Communications and Engagement Specialist

Overview

Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Date:
Feb 17, 2026

Location:

AUSTIN, TX

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. 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 HHSC 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

Telework: Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 60%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

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

The Children’s Autism and Blindness Services Communications 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.

Creates and implements a coordinated outreach and public awareness plan for both programs 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 programs. 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 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, deaf blindness, 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,…