Research Specialist

Date:
May 28, 2026

Location:

AUSTIN, TX

The Texas Civil Commitment Office (TCCO) is a small state agency with a critical public safety mission — to provide intensive supervision and treatment to civilly committed sexually violent predators. TCCO is attached to the Health and Human Services Commission and seeks dedicated professionals ready to contribute to this important agency. The role offers a unique and impactful career path, including a comprehensive benefits package that contains paid time off, a defined benefit pension plan, and 100% paid employee health insurance for eligible full‑time employees.

• Functional
  
  Title:
  
  Research Specialist
• Job Title: Research Specialist III
• Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
• Department: TCCO ADMIN
• Posting Number: 17348
• Closing Date: 11/26/2026
• Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20
• Salary Range: $4,263.16 - $6,779.25 per month
• Shift: Day; not eligible for telework
• Travel: Up to 25%
• Job Location: 4616 W HOWARD LN, AUSTIN, TX 78728

The Research Specialist conducts complex, journey‑level research, data collection, and analysis to support TCCO’s program and operations. Responsibilities include developing and maintaining research data sets, documenting data structures, creating audit and monitoring tools in Microsoft Excel, and generating reports for management. The role requires moderate supervision and collaboration with program staff, executive management, and external partners.

• Develop and maintain research data sets, document structure and definitions, and create audit and monitoring tools using advanced Excel functions.
• Calculate fiscal year conversions for audit tools and transfer end‑of‑year data.
• Use historical data and trend forecasting to develop caseload projections, assist management with staffing and space planning, and prepare appropriation requests.
• Provide routine data entry and troubleshooting for existing tools.
• Generate ad‑hoc reports and compile information on bills during legislative sessions.
• Coordinate, plan, develop, and monitor research projects, including data gathering, analysis, and querying.
• Conduct long‑ and short‑term studies on agency programs and related state policies.
• Explore process automation opportunities to enhance efficiency.
• Maintain a reference manual of job duties, reporting methods, data sources, and definitions.

• Proficiency in running queries, writing reports, and presenting findings.
• Knowledge of statistical concepts, measurement, testing, evaluation, and research methodologies.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills: compiling datasets, trend forecasting, creating models, conditional formatting, and data entry forms.
• Writing skills for tailored reports to diverse audiences.
• Analytical skills to inform executive decision‑making.
• Competence in qualitative and quantitative research and use of statistical tools.
• Attention to detail, self‑editing, and ensuring data quality.
• Capacity for independent work and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Skill in correlating and analyzing large data sets.
• Planning, organizing, and coordinating research projects with reliability, validity, and effective communication.
• Advanced critical thinking and problem‑solving abilities.

Valid Texas Driver's License.

• Experience in data collection and analysis using Microsoft Excel.
• Graduation from a four‑year college or university with major coursework in business, public administration, government, political science, statistical analysis, research methodology, mathematics, or management information systems is preferred.
• Experience and education can substitute for one another on a year‑to‑year basis.

Paid time off, a defined benefit pension plan, and 100% paid employee health insurance for eligible full‑time employees.

The agency provides reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. Contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1‑888‑894‑4747 for assistance.

Applicants may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. Texas uses E‑Verify; I‑9 documentation must be brought on the first day of work. For more information, download the I‑9 form.

Military occupations that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements are encouraged to apply. For guidance, see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Description s and Military Crosswalk Guide.

This is a federal civil role in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws. Applications are currently open and will close on the stated closing date.