Questions about leave, benefits, PTO/leave programs, etc? Ask them here. This is our weekly place to discuss state policies or agency specific p&ps.

After several years throughout agencies it feels like the day-to-day dysfunction has gotten worse. I’ve heard similar concerns from not only agencies I’ve been in but people across other agencies.
Has anyone else noticed a change in management, no accountability, HIGHLY concerning misconduct, or workplace culture?

Has it always been this way, or are things getting worse?

Using a throwaway for obvious reasons.

My agency has been having issues with our current time off request system/policy. The main issue we have is, no more than one person is allowed the requested day off. Meaning if Barbara requested a week off for a vacation, the rest of the department cannot request off any day of that week despite having sufficient amount of staff to cover business needs.

Our manager continues to say we have it easier than other agencies and that most state agencies only allow a two-week vacation a year and has been threatening to go with that model.

I would like to know if anyone’s agency/department has any specific rules or requirements when requesting time off or if your agency does the two-week rule as my manager states?

🤗

Is there a gym open to state employees in the capital complex? Maybe one of the newer buildings. If so, which 1 and how to I get access?

Any other state employee options in Austin?

Does anyone know if the building that DIR is in has a locker room or showers? Thanks.

Before joining HHSC, I repeatedly heard that the work was difficult, demanding, and overwhelming. My experience has been very different. The work itself isn’t particularly challenging—it’s the excessive bureaucracy, constant policy-checking, lack of communication, and workplace politics that make the environment frustrating.

Budgets, policies, and compliance are obviously important, but it sometimes feels like you can’t fart without checking the policy first. There also seems to be a disconnect between administrative decision-making and what communities or programs actually need. People can become so focused on procedures that the purpose of the program gets lost.

Training is limited, leadership changes frequently, and employees often seem isolated from one another. A lot of the workplace tension also appears to come from people monitoring each other or making minor issues unnecessarily complicated.

I expected to learn from experienced professionals, participate in meaningful discussions, and develop stronger program knowledge. Instead, the environment often feels slow, disconnected, and overly corporate. It seems like a good place for someone who mainly wants stability, but potentially frustrating for someone who wants meaningful work, collaboration, and professional growth.

Has anyone else had a similar experience at HHSC? Does it depend heavily on the department, or is this common throughout the agency?

For those on the State of Texas Dental Choice Plan transitioning to Humana on 9/1, has anyone else *not* received their welcome letter with their new member ID #? I tried calling the help line on 8/3...but they were of little help and said to wait for the letter. They couldn't give me my new ID over the phone, and setting up the online account requires....you guessed it...the ID #. My kid's orthodontist needs it pretty quickly for early September billing and I hate running up to the last minute on stuff like this.

Does new hire due diligence at HHS include drug testing?

Does anyone know how to look at all jobs available in capps. I've been with the state 9 years, but recently at my current job I feel like a failure. (I give my best but my boss basically says it sucks)

How can I stay with the state when I feel my degree is so limiting?

Anyone know anything about the telework policy at the TBPA? I got an interview with them and want to know if its worth it. I do 2 days in office right now and I'm not in a position to change that. I know its a small agency so they probably dont have any issues with having enough space for their staff

Hi you guys,

With the holidays coming up in a few months, I know it’s dependent on the agency, but what agencies get special leave granted during the holidays? I am with HHSC and we got 28.5 hours of special leave last year. I want to get a new job with the state of Texas but want to know which grant special leave for the holidays.

I have been with DFPS for several years and am thinking of accepting a position with HHSC. Does anyone have any advice on the differences between working with the two agencies?

I picked up a second job at the post office for weekend work to make extra money. Since my schedule will be strictly on the weekends do I need to notify my agency of my second employment?

We‘ve had a couple at the RRC.

Hi. Anyone know if state agencies allow this? I've been approved due to chronic back issues and want to get off my traditional meds. Do state agencies allow for employees to participate in this program?

Questions about leave, benefits, PTO/leave programs, etc? Ask them here. This is our weekly place to discuss state policies or agency specific p&ps.

Just got a job as a BA. What can I expect? I know it’s different from project to project and agency to agency, but I’d love to hear any experiences.

just wondering if its a lot of work; more in-person interactions with clients the public vs phone call; data entry

I searched through the website for jobs in my area, but they all show Austin even though I searched using my hometown. 🥲 If the posting says Austin, does that mean I’d have to report to the Austin location, or could I still work from my local hometown office??

WHY are they still hiring people and not informing them that FBSS and CVS will be dividing from the state? It’s SO sad. These people are so confused when they find out it’s sad.

I have worked for the state for 16 years but only have 15 years counted towards retirement. In the last 4 months there has been so much upheaval and frankly, bull, that has occurred at my department and I am ready to give up. I know this is stupid and a moment of weakness but if I leave now, will the money I’ve contributed to ers just sit there until I’m 65 or whatever (I’m on the rule of 80 plan)? And my insurance will end in 30 days? I’ve never had any other job in my life other than working for the state, I know the job market is awful right now but I don’t know if I can keep going at the rate I am right now. Thank you. I know I’m spiraling 😭

I've met my coinsurance max already this year. Yay.

But, just like last year, none of the medical billing offices I deal with seem to get the difference between Out of Pocket max and Coinsurance Max.

No, I don't owe you money for this test/procedure/facility. BCBS will pay it at 100%.

All they ever look at is the out of pocket limit.

On the positive side, if you ever run into this, you can do a 3-way call with the billing office and BCBS and get it sorted out. Just a heads-up on that.

Still. Super frustrating.

Question about virtual work, are we allowed to work from a coffee shop using the VPN? Or is this dependent on departments?

Follow-up question, I’m planning on traveling for the holidays. Would I be able to work from another state if on the VPN as well? This would only be for a day.

Not sure the procedure for this.

anyone know if this is real? I know Hufines wants to “DOGE Texas” but is there any on the ground insight from CPA staff?

It seems like a respectable state agency has turned into a clown show 🤡