Congenital Syphilis Program Specialist IV

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

Brief Job Description:

The Congenital Syphilis Program Specialist IV performs a variety of tasks under the direction of the HIV/STD/HCV Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit Director and the Congenital Syphilis Team Lead related to the management of STD investigational data including congenital syphilis, database maintenance, report tracking, data entry, and quality assurance. This position will aid in development of short-term, mid-term and long-term goals and objectives, and the development of standards for achieving strategic operational goals. Exercises independent judgment and professional discretion with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment to administrate, advise, plan, and coordinate duties.

Position is eligible for telework within the state of Texas, and requires one (1) day in the Austin area office per week.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

(50%) Assists congenital syphilis epidemiologists by performing syphilis and congenital syphilis data remediation, deduplication and approvals. Provides guidance to surveillance sites regarding medical chart abstractions for congenital syphilis. Aids local and regional health departments regarding reporting for congenital syphilis surveillance. Assists local and regional health departments in workflow management for congenital syphilis surveillance.

(20%) Provides consultative services and technical assistance to regional and local STD jurisdictions in accordance with state and national goals to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of data gathered. Identifies and addresses training needs of local and regional STD jurisdictions, and aids in the evaluation of the effectiveness of program systems to improve accuracy, prevision, completeness, fidelity, and efficacy of data matches, electronic case reporting and reporting to CDC.

(10%) Coordinates the interstate communications necessary to ensure the reporting and investigation of potential HIV and STD cases including congenital syphilis cases and syphilis cases among persons of childbearing capacity which transverse state boundaries are complete and timely. Conducts out of state record searches for HIV and STD cases, including congenital syphilis. Sends field records for out of state contacts of HIV/STD cases diagnosed in Texas. Initiates incoming field records for public health follow up for partners of out of state HIV/STD cases.

(10%) Provides technical assistance to contractors for the data entry of provider reports and paper labs to ensure efficiency and timeliness of the project.

(10%) 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):

Skill in organizing and interpreting data, preparing reports, delivering public health information in presentations.

Ability to work with others to resolve complex issues.

Experience with word processing, database software applications, and spreadsheet software applications.

Knowledge of infectious diseases and their processes, specifically HIV and STDs. 

Ability to train and provide technical assistance to improve the quality of data collection and data entry.

Skill in verbal and written communication.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

 N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in social science, computer science, statistical analysis, behavioral science, biostatistics or related field. Graduate level degree with a concentration in social science, statistical analysis, behavioral science, biostatistics, social work or public health preferred.  Years of experience in applicable public health programs such as chronic or infectious disease may substitute for education on a year-by-year basis. Experience with the development, data extraction, and maintenance of databases. Experience with public health, surveillance, and infectious disease control preferred. Experience with survey development, data collection, data presentations to varied audiences, and data dissemination processes.

Additional Information:

In addition to rewarding, meaningful work, DSHS offers a variety of benefits, which can be found at https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance, and generous leave based on years of service. A list of State of Texas holidays is available at: http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Holidays. Occasional overtime and extended hours may be required. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. 

SALARY NOTE: Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual Chapter 7. 

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 for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form