Receptionist I

Texas Health and Human Services; Vernon (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employee health insurance (full‑t

Defined benefit pension

Generous time off benefits

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services is seeking a Receptionist I at Vernon State Hospital in Vernon, Texas. The role supports routine administrative tasks, answers inquiries, and assists staff with office operations.

The position requires reliable, customer-focused individuals able to work evenings and weekends as needed. The successful candidate will manage phones, greet visitors, maintain records, and ensure smooth information flow across departments.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of general clerical support experience.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities with accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily office operations and equipment (printers, scanners, etc.).
• Oversee appointments, calendars, filing, and correspondence.
• Greet visitors and respond to inquiries professionally.
• Monitor reception area and maintain a welcoming environment.

Skills

Office practices

MS Office

Organizational skills

Multi-tasking

Communication

Customer service

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Date: Oct 1, 2026

Location:

VERNON, 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: Receptionist I

Job Title: Receptionist I

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Switchboard

Posting Number: 22013

Closing Date: 10/15/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Healthcare Support

Salary Range: $2,481.75 - $3,404.91

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-A-09

Shift: Evening

Additional Shift: Days (First); Evenings (Second); Nights (Third); Weekends

Telework: Not Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 10%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location: Vernon State Hospital

Job Location City: VERNON

Job Location Address: 4730 COLLEGE DR

Other Locations: Vernon

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 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 correspondence, preparing documents and reports, reviewing mail, providing information and instructions to personnel, and performing receptionist duties. Work involves performing tasks requiring knowledge of and use of a computer and its programs. Exercises vigilance in maintaining confidential files and reports, tact in receiving visitors, and judgment in assembling and organizing information for the supervisor, and responsible for backup of secretarial tasks of the unit. Exercises initiative and judgment in determining individual methods and practices for work situations. The Receptionist I provides administrative assistance with tasks and information and assumes responsibility for ongoing assignments.

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 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.

• Manage daily operation and maintenance of office equipment, including printers, copiers, scanners, fax machines, and related systems. Diagnose and troubleshoot equipment malfunctions; coordinate repairs and vendor service when necessary. Monitor equipment performance and recommend upgrades or replacements as needed. Maintain inventory of supplies and replacement parts; ensure timely reordering. Develop and implement procedures for proper equipment use and care. Train staff members on correct operation, safety practices, and basic troubleshooting techniques. (20%)
• Lead the management of office supply inventory by anticipating departmental needs, streamlining ordering processes, and implementing cost-effective strategies that reduce waste, optimize resources, and lower overall supply expenses while ensuring uninterrupted operations. (15%)
• Lead the management of appointments and calendars while overseeing filing, faxing, and office correspondence, streamlining workflows, ensuring accurate communication, and supporting efficient, uninterrupted daily operations. (15%)
• Oversee the maintenance and stocking of reception and common areas, implementing efficient processes to ensure they remain clean, organized, and welcoming, reinforcing a professional office environment and enhancing the visitor and staff experience. (15%)
• Welcomes and greets visitors in a warm and friendly manner, and answer any questions visitors have Screens incoming calls, routes them appropriately, and accurately records and delivers messages. Respond to all customer inquiries in a polite and timely manner. (10%)
• Maintain office security by following safety procedures and controlling access via the reception desk (monitor logbook, issue visitor badges). Identify and address potential security gaps at the reception desk improving access control processes and enhancing overall work place safety. (10%)
• Effectively manages administrative operations by preparing documentation, assigning and tracking work, maintaining accurate logs, completing required reports, and coordinating training room schedules to support departmental productivity. (10%)
• Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but is 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 modern office practices, procedures, and office machines/equipment.
• Skill in the use of standard agency computer hardware and software such as Microsoft Office Suite.
• Skill in organizing and prioritizing workload.
• 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

If transporting patients, must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state driver license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.

Initial Screening Criteria

• Applicant must have a verifiable working history of at least 2 years’ experience in providing general clerical support or other service-oriented positions.
• Applicant must also indicate that you are willing to work hours other than 8-5 and that you are willing to work weekends.

Additional Information

This position must be able to work any shift, (0700-1500, 1500-2300, 2300-0700) with little to no notice. THIS WILL INCLUDE WEEKENDS, AND HOLIDAYS. APPLICANT MUST BE ABLE TO WORK BACK-TO-BACK SHIFTS WHEN REQUIRED. Flexibility and reliability are essential.

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.

Nearest Major Market: Wichita Falls