Network Specialist II

Network Specialist II

Are you ready to be professionally challenged? Are you looking to be part of a dynamic team of engaged and committed professionals?

Then the Health and Specialty Care System (HSCS) may be just the place for you! The State Hospital System, under the HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals located throughout the state and one youth residential psychiatric center in Waco. The HSCS is a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission.

The hospitals provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and evidence-based. Whether in a direct-care or support role, your contribution will make a difference in the life of a Texan. Apply now to join our team.

The state of Texas offers many benefits (https://hhs.texas.gov/about-hhs/jobs-hhs) to employees. HHSC is a qualifying organization for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service), which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments. We also offer excellent health benefits (https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance/Health-BenefitsL), a lifetime monthly retirement annuity (https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance/Retirement) as well as 401(k) and 457 Programs (https://ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Retirement/Texa$aver-401(k)-457-Program ) under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

In accordance with HHSC Guiding Principles and universal expectations of personal responsibility, under moderate direction of HSCS Information Technology Customer Service and Support (IT CSS) State Hospital Branch 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). 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 HHSC, and DIR (Department of Information Resources). This position is classified as a full-time position (40 hours a week). Work outside of regular hours may be required. Travel to other work locations may be required. Performs other duties as assigned. Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular basis and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

(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 the use of IT systems as well as HHSC 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. Assisting in responding to public health needs including, but not limited to, disease outbreaks, biological, environmental, and weather emergencies, and perform other related duties as assigned (marginal functions). Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of network facilities and data processing techniques, of personal computer hardware and software, network operating systems and security software, and of performance monitoring and capacity management tools.

Skill in verbal and written communication, troubleshooting and repairing IT related hardware and software, and in translating technical and industry terms into non-technical language for training and orientation.

Ability to recognize, analyze, and resolve network problems, to train others, and oversee the work of others.

Ability to work in a team environment, as well as to recognize technical limitations and seek competent assistance when needed.

Ability to move computer / telecommunications equipment.

Ability to work more than 8-5, M-F.

Ability to adhere to HHSC guiding principles, codes of ethics, and universal expectations for personal responsibility. Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Initial Selection Criteria:

Experience in supporting Microsoft Windows desktop operating system in a local or wide area network environment.

Experience in providing hands on support for personal computer hardware and peripherals in a local or wide area network environment.

Education in a related field may substitute for the required experience. Additional Information:

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check and pre-employment drug screen. All new hire candidates will be required to receive COVID-19 medical screening (nasal test) as part of the due diligence process.

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.

This position is classified as a full-time position (40 hours a week).

Travel to other work locations may be required.

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

Salary Note: The salary offered will follow the HHS starting salary guidelines which are typically made at or near the minimum of the salary range. MOS Code:

Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 25B, IT, 275, 0171, 3D0X2. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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.

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