Job Security with the State of Texas HHS

[ashbeeigh]

Originally Posted by Lostandold

Are there challenges to getting promoted?

I’m not in the state so I wouldn’t know.

[Trainwreck20]

Originally Posted by Lostandold

Are there challenges to getting promoted?

Yes/no/maybe?

It really depends on the position, the agency, current level, etc.

If you come in at entry level and are motivated and capable, you can generally move up a level (team leader) or two (section manager) in a few years. Lower-level employees tend to have a higher percentage of 'short timers' that stay for a few years and then head into the private sector (raises hand). After that, it can get more difficult due to the fact that many people are career state employees once they get to the higher levels and there are just fewer spots opening up. A hypothetical 'level 3' (deputy director, maybe, or possibly called a program manager), though, can be managed if that is your goal, since you are starting to enter the political atmosphere. You probably have to be in good with the director, but still largely capability based and not entirely political.

For longer term and valuable employees that are not suited to management or not interested in management, there are often 'off-shoot' positions. Where I was, they were called technical specialists and probably got paid more similar to a team lead or possibly a section manager? I am not really sure.

If you really want to subject yourself to higher levels (director), you need to be able to 'play the game'. While not required, it helps to be an Aggie. You need to know how to compartmentalize and a good 'legal mind' helps - figuring out how to do what is required (often by law) and also satisfy your superiors (who often contradict what the law requires).

Anyway, I ramble. This was all based on what I saw at the TCEQ (then the TNRCC), which is a fairly technical agency. From what I know from people at other agencies, it is at least similar.

[Brown Darby]

Originally Posted by Lostandold

Are there challenges to getting promoted?

I don't work in IT but my department at HHS offers opportunities for entry level to work toward project management level. From what I know about the agency, they like people who are willing to lead. That means other than being dependable having multiple certifications, so you are eligible for these leadership roles.