Staff Development and Retention Specialist - State Hospital - Maximum Security Unit (MSU

Date:
Aug 13, 2026

Location:

HARLINGEN, 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:

Staff Development and Retention Specialist
- State Hospital
- Maximum Security Unit (MSU)

Job Title:

Staff Services Officer IV Agency:
Health & Human Services Comm Department:
General Admin Posting Number: 20066 Closing Date: 11/11/2026 Posting Audience:
Internal and External Occupational Category:
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Salary Range: $4,263.16 - $6,779.25 Pay Frequency:
Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20

Shift: Day Additional

Shift: Days (First) Telework:
Not Eligible for Telework Travel:
Up to 10% Regular/Temporary:
Regular Full Time/Part Time:
Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:
Nonexempt Facility

Location:

Rio Grande State Center

Job Location City: HARLINGEN

Job Location Address: 1401 S RANGERVILLE RD Other Locations: MOS Codes: ,,,,,,,,, ,X,16GX,20C0,2G0X1,30C0,36A,36B,38FX,3F0X1,3F1X1,420A,42A,42B,42H,4A1X1,51C,60C0 63A,63AX,63G0,63S0,641X,70C,70F,89A,8A200,8U000,90A,920A,920B,92A,92Z,FIN
10,F&S,LS,LSS,PERS,PS,SEI
11 SEI
15,SK,WEPS,YN,YNS Brief

Job Description 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.

The Staff Development and Retention Specialist (SDRS) reports to the State Hospital Superintendent and performs highly complex work designed to enhance staff competency, job satisfaction and an inclusive and positive workplace culture to improve retention and succession planning. This person should be outgoing and optimistic, participating in job fairs/hiring events and community activities as a hospital ambassador. Assists with job interviews when needed.

Coordinates and collaborates with local supervisors, Competency and Training Development (CTD) staff and State Hospitals Central Administration leadership to design and implement a robust onboarding and competency development process for all newly hired staff at the State Hospitals as a supplement to the standardized new employee orientation (NEO) process, with a focus on Psychiatric Nursing Assistants (PNAs). Ensures the employee onboarding process is welcoming, thorough, consistent and incorporates the State Hospital and HHSC mission and vision.

Ensures all newly hired staff are familiar with the complete operation of the hospital, layout of the physical location, and are provided an introduction of key leadership within the hospital. Develops professional working relationships with newly hired staff in order to foster their sense of belonging and connectedness. Conducts and/or oversees a competency-based on-the-job training (OJT) program for staff, with an emphasis on PNAs.

Coordinates and collaborates with designated staff members to conduct surveys related to employee satisfaction of new hire training, OJT, supervisor engagement,…