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: Receptionist I
Job Title: Receptionist I
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Switchboard
Posting Number: 20306
Closing Date: 11/26/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Office and Administrative Support
Salary Range: $2,481.75 - $3,404.91
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary 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: Big Spring State Hospital
Job Location City: BIG SPRING
Job Location Address: 1901 N HIGHWAY 87
Other Locations: Big Spring
MOS Codes: 0100,0111,0170,3372,15P,3F5X1,42A,56M,741X,8A200,PERS,RP,SN,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 Receptionist responds to all calls coming into the switchboard console and assists visitors of the hospital. Usually, the first employee to meet and/or greets consumers or visitors of the hospital. Will be working under the general supervision of the Switchboard Program Supervisor with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. All completion work requires use of established methods and/or techniques with decisions being simple and based on well-defined guidelines.

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.

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.

Answers and transfers calls coming into switchboard console

Monitors fire alarm panels and makes announcements, as necessary

Assists visitors, patients, and family members and directs to appropriate location

Communicates with staff and/or patients via the P.A. system

Attends and participates in all mandatory training

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of office procedures: administrative, clerical, and data entry procedures and systems.

Skill in operating a telephone and receptionist clerical work

Skill in using a personal computer, office equipment, and operating a multi-line switchboard console.

Ability to transfer incoming calls to appropriate destinations, to greet and direct visitors, and to communicate effectively

Ability to maintain files/records and prepare reports and data entry procedures and systems

Ability to transfer incoming calls to appropriate personnel, to communicate effectively, and to greet and direct visitors.

Ability to prepare and maintain records, files, and reports.

Able to demonstrate professionalism when dealing with all contacts and ability to understand confidentiality.

Ability to work as a team member.

Ability to communicate effectively, to greet and direct visitors and train others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

Twelve months experience in operating an office telephone system or switchboard/console and in receptionist, clerical or data entry work.

Must have experience in the use of computer programs such as Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word.

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.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

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.

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