Employee Relations Specialist

Date:
Aug 20, 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. 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:

Employee Relations Specialist Job Title: Human Resources Spclst V Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: HR STAFF Posting Number: 20315 Closing Date: 09/19/2026 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 5%
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:
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The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Human Resources (HR) Employee Relations Specialist performs advanced (senior-level) human resources work and is responsible for day-to‑day employee relations and administration of Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Parental leave coordination and reviews. Work involves analysis, problem solving, conflict resolution, policy interpretation and providing advice, guidance and consultation to managers and employees with the goal of minimizing legal risk and ensuring compliance with federal and state laws and regulations and Health and Human Services (HHS) HR policy and procedures.

• Consults, provides guidance and makes recommendations on human resources related issues including, but not limited to, selections, drug testing, background checks, leave issues, workplace violence, conflicts of interest, and/or worker’s compensation in accordance with federal and state rules, regulations and statutes and HHS HR policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Coordinates, completes, and/or monitors certain human resource benefit and compensation actions including death claims, promotions, demotions, temporary assignments, management directed transfers, equity adjustments, merit raises, and reinstatements. Ensures compliance with state and agency eligibility criteria and approvals.
• May review criminal history record information obtained from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and Texas Department of Public Safety and provide guidance and employment eligibility determinations to managers for applicants, employees, contractors and volunteers in relation to HHS agency bars to employment and/or contraindications to employment. Consults with agency attorneys as necessary.
• Responds to inquiries and advises management and staff regarding FMLA, Parental Leave, and related leave policies and procedures. Prepares and disseminates information regarding FMLA, Parental Leave and related leave policies and procedures in response to inquiries or as requested.

• Human resources management principles, practices, policies, functions, operations, and programs, including employment, compensation, classification, employee relations, benefits, workers’ compensation, and organizational development.
• Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Parental Leave, related employee leave programs, and applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

• Oral and written communication, consultation, negotiation, and facilitation with management, staff, and stakeholder groups.
• Building and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external customers through strong customer service and relationship management.
• Planning, organizing, prioritizing,…