Network Specialist II

Texas Health and Human Services; Houston (TX); Remote; USD 45,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in Houston seeks a Network Specialist II to oversee LAN/WAN operations, provide frontline PC support, and ensure network reliability and security.

The role offers full-time hours with potential telework per agency policy and requires strong troubleshooting skills, Windows desktop support experience, and proficiency in Active Directory and SCCM.

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting Microsoft Windows desktop Operating System in a local or wide area network environment.
• Experience working in a trouble ticket resolution environment, such as Remedy or Helix.
• Experience in Active Directory.
• Experience providing desktop support.

Responsibilities

• Serve as front line technical support staff for PC workstation hardware, software, and connectivity to network or telecommunications systems.
• Install, monitor, and maintain LAN services and assist WAN equipment support. Monitor performance and liaise with DCS vendor to ensure service levels, plus basic server duties.
• Install and maintain hardware and software on agency workstations; manage patch levels and security software.
• Provide user training and support on network, data and telecommunications hardware and policies.
• Evaluate new software and upgrades and recommend network enhancements.
• Support disaster recovery or COOP activation and may require alternate shift patterns.

Skills

Verbal & written communication

Troubleshooting

Time management

Team collaboration

Tools

SCCM

Active Directory

Windows OS

Job description

Date: Nov 3, 2026

Location: HOUSTON, 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: Network Specialist II

Job Title: Network Specialist II

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Reg Office Supp DSHS 4.2.5

Posting Number: 23000

Closing Date: 12/03/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Computer and Mathematical

Salary Range: $4,020.33 - $5,178.00

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19

Shift: Day

Additional Shift: Days (First)

Telework

Travel:

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location

Job Location City: HOUSTON

Job Location Address: 5425 POLK ST

Other Locations

MOS Codes: 0605,0620,0630,0631,0639,0670,0699,0784,1721,1723,1799,2611,2659,5974,6694,17C,17C0,17DX,17S,17SX

181X,182X,18E,1B4X1,1D7X1,1D7X3,1N2X1,255A,255N,255S,255Z,25B,25D,25H,25U,25X,26A,26B,26Z,35T,514A

5COX1D,5C0X1N,5C0X1S,681X,682X,781X,782X,CTI,CTM,CTT,CWT,CYB10,CYB11,ET,ISM,IT,ITS

In accordance with DSHS Guiding Principles and universal expectations of personal responsibility, under moderate direction of IT Operations - Health Services Region IT Support Group Manager, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, performs complex work overseeing activities associated with Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area network (WAN), and the selection and evaluation of components for data telecommunications networks. Performs network design and installation, training, and evaluation of potential network enhancements. Perform customer support activities. Responsible for compliance with applicable policies, standards, guidelines, and procedures of DSHS, HHSC, and DIR. This position is classified as a fulltime position (40 hours a week). Work outside of regular hours may be required. Travel to other work location may be required. Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• (40%) Serve as front line technical support staff for local and remote personnel to obtain technical support for PC workstation hardware, software, and connectivity to network or telecommunications systems. Working closely with other with team members, perform PC desktop support, troubleshoot and repair hardware and software, making appropriate documentation within the assigned Help Desk system, and other technical issues in a timely manner and according to Service Level Agreement (SLA) standards.
• (25%) Install, monitor, and maintain hardware providing Local Area network (LAN) services. Assist in support of Wide Area Network (WAN) equipment and services. Hardware support includes cable, hub/switch installations, limited router support, and related physical and logical structures. Monitor performance of, and act as liaison to, the Data Center Services (DCS) vendor to ensure service levels for network server hardware and operating systems, as well as backup and recovery services. Perform limited server duties, such as the addition of new users to the network and establishment of rights and privileges, and other functions as indicated as agency responsibilities not covered in the DCS scope.
• (20%) Install and maintain hardware and software on agency workstations and other systems as assigned. Maintain patch levels, connectivity, and sufficient security software and protections as needed to enable customers to adequately perform their responsibilities safely.
• (5%) Perform limited instruction and user support for customer staff and/or local partner agencies, on available network, data and telecommunications hardware, application software, utilities and procedures. Instructs customers, in groups or individually, on use of IT systems as well as DSHS computer usage policies as needed.
• (5%) Conduct product evaluations for new software and upgrades to existing software, identifying the potential benefits to the agency. Identify and recommend enhancements to network facilities.
• (5%) 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)

• Personal computer hardware and software
• Network operating systems and security software
• SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager)
• Service Level Agreements
• Troubleshooting and repairing IT related hardware and software

Skill In

• Verbal and written communication
• Installing and maintaining Windows Operating systems, Active Directory, and Microsoft Office Suites

Ability To

• Translate technical and industry terms into non-technical language for training and orientation
• Recognize, analyze, and resolve network problems
• Organize and prioritize work
• Work in a team environment, as well as to recognize technical limitations and seek competent assistance when needed
• Move computer/telecommunications equipment
• Work more than 8-5, M-F
• Adhere to HHS Guiding Principles, Code of Ethics, and Universal Expectation for Personal Responsibility

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria

• Experience in supporting Microsoft Windows desktop Operating System in a local or wide area network environment.
• Experience working in a trouble ticket resolution environment, such as Remedy or Helix.
• Experience in Active Directory.
• Experience providing desktop support.

Additional Information

• Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual.
• Selected candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• Selected candidate must be willing to commute to the office on the required days.
• 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: Houston