Employee Relations Specialist

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

Health insurance for employees

Pension plan

Generous time off

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is seeking an Employee Relations Specialist to lead complex HR issues, including FMLA/Parental leave coordination and compliance with state and federal regulations.

Daily responsibilities include advising managers and staff, evaluating leave policies, conducting investigations, and ensuring timely, confidential handling of sensitive information in a hybrid on-site/telework environment in Austin, TX.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a four-year college with major work in HR, business or public administration.
• Experience in human resources or closely related field.
• Experience with Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and leave policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Advise managers on HR issues including, but not limited to selections, drug testing, background checks, leave issues, workplace violence, conflicts of interest, and workers’ compensation in accordance with rules and policies.
• Coordinate benefit and compensation actions including promotions, merit raises and transfers with compliance to criteria.
• Review criminal history information with guidance to managers on eligibility and requirements.
• Respond to inquiries and advise on FMLA, Parental Leave and related policies.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Conflict resolution

Relationship management

Planning

MS Office

Analytical thinking

Confidentiality

Policy interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR, business, or public administration

Job description

Date: Aug 20, 2026

Location:

AUSTIN, 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: Employee Relations Specialist Job Title: Human Resources Spclst V Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: HR STAFF Posting Number: 20315 Closing Date: 09/19/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations Salary Range: $5,425.33 - $5,425.33 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24 Shift: Day Additional Shift Telework: Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 5% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Facility Location: Job Location City: AUSTIN Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST Other Locations: MOS Codes: 0102,0111,0147,0170,0171,4801,4802,4803,4804,4810,4821,8411,8412,8421,8422,8840,120X,168X,38FX,3F0X1 3F3X1,3F4X1,3F5X1,3G0X1,420A,42A,42B,42H,641X,70F,741X,79R,79S,79T,79V,83R0,87Q0,8R000,8R200,8R300 99G0,NC,NCC,NCR,PERS,PS,RCM10,SEI11,YN,YNS

Brief Job Description

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Human Resources (HR) Employee Relations Specialist performs advanced (senior-level) human resources work and is responsible for day-to‑day employee relations and administration of Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Parental leave coordination and reviews. Work involves analysis, problem solving, conflict resolution, policy interpretation and providing advice, guidance and consultation to managers and employees with the goal of minimizing legal risk and ensuring compliance with federal and state laws and regulations and Health and Human Services (HHS) HR policy and procedures.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Consults, provides guidance and makes recommendations on human resources related issues including, but not limited to, selections, drug testing, background checks, leave issues, workplace violence, conflicts of interest, and/or worker’s compensation in accordance with federal and state rules, regulations and statutes and HHS HR policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Coordinates, completes, and/or monitors certain human resource benefit and compensation actions including death claims, promotions, demotions, temporary assignments, management directed transfers, equity adjustments, merit raises, and reinstatements. Ensures compliance with state and agency eligibility criteria and approvals.
• May review criminal history record information obtained from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and Texas Department of Public Safety and provide guidance and employment eligibility determinations to managers for applicants, employees, contractors and volunteers in relation to HHS agency bars to employment and/or contraindications to employment. Consults with agency attorneys as necessary.
• Responds to inquiries and advises management and staff regarding FMLA, Parental Leave, and related leave policies and procedures. Prepares and disseminates information regarding FMLA, Parental Leave and related leave policies and procedures in response to inquiries or as requested.

Knowledge Of

• Human resources management principles, practices, policies, functions, operations, and programs, including employment, compensation, classification, employee relations, benefits, workers’ compensation, and organizational development.
• Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Parental Leave, related employee leave programs, and applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

Skill In

• Oral and written communication, consultation, negotiation, and facilitation with management, staff, and stakeholder groups.
• Building and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external customers through strong customer service and relationship management.
• Planning, organizing, prioritizing, multitasking, and problem solving.
• Using Microsoft Office Suite, computer systems, and software applications.
• Effectively organizing, tracking, and developing written and electronic documents.
• Analytical thinking.
• Defusing conflict, guiding groups to agreement on decisions and maintaining objectivity.
• Interpreting complex human resources policies and procedures.

Ability To

• Plan and coordinate program activities.
• Identify problems and develop solutions.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information and documents.
• Communicate effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing, to explain policies and procedures to employees, managers, and the general public.
• Gather, assemble, correlate, analyze, interpret, and compile data and facts.
• Organize and prioritize workload, manage competing priorities and complex ideas, and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Work cooperatively in a team environment and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Work independently, follow established guidelines, and understand and carry out complex instructions.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in human resources management, business or public administration or a related field is generally preferred. Experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience in human resources or closely related field.
• Experience with the Family Medical Leave Act.
• Experience interpreting and applying human resources and related policies and procedures to employees, managers and the general public.
• Experience advising and counseling management and employees on human resources related issues is preferred.
• Experience entering, updating, retrieving and analyzing data from automated systems.

Additional Information

This position is located in Austin, TX and may allow a hybrid telework schedule with required on‑site work at the HHS North Austin Complex. Telework is subject to change based on business needs and management directives When telework is allowed, it requires reliable personal internet and a workspace that supports the protection of confidential information.

Selected candidate will have to successfully complete any required due diligence/background and reference checks.

Selected candidate must meet Texas Department of Public Safety eligibility criteria to access and administer criminal history record information and accounts.

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.

Nearest Major Market: Austin