Workforce Programs Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Workforce Programs Specialist will shape and improve agency-wide workforce programs and initiatives by researching what’s working, identifying opportunities for improvement, helping plan and roll out new initiatives, and evaluating processes that impact employees across the agency.

This position will guide committees, workgroups, and teams to develop workforce strategies making sure everyone is aligned and moving toward shared goals. This is a role for someone who is comfortable being the “go-to” person. You will provide consultation and technical expertise, help resolve complex issues, and train staff on workforce programs and best practices. You will also use tools like PeopleSoft (or similar systems), Microsoft Excel, and SharePoint to analyze data, spot trends, and provide meaningful recommendations to leadership to support planning, reporting, and collaboration.

If you’ve worked in a government or public‑sector environment before, you’ll feel right at home navigating agency processes and partnering with internal and external stakeholders. Experience working in HR operations and managing large-scale workforce initiatives will allow you to make an immediate impact in this position. Additional skills that matter for success include strategic thinking, problem-solving, negotiation, collaboration, and the ability to communicate effectively to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Knowledge of human resources policies, procedures, and human resource information systems such as Peoplesoft; employee recruitment, engagement, retention, and succession planning strategies; workforce planning and development processes and procedures; implementation and evaluation principles and statistical analysis processes.
• Skill in project management methodology/tools; problem-solving, negotiating, and implementing solutions; communicating information effectively, both orally and in writing; conducting high-level meetings; preparing concise reports, analyses, and recommendations; accurately evaluating and interpreting data and reports; working with Microsoft Suite, SharePoint and Adobe Acrobat Pro.
• Ability to develop and maintain successful working relationships with individuals and groups internally and externally; to design and develop policies, procedures, and systems for agency-wide operations; establish, define and set priorities supporting BSP and Operations goals and objectives; balance change and continuity, adjust and respond to changing job priorities, and make timely and effective decisions; continually improve customer service and program performance.
• Current HR Certification Required (SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP preferred).
• Eight (8) years of work experience as an HR Generalist or similar position.
• Two (2) years of experience working on workforce-related initiatives (onboarding, leadership development, engagement, etc.).
• Experience with Human Resources Information Systems and software (PeopleSoft, SAP, etc.).
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience using SharePoint preferred.
• Experience working for a State of Texas Agency preferred.

Responsibilities

• Research, implement, administer, and evaluate agency-wide programs, processes, key initiatives, and special projects.
• Leads committees, teams, and workgroups to develop and implement program goals; works on targeted planning and implementation of recruitment, retention, engagement, recognition, succession planning, and other workforce related strategies.
• Serves as a subject matter expert on workforce planning, recruitment, retention, engagement, recognition, succession planning, policy, training and development, and other workforce related items
• Provides recommendations, technical assistance, consultation, training, data analysis, and briefings for agency leadership and staff
• Serves as a liaison between DSHS and HHS consolidated functions of HR, PTLL, and LRN, and the Employee Service Center.
• Analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of practices in agency programs
• Research best practices of current strategies
• Designs and implements effective techniques for action plans to improve agency-wide programs.
• Actively participating in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response/recovery or Continuity of Operations activation.

Benefits

• DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees