Program Specialist IV

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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: Program Specialist IV 
Job Title: Program Specialist IV 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: VS Reporting&RegistrationBrnch 
Posting Number: 6668 
Closing Date: 09/16/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Education Training and Library 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20 
Salary Range: $4,263.16 - $5,000.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not 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 (DHR) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,86P0,88A0,88B0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under the direction of the Field Services Manager, responsible for leading statewide efforts for the improvement of vital records registration in Texas. Work performed requires extensive specialized knowledge of vital statistics statutes, rules, security policies, program software and public health initiatives related to the collection of demographic and statistical data on vital records. Performs highly advanced senior-level monitoring and oversight of vital statistics providers (i.e. local registrars, birth facilities) for compliance with laws, service level agreements, performance measures, policies and procedures related to timely vital records registration and issuance in Texas. Oversees and executes comprehensive surveys and reviews of providers to ensure standardization of statutory and contractual requirements for improved data quality reporting and takes corrective action as needed. Serves as the key contact person for the state Vital Statistics Section, providing advanced consultative and technical assistance and information to stakeholders (i.e. physicians, attorneys, county clerks, justices of the peace, funeral home directors, midwives, birth hospitals, elected officials, medical examiners, hospitals, and the general public) on vital statistics initiatives. Run reports in Excel for purposes of reporting and tracking vital statistics information.  

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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

40% Performs highly advanced senior-level monitoring and oversight of vital statistics providers (i.e. local registrars, birth facilities) for compliance with laws, service level agreements, performance measures, policies and procedures related to timely vital records registration and issuance in Texas. Oversees and executes comprehensive surveys and reviews of providers to ensure standardization of statutory and contractual requirements for improved data quality reporting and takes corrective action as needed. Serves as the key contact person for the state Vital Statistics Section, providing advanced consultative and technical assistance and information to stakeholders (i.e. physicians, attorneys, county clerks, justices of the peace, funeral home directors, midwives, birth hospitals, elected officials, medical examiners, hospitals, and the general public) on vital statistics initiatives.

(35%) Leads high level trainings, workshops and conferences with statewide scope. Conducts presentations pertaining to program services and communicates legislative and/or policy changes to stakeholders. Serves as an internal and external policy expert for stakeholders and the general public providing material consultative services and statute interpretation on workgroups and committees. Facilitates high level written and verbal communications on program reference materials, handbooks, forms and brochures. Oversees the production and content of website information, a VSU newsletter, articles for external agency publications and official correspondence. Coordinates with state and federal agencies, stakeholder associations and public health programs to promote vital statistics. Supervises, develops and coordinates provider certification programs to maintain latest knowledge and expert competency to ensure state and federal standards are met. Plans, develops and implements online training and certification programs. Develops new curricula and methodology for presenting vital statistics information, oversees marketing efforts, solicits speakers and sponsorships, obtains CEUs for stakeholders, compiles evaluations and reports findings to management.

(20%) Manages the development and coordination of special projects and work plans to improve the delivery of services and operations affecting the Vital Statistics program with an emphasis on positive customer-focused outcomes. Utilize effective techniques for implementing and assessing program projects, including project management principles, continuous improvement methodologies, performance measures, surveys, statistical data analysis and stakeholder workgroups. May supervise or be assigned as a member of a specialized interdisciplinary team to respond to statewide improvement efforts, stimulate interest and to secure support for ongoing and new initiatives. Analyzes legislation (i.e. riders, bills, TAC), conducts fiscal impacts and develops recommendations for improving policy and programmatic functions relating to the implementation of legislative initiatives. Advances the promotion of vital statistics initiatives by effectively communicating the importance of accurate, timely and secure data collection to others who determine where medical research and surveillance activities may have the greatest impact on public health. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  

(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 alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. To perform these job duties, this position may require working extra hours needed to meet defined deadlines and support the agency’s mission critical reporting requirements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of: 

Knowledge of polices, regulations and rules of the vital statistics program.

Knowledge of public health perspective in relation to vital records registration.

Skill in:

Skill in performing monitoring of providers for compliance.

Skill in public speaking and making presentation to large and diverse groups.

Skill in analyzing and evaluating highly complex program and policy issues.

Skill in implementing continuous improvement methodologies on assigned projects.

Skill in project management. Skill in the use of performance measures, surveys and statistical data analysis.

Skill in communicating effectively both orally and in writing.

Skill in the use of computer and related equipment including program vital registration software and Microsoft Office to include email, word processing, spreadsheet, database, or presentation software programs.

Skill in website programing and design.

Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships, including the ability to work with people under pressure, negotiate among multiple parties, and resolve conflicts.

Ability to:

Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.

Ability to interpret statutes and guidelines to stakeholders and the public.

Ability to analyzes legislation (i.e. riders, bills, TAC), conducts fiscal impacts and develop recommendations for improving policy and programmatic functions relating to the implementation of legislative initiatives.

Ability to develop work plans, coordinate administrative assignments, and adhere to strict deadlines.

Ability to lead work groups, projects, and meetings.  

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year for year basis.

Experience interpreting statutes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Experience working in customer service.

Experience with Excel, Word, and Power Point.

Additional Information:

This position is required to be on-site and to ensure business continuity, daily attendance is key.

To be considered for an interview, applicants must demonstrate a clear match to all initial criteria in the EMPLOYMENT HISTORY and SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE SECTIONS of the application. Resumes will not be considered.  

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