Entry Level Community Relations Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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: Administrative Assistant I Community Relations Job Title: Administrative Asst I Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: Community Relations Posting Number: 20193 Closing Date: 09/01/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Healthcare Support Salary Range: $2,606.00- $3,404.91 Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group: TEXAS-A-09 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Days (First) Telework: Not Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 5% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt Facility Location: Terrell State Hospital Job Location City: TERRELL Job Location Address: 1200 E BRIN Other Locations: Terrell MOS Codes: 0100,0111,0170,3372,3381,4430,6046,15P,3F5X1,420A,42A,56M,68G,741X,8A200,AZ,LS,LSS,MC,PERS,PS,RP,SN
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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 Administrative Assistant I performs (entry-level) administrative support work under the direct supervision of the Director of Community Relations. This position provides administrative and operational support for Community Relations programs, the Welcome Center, volunteer activities, special events, public information activities, and customer service functions. Responsibilities may include answering routine calls, receiving mail and packages, disseminating mail and packages, performing errands as needed on and off of campus such as picking up or dropping off mail, supplies, or assisting other areas during staff absence or as required by business need. The Administrative Assistant I participates in inventories, running reports, filling and compiling documents and forms. and other duties as assigned appropriate to work in the department or program. Work involves organizing and maintaining filing and data within computer systems (such as visitor logs, inventory counts, maintenance records) and general administrative support duties such as responding to inquiries and recording calendar events. Works under close supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
The Administrative Assistant I exercises initiative and sound judgment in prioritizing assignments while maintaining a professional, customer-focused environment. This position serves as a representative of Terrell State Hospital and is expected to interact with visitors, Local Authority Representatives (LARs), volunteers, community partners, patients, and staff in a courteous, respectful, and professional manner.
Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
This position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, at night and/or weekends.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs):
Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Serves as a receptionist for the Community Relations Department and Welcome Center. Answers and directs telephone calls when required. Takes messages in a clear and accurate manner. Greets visitors to the program and model's professional behavior. Fills in preformed documents maintaining accuracy and files approved documents in appropriate database or cabinet. Prepares daily calendar information as requested. 30%
Sorts and files correspondence, reports, purchase orders, summaries, manuals, vouchers, records and other related forms such as daily census, staff or individuals in care activity, and other reports as required by department. Compiles, organizes and tabulates data; performs calculations and prepares reports for managers as required such as department inventories such as medical supplies and publications. 25%
Assists in maintaining adequate supplies for the unit. Prepares emergency packages for department supplies as needed. Adequately and appropriately record and process all received purchases. Periodically requires going off campus for purchases. Makes copies, scans documents, files hard copy and electronic data as required. 10%
Assists in receiving mail and delivers mail and maintains office equipment; retrieves packages as needed; types letters and receiving reports for staff as needed. 10%
Prepares and submits facility work orders as needed. Follows up on work order status and maintains work order reports. Provides clear communication between the unit and maintenance department and outside vendors such as Xerox. 10%
Communicates and distributes all required information regarding department business inquiries, activities and projects to team lead or managers. Ensures communication in the department to appropriate areas (Security, Director, nursing, social services, psychiatry, etc.). Leads and assists Clerks as needed. 10%
Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. 5%
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of office procedures and basic clerical duties.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office systems to include TEAMs, Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
Ability to organize information both orally and in writing.
Ability to utilize and evaluate various databases effectively.
Ability to communicate accurately and tactfully both orally and in writing.
Ability to prioritize and manage tasks effectively, producing work on time, no or minimal errors.
Ability to effectively use automated office systems, equipment and basic computer software.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Must possess valid Texas driver's license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date. Applicants with an out-of-state driver's license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving license. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy
Initial Screening Criteria:
At least twelve (12) months of experience in a professional administrative, clerical, customer service, reception, or office support role.
Experience using Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and other office software applications.
Experience interacting with customers, visitors, patients, volunteers, or the general public preferred.
Experience in healthcare, public service, community relations, volunteer services, hospitality, or customer service environments preferred
Additional Information:
Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.
Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.
Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.
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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor's Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.
ADA Accommodations:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:
Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form
Telework Disclaimer:
This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.