HR Employee 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: HR Employee Engagement Specialist

Job Title: Human Resources Spclst V

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Workforce Ops Management

Posting Number: 20482

Closing Date: 09/07/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations

Salary Range: $5,425.33 - $5,425.33

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24

Shift: Day

Additional Shift:

Telework: Eligible for 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: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST

Other Locations:

MOS Codes: 0102,0111,0147,0170,0171,4801,4802,4803,4804,4810,4821,8411,8412,8421,8422,8840,120X,168X,38FX,3F0X1

3F3X1,3F4X1,3F5X1,3G0X1,420A,42A,42B,42H,641X,70F,741X,79R,79S,79T,79V,83R0,87Q0,8R000,8R200,8R300

99G0,NC,NCC,NCR,PERS,PS,RCM10,SEI11,YN,YNS

Brief Job Description:

The HR Employee Engagement Specialist V performs advanced human resources work supporting employee engagement, talent acquisition, onboarding, retention, employee programs, and human resources initiatives. The position develops, coordinates, implements, and evaluates assigned employee engagement programs, services, resources, and initiatives designed to enhance the employee experience, strengthen talent pipelines, and support a manager self-service environment.

Responsibilities may include recruitment support, internship program and talent pipeline development, onboarding and retention initiatives, manager resources, community engagement activities, employer branding, human resources communications, stakeholder partnerships, and special projects. Works collaboratively with leadership, managers, educational institutions, community partners, and internal stakeholders to support department and agency objectives.

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

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF #1: Employee Engagement Programs and Initiatives

Develops, coordinates, implements, and evaluates assigned employee engagement programs, human resource initiatives, onboarding activities, retention strategies, manager engagement, internship program, community engagement efforts, and other employee-focused services. Assists with planning, implementation, administration, and continuous improvement of assigned programs and initiatives.

EJF #2: Recruitment, Onboarding, and Retention Support

Supports recruitment, onboarding, employee transition, internship, and retention initiatives through outreach, employer branding activities, applicant and internship pipeline development, internship coordination, manager consultation, and employee and internship engagement activities. Assists with identifying workforce needs and developing solutions that support attraction, development, and retention of talent in a self-service management environment.

EJF #3: Resource Development and Communications

Develops and maintains program frameworks, procedures, guidance documents, training materials, toolkits, presentations, articles, communications, promotional materials, and other resources supporting employees, managers, interns, and human resource initiatives. Coordinates communications to increase engagement, awareness, and utilization of programs and services.

EJF #4: Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Development

Builds, develops and maintains collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including agency leadership, managers, employees, educational institutions, professional organizations, job seekers, workforce agencies, community partners, and other entities. Promotes participation in employee programs, talent pipeline initiatives, and recruitment efforts.

EJF #5: Special Projects and Program Support

Participates in special projects, events, campaigns, research activities, process improvement efforts, and other activities as assigned. Provides consultation and support regarding assigned program-related policies, procedures, and best practices.

EJF #6: Evaluation and Reporting

Collects, analyzes, and evaluates assigned program and engagement-related data to assess effectiveness, identify trends, measure outcomes, and develop recommendations for continuous improvement. Prepares reports, presentations, and recommendations for leadership and stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Employee engagement, onboarding, and retention best practices.
• Employer branding and candidate attraction.
• Manager self-service environments and customer service delivery models.
• Human resources principles, practices, and applicable federal and state laws.
• Internship program management practices.
• Marketing, outreach, communication, and stakeholder engagement techniques.
• Talent acquisition strategies.
• Agency rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Skill in:

• Program planning, coordination, and evaluation.
• Developing training, communications, resources, and process documentation.
• Building partnerships and stakeholder engagement.
• Project management and process improvement.
• Oral and written communication.
• Reviewing and preparing reports.
• Managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Creating informational articles, training materials, and workforce communications.

Ability to:

• Develop and implement workforce and employee engagement initiatives.
• Analyze data and make recommendations for improvement.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders.
• Translate complex information into practical guidance and resources.
• Develop innovative solutions for recruitment and retention challenges.
• Work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Human Resources Professional Certification Preferred: SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, HRCI-PHR, HRCI-SPHR or other Human Resources Professional Certification.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Three (3) years of experience in human resources or closely related field.

Experience in creating written materials, resources, presentations, or communications.

Experience supporting recruitment, onboarding, retention, outreach, internship programs or related activities.

Experience coordinating projects, programs, events, stakeholder partnerships, or process improvement activities.

Experience preparing reports, summaries, or recommendations.

Additional Information:

This position is located in Austin, TX and may allow a hybrid telework schedule with required on-site work at the HHS North Austin Complex. Telework is subject to change based on business needs and management directives. When telework is allowed, it requires reliable personal internet and a workspace that supports the protection of confidential information.

Employment offers depend on available budgeted funds. Salary will be set per budget limits, HHSC starting salary guidelines, and within the posted range.

Selected candidate will have to successfully complete any required due diligence/background and reference checks.

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 Auditors 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.