Lab Communications, Website & SharePoint Specialist

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.

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Functional Title: Lab Communications, Website & SharePoint Specialist 
Job Title: Information Specialist IV 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Lab Business Operations 
Posting Number: 10010 
Closing Date: 10/21/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, Media 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22 
Salary Range: $5,000.00 - $6,281.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 5% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DBGL) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 4502,4503,4505,4511,4512,4591,8055,165X,35PX,3N0X6,46A,46S,46Z,INF,MC,PA,SEI13 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

This position provides advanced informational and communications work for the Laboratory Business Operations Unit in the Public Health Laboratory Division under the limited supervision of the Staff Services and Communications Group Manager with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position monitors, edits and publishes content on the intranet and internet websites; develops and maintains SharePoint site for the division, administers permissions, creates site pages, trains laboratory staff in the use of SharePoint; and works collaboratively with laboratory teams to develop, implement and enhance internal communications and disseminate information to stakeholders. This position requires collaborative and effective working relationships with a variety of audiences and experience providing technical assistance.

This position is hybrid in-office and telework. Telework schedule is subject to change in accordance with agency telework policies and business needs.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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

EJF 1. Serves as the Assistant Divisional Information Liaison and Web Content Author for the Public Health Laboratory Division with DSHS Web Services, DSHS Center for External Relations, DSHS Communications Unit and HHS IT. Updates the intranet and internet websites for the Division. Ensures content and format meets DSHS Website Management policy and requirements, and HHS Portal Authority compliance standards: branding, hosting, accessibility, security and privacy. Assists with the implementation of projects assigned by DSHS Web Services and HHS IT to meet the goals and priorities of DSHS and the HHS system. Conducts usability assessments and testing of the websites. Evaluates the effectiveness of news, information, illustrative, photographic, or audio-visual content produced by the division. Edits content and images as needed to ensure compliance with agency policy and requirements prior to posting. Performs special projects as assigned. (30%)

EJF 2. Serves as the SharePoint Analyst for the Division SharePoint site to enhance internal communication throughout the Division. Works collaboratively with division staff to implement approved project proposals.  Provides training to division staff identified to manage and maintain respective site page(s). (40%)

EJF 3. Develops and publishes public information on technical issues related to laboratory testing and plans article content for the Laboratory Newsletter. Translates highly technical scientific jargon into plain language for non-technical audiences. Provides support to division staff and develops brochures, publications and other outreach materials for stakeholders. Prepares or edits content, including conducting interviews and consulting with scientists throughout the Division to solicit appropriate article content.  Assures that newsletter articles reach the appropriate audience, highlights the many fields of testing, and improves/facilitates the submission of specimens to the laboratories. Consults with the DSHS Communications Unit to ensure all communications requirements are met prior to publication and distribution. (15%)

EJF 4. Participates in the revision and maintenance of the Laboratory Testing Services Manual (LTSM).  The LTSM serves as a reference guide to providers throughout the state that describes laboratory testing services available, procedures for the submission, collection, and handling of specimens, testing fee schedules, and current procedural terminology (CPT) codes.  Recommends revisions and coordinates with laboratory staff to assure completeness and accuracy. (10%)

EJF 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.  Such participation may require an alternative shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of agency functions, policies, and procedures; news and communication media; various social media platforms; network and internet structure; SharePoint content types, lists, libraries, site columns and workflows; editing and preparing informational material; design principles; and publishing and broadcast industries.

Skill in editorial and design practices; in the use of a computer and applicable software (MS Office Suite, Adobe Suite including Illustrator and Publisher); in developing accessible forms; SharePoint Designer, Java Script and other web content management systems; in complying with accessibility criteria including Section 508 and web content accessibility guidelines; in creating web sites and composing web content; in editing and preparing informational materials; in converting large documents including text, tables and figures into web documents; and in capturing photographs, editing/creating film strips for multiple platforms, and incorporating them into electronic materials.

Ability to research and prepare information; to design communication plans and materials related to the goals and priorities of the agency; to learn laboratory sciences/terms; to compose usable content for websites and social media; to prepare copy and scripts; to design broad communications plans and materials; to learn SharePoint site owner responsibilities, including the development/maintenance of sites/subsites and the administration of user/group permissions; to communicate effectively; to work independently and as part of a team; to establish and maintain effective working relationships; to handle multiple assignments simultaneously; and to oversee the work of others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Experience in communications, journalism, public relations, public information or media relations required.
2. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in communications, journalism, public relations, advertising, or a related field preferred.
3. Experience with web content management systems preferred.
4. Experience with Microsoft SharePoint administration preferred.

Additional Information:

Applicants must indicate how they meet the initial selection criteria on the State of Texas Application in the summary of experience.

Interviews will be conducted in person.

Successful candidates will be required to complete an in-basket exercise.

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