Maternal Health Specialist

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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: Maternal Health Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist V 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Maternal & Child Health Prog 
Posting Number: 7790 
Closing Date: 08/20/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Office and Administrative Support 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 
Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $5,888.50 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 20% 
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 (RDM) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,86P0,88A0,88B0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

This Program Specialist V is one of two FTE positions that serve as statewide contacts for maternal mortality and morbidity knowledge and information to provide advanced consultative and technical support to and in collaboration with individuals, communities, community-based organizations, professional groups, DSHS staff, and other interested stakeholders interested in the advancement of Texas maternal and child health. Daily activities for this position include working closely with the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee to execute case review activities and recommendation dissemination via the joint biennial report and identifying collaborative opportunities for addressing community health factors in women’s and maternal health. This position serves as a subject matter expert on women’s and maternal health and maternal health differences to identify policy development or improvement needs and to inform broader policies, programs and service delivery, and to allow policy makers to make informed decisions on issues impacting women’s and maternal health. This position does not manage other employees.  Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Operations Branch Manager within the Maternal and Child Health Unit, with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Serves as a subject matter expert on women’s and maternal health topics and on maternal health disparities. Reviews, analyzes and interprets findings and recommendations of the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee (MMMRC), qualitative and quantitative data, and health care and public health recommendations and literature as it relates to women’s and maternal health. Identifies trends in women’s and maternal health; assesses and prioritizes emerging issues; sets benchmarks and monitors progress for Texas in meeting goals and objectives for improving women’s and maternal health; and provides leadership for priority setting, planning and implementing strategic communication plans, work plans, and related best practices for women and maternal populations. Mobilizes community partnerships among policy makers, health care providers, community-based organizations, families and other stakeholders to address women’s and maternal health issues. Develops, plans, and oversees activities on women’s and maternal health issues, especially those identified through the findings and recommendations of the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee. (35%) 

Supports the work of the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee (MMMRC) including coordination, communication, and logistical management of aspects of case development and review processes, special committees and projects, and relations with MMMRC membership. Manages and monitors aspects of MMMRC operations and contracts. Coordinates and oversees strategic planning, writing, development, and dissemination of communications and reports to promulgate MMMRC findings and recommendations (25%)

Serves as a subject matter expert on women’s and maternal health topics including violent pregnancy-associated death (VPD), perinatal mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, interpersonal violence, social and environmental drivers of maternal health, and maternal health disparities. Reviews, analyzes, and interprets women’s and maternal health information including findings and recommendations of the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee (MMMRC). Develops, plans, and oversees activities on women’s and maternal health issues, especially those identified through the findings and recommendations of the MMMRC. Analyzes qualitative and quantitative data, analyzes peer-reviewed, scientific and medical literature, and information/ recommendations from relevant professional organizations and government health sources. Identifies trends in women’s and maternal physical, psychosocial, and mental/behavioral health; assesses and prioritizes emerging issues; sets benchmarks and monitors progress for Texas in meeting goals for improving women’s and maternal health and preventing VPD. Provides leadership for priority setting, planning, and implementing strategic communication plans, work plans, and related best practices for women and maternal populations at risk for VPD. Mobilizes community partnerships among policymakers, health care providers, community-based organizations, families, and other stakeholders to address women’s and maternal health issues related to or associated with VPD.  (20%) 

Identifies and facilitates the resolution of complex policy problems related to women’s and maternal health. Synthesizes data and information, performs analysis of policy options, and articulates policy options in writing and in presentations. Identifies and promulgates evidence-based communications, programs and best practices. Benchmarks innovative programs and policies within Texas and in other states, including coordination between and integration of services for women’s and maternal health. Provides consultation to programs for the design and development of state-of-the-art policies and innovative practices for use in program and service planning. May lead or assist programs in identifying and securing related grants and may provide assistance and oversight to contractors implementing evidence-based interventions to improve health outcomes among women. Coordinates and participates in writing and development of legislative briefings, bill analyses, and reports. (15%)

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, Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation, and/or serving on the State Medical Operations Center (SMOC) team.  Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of public health assessment, policy development, assurance and system management processes.

Knowledge of program planning, development, implementation and evaluation.

Knowledge of contract/performance monitoring and providing technical assistance.

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations impacting women's, perinatal, and maternal health.

Knowledge of grant writing and grant administration principles and practices.

Knowledge of social marketing principles.

Knowledge of principles of health literacy and adult education. Knowledge of the maternal and child health

public health environment in Texas and nationally, including knowledge of key policy issues related to maternal

morbidity and mortality.

Skill in planning, developing, implementing and evaluating health services.

Skill in strategic planning.

Skill in analyzing research and interpreting data and in benchmarking.

Skill in oral and written communication.

Skill in presenting educational programs to both professional and lay audiences. Skill in critical thinking and in

understanding, analyzing and resolving problems.

Skill in preparing concise reports, to include; gathering, assembling, collating, analyzing and interpreting facts

and data; devising and implementing solutions to problems; developing and evaluating policies and procedures.

Skill in managing multiple tasks.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with professional and support staff and with internal and

external stakeholders.

Ability to think creatively and work independently; ability to work collaboratively with inter- and intra-agencies

and networks, including technical and non-technical personnel.

Ability to establish goals and objectives and monitor progress toward achieving them.

Ability to develop, evaluate, and interpret, programmatic and administrative policies and procedures.

Ability to prioritize, schedule, and monitor completion of complex assignments.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships and to function effectively as a member of a team.

Ability to produce written materials and presentations that are easily understood by a broad audience.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

A Bachelor’s degree in an area related to public health, health policy, or maternal and child health. Master’s degree preferred. 

Experience in program planning, development, implementation and evaluation, preferably in maternal and child health programs. 
 

Experience working with public health, population health, or health policy development, preferably in maternal and infant health. 
 

Experience developing, writing, and presenting reports.   

Additional Information:

N/A

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