coordination, planning, initiation and completion of assigned projects and workgroups for the SH division. Ensures that established direction and objectives for state hospitals are being adhered to.

Leads or participates in assigned committees/work groups.

Develops partnerships with assigned facility staff, stakeholders including consumers and their families, advocacy groups, mental health authorities, the Legislature, other state and federal agencies, professional associations, and the public.

Prepares and coordinates various reports assigned to the SH division including legislative reports and executive briefings. Implement system to track required reports and compliance with due dates.

Performs other duties as assigned. 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. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of agency laws pertaining to mental health policy and program administration, agency goals, plans, and critical issues.

Knowledge or experience in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing effective solutions.

Ability to compose and manage high-visibility communication.

Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with staff, families, advocacy groups, the Legislature, the Governor's Office, state and federal agencies, professional associations, and the public.

Ability to organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing, and to make presentations and lead committees.

Ability to manage project activities; to establish project goals and objectives.

Ability to effectively collaborate with others.

Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions; to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues.

Ability to demonstrate negotiation and facilitation skills including ability to identify risks and gaps in patient care and transition plans.

Ability to prepare reports and white papers.

Skill in project management monitoring, in addressing changes in scope or timing, and in operating computers and applicable software.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

Three years of full-time experience in a state hospital, long-term care facility, or with an organization that provides supports and services to a state hospital or long-term care facility, within the last five years.

Experience developing executive, legislative level or media communications.

Graduation from an accredited four-year college.

Experience in state or local governmental entities preferred.

Additional Information:

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, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). 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 and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 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.

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 View phone number on aiapply.co. 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.