Access Control Specialist

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.

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 nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The 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 Access Control Specialist performs advanced (senior-level) installation, repair, remodel, and maintenance as part of the Electronic Access Control and Locksmith department. Work involves requisitioning material and supplies, maintaining records that are required by regulatory agencies, work on manual locks, fire doors, automated locks, locking systems, security devices, door closers and hardware, and electronic access control systems. Processes paperwork related to work orders, projects, and material requisitions. Acts as lead worker, providing training and guidance to others; assigns, and/or prioritizes workload. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

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 asked 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.

Performs installation, repair, remodel, and maintenance of manual and automated locks, locking systems and security devices, door closers and hardware. Re-key manual locks as needed to remedy lock failure as soon as possible to maintain campus security for entry or egress. Re-key manual locks as needed to accommodate changing facility needs, providing corresponding keys to appropriate staff as deemed appropriate and approved.

Installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of all electronic access control hardware. Maintains workstations and entering database for badge privileges for existing and new hire employees, electronic lock sets, card readers, access cards, external perimeter entries, panic alarms, and badge printer when requested.

Processes, maintains, and reviews all access control maintenance records including work orders, projects, and material requisitions (electronic and paper-based) for completeness and accuracy. Documentation audits are conducted as it relates to format, frequency, and process. Ensures all required documentation is present/scanned in each record and that records are maintained in the proper format.

Administration of electronic access control system software, to include end-user workstation support. Demonstrates knowledge of an access control system including Windows administration, setup, and technical support. Expertise in electronic access control system end-user software setup, programming, and administration including making changes to the database to add and remove employee access. Conduct routine and periodic audits of end-user access, generating reports as requested by management.

Conducts inspections on contractor work to ensure adherence to facility requests, while also identifying any operational issues and system deterioration through performance evaluations of contracted work. Establish regular monitoring schedules to promptly identify and address repair and adjustment needs while facilitating effective communication and guidance to contractors throughout the process on contractual deliverables.

Maintains safe and uninterrupted services to campus operations and programs systems. Recognizes improper operation and deterioration of the system utilizing operational standards and system performance evaluations. Establishes periodic scheduled monitoring to access and address any need for repairs and adjustments. Perform after-hour emergency work on manual and automatic lock systems and electronic access controls systems when required in compliance with departmental requirements.

Communicates daily over email and phone correspondence with necessary management or staff, meeting with any/all departments to plan projects or requests, work order management, maintaining an accurate inventory of system keys, and ensuring the supervisory chain is aware of any requests that deviate from standard protocol.

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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of the repair, maintenance, and operations of manual and automated locks, locking systems and security devices, door closers and hardware.

Knowledge of industrial safety, fire, and life safety regulations.

Skills in the use of hand tools, power tools, and locksmithing tools.

Skills in preventative maintenance and inspections of buildings and building lock systems.

Ability to perform maintenance, follow instructions, and estimate materials.

Ability to apply proper methods, techniques, and procedures in the maintenance and repair of manual and automated locks, locking systems and security devices, door closers, various door hardware, and combination/electronic safes.

Ability to interpret drawings, schematics, or sketches.

Ability to organize preventive maintenance programs.

Ability to provide direction to others.

Ability to work independently or with a team.

Ability to work harmoniously with co-workers and other facility staff.

Ability to solve problems, make decisions and use good judgment.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to effectively operate key management software, electronic access control software, Microsoft Office suite, and Microsoft operating systems.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

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:

Graduation from a standard senior high school or equivalent, supplemented by vocational training in a designated trade, is generally preferred; OR

Four (4) years of experience in electronic access systems, construction, maintenance, locksmithing, or repair work.

At least three (3) years of experience maintaining commercial buildings preferred.

Additional Information:

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 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.