Switchboard Job Listing at Texas Health and Human Services in Abilene, TX (Job ID 18988-en_US)

Description

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: Switchboard 
Job Title: Receptionist I 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Switchboard 
Posting Number: 18988 
Closing Date: 08/15/2026 
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: Evenings (Second); Nights (Third); Weekends 
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: Abilene State Supported Living Center 
Job Location City: ABILENE 
Job Location Address: 2501 MAPLE ST 
Other Locations: Abilene 
MOS Codes: 0100,0111,0170,3372,15P,3F5X1,42A,56M,741X,8A200,PERS,RP,SN,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence. 

The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers

If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!

The Receptionist I performs routine (journey-level). Work involves limited latitude for the use of initiative and

independent judgment in carrying out administrative phases of the work, such as answering phones, preparing

visitor logs and reports, reviewing mail, providing information and instructions to personnel, and visitors. This

position exercises vigilance in maintaining confidential patient census information, requires tact in receiving

visitors, exercises initiative and good judgment in resolving visitor questions and providing maps.  Accurately

takes messages and transfers callers to appropriate personnel.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be required 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.

Provides prompt and professional telephone support by greeting callers, addressing general inquiries, and accurately routing calls to the appropriate staff to ensure effective communication and service delivery. Takes and relays messages, while coordinating and scheduling appointments to ensure organized and timely operations.

Ensures accurate documentation by maintaining detailed phone and visitor logs, supporting efficient tracking, reporting, and security procedures.

Provides guidance to callers and visitors by identifying and referring them to relevant services or resources available through other agencies or organizations, ensuring they receive accurate and timely assistance.  

Welcomes visitors with a friendly and professional demeanor, ensures proper check-in procedures, and promptly notifies appropriate staff of visitors' arrival. Assists visitors by distributing required forms and information. Forwards completed forms to the relevant staff to support efficient workflow and communication.

Maintains a clean, organized, and welcoming front desk and lobby area, ensuring it is stocked with necessary materials, creating a professional and welcoming environment for visitors and staff. Notifies security of any suspicious activity or unruly visitors. Assists in safeguarding documents in receptionist care and control and abiding by all federal and state privacy laws, state hospital policies in the course of duties.

Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of modern phone equipment to include voice over Internet protocol and pbx equipment.

Skill in the use of standard agency computer hardware and software such as Microsoft Office Suite.       

Skill in organizing documents, electronically and hard copy.

Skill in managing multiple priorities.       

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers, staff, peers, management and external contacts      

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

Education equivalent to a high school degree

OR

At least one year of paid work experience in a receptionist or clerical position

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 Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).

Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.

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.