Instructional Design Support Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

3d•$4,020 - $6,336•Hybrid

About The Position

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. The Health and Specialty Care System (HSCS) serves 27 facilities in Texas with over 18,000 employees who provide care to individuals with mental illness and intellectual disabilities. HSCS Competency, Training, and Development (CTD) is part of the Staff Support Services (SSS) team in the Business Operations Unit. The HSCS CTD team supports facility CTD Departments by providing in-person, virtual, and hybrid training content as requested; creating and maintaining instructor-led and computer-based training and curriculum; responding to inquiries; providing guidance based on state mandates and HHS/HSCS policies and procedures; keeping accurate and up-to-date materials and records; managing and reporting data; certifying facility instructors; and facilitating division-wide training. As part of the HSCS CTD team, the Instructional Designer and Program Specialist III will provide exceptional customer service to the HSCS facilities while collaborating with subject matter experts and instructional designers to design and develop instructor-led and computer-based training for multi-generational and multi-cultural facility staff. This role will also assist with program coordination and management for division-wide training programs. The ideal candidate has excellent verbal and written communication skills, is extremely proficient with software programs used for instructional development, and values innovation, creativity, and continuous process improvement. This individual will have experience working in a residential behavioral health or an in-patient psychiatric setting, and will thrive when working independently and as part of a team and will stay abreast of current evidence-informed training best practices. An in-basket exercise will be part of the interview process.

Requirements

Knowledge and understanding of adult learning principles, instructional design models, and learning theories.
Knowledge of various training delivery methods, including in-person, virtual, and blended learning.
Knowledge of HHSC/HSCS policies, procedures, and training requirements.
Writing clear, concise, and grammatically accurate content that can be used for instructor guides, learner handouts, presentations, eLearning scripts, assessments, job aids, etc.
Editing and proofreading documents to ensure consistency, accuracy, proper formatting, and alignment with HSCS/CTD style expectations.
Structuring written communication logically, using appropriate organization, visual hierarchy, and formatting to enhance readability and learning effectiveness.
Skill in formulating learning objectives and creating engaging curriculum and training materials with content tailored to diverse audiences and learning styles.
Skill in providing interactive and engaging training sessions, workshops, and webinars.
Proficient in use of training technologies.
Ability to manage multiple training projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adhere to project timelines.
Ability to effectively work both independently and collaboratively as a member of the Competency, Training, & Development team.
Ability to provide excellent customer service to HSCS leadership and facility staff.
Ability to become a certified instructor in Basic Life Support (BLS), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Forklift Operation, Van Driving, and a Behavior Risk Management Program, which may require a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and physical abilities that include lifting at least 55 pounds.
Ability to lift and transport training materials (up to 55 pounds) for workshops or events.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in English, instructional design, education, human resources, organizational development, or related field is preferred.
At least 2 years’ experience as a trainer or instructional designer.
At least 2 years’ experience working in a residential behavioral health or an inpatient psychiatric environment.
Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year for year basis.
Must live in Texas.

Responsibilities

Develops and refines instructional content by drafting, formatting, and proofing training materials to ensure clarity, grammatical accuracy, visual appeal, and consistency with instructional design standards.
Collaborates with subject matter experts and team members to formulate learning objectives, assess training needs, and create or revise instructional content based on collaborative feedback.
Reviews and evaluates training and curriculum to identify challenges, recommend improvements, and support continuous quality enhancement.
Delivers high-quality instructor-led training sessions in person, virtually, or in a hybrid environment, using effective classroom management techniques, adapting to the audience’s needs and learning styles, and ensuring active participant engagement and knowledge retention.
Assists with design, coordination, and delivery of all Training Programs.
Participates in evaluating training and curriculum to identify challenges and opportunities with a focus on continuous improvement.
Coordinates scheduling and logistics with stakeholders and prepares classrooms to create optimal learning environments.
Stays up to date on all laws, rules, policies, and procedures related to training and industry best practices.

Benefits

100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
Defined benefit pension plan
Generous time off benefits
Numerous opportunities for career advancement
Medical insurance paid at 100% for eligible full-time employees and 50% for eligible dependents
15 paid holidays per year
8 hours of sick leave accrued monthly for full-time employees
8 hours of vacation leave accrued monthly for full-time employees (increasing with years of service)
Defined benefit pension plan with lifetime annuities
Professional development opportunities