Program Specialist V

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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 V 
Job Title: Program Specialist V 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Epidemiology & Surveillance 
Posting Number: 8289 
Closing Date: 09/24/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 
Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $5,888.50 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 10% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 201 W HOWARD LN STE 200 
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 HIV Epidemiology and Surveillance Group Manager, with minimal supervision and considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, will perform HIV surveillance monitoring and evaluation activities for local and regional health departments across the state of Texas. Develops and implements routine performance monitoring activities and methodologies for site evaluations; monitors sites for compliance with established protocols and guidelines, assists sites in developing processes for meeting surveillance objectives; identifies areas of improvements and makes recommendations to improve performance on surveillance activities; leads site evaluations for HIV surveillance including acting as the Team Lead for HIV Consultant staff in central office on various evaluation components. In addition, this position will assist in developing and coordinating trainings, orientations, and workshops to standardize and build capacity for HIV surveillance across Texas. 

Essential Job Functions 

(30%) Coordinates and conducts site evaluations at local and regional health departments using quantitative and qualitative approaches. Performs statistical analysis to evaluate progress on objectives.  Initiates constructive discussions and strategizes activities to meet any gaps identified.  Develops strategic frameworks to guide Corrective Action Plan (CAP) activities and measure progress.  Finalizes site evaluations and reports to submit to site and the Contract Management Section (CMS). Leads coordination to update Site Evaluation Tool to effectively capture all goals and objectives. Consults with all surveillance managers and the CMS to coordinate any corrective action efforts as needed.  Provides feedback on reports and other distributed documents. Conducts follow-up with sites not in compliance.

(30%) Responds to technical questions working closely with Surveillance Epidemiologists and Consultants. Coordinates and conducts technical assistance visits at local and regional health departments.  Develops policy, procedures and tools to facilitate HIV reporting in Texas. Reviews and modifies HIV surveillance contracts annually.  Participates in workgroups, strategic planning activities, and policy development around HIV surveillance activities. 

(30%) Identifies, designs, and conducts HIV surveillance training. Updates site on surveillance case definitions, testing algorithms, reporting rules, etc.  Educates and strategizes methods for provider education activities on HIV surveillance.  Coordinates calls and workgroups to build a culture of knowledge transfer between central office and surveillance sites. Serves as a Team Lead and provides support to HIV Surveillance Consultants.

(10%) Performs other duties as assigned, including but 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

Knowledge of the principles and practice of public health and disease prevention and control. 
Knowledge of infectious diseases and their processes, specifically HIV and STDs. 
Knowledge of disease surveillance and methods for evaluating surveillance system 
Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control methods for data reporting 
Experience conducting evaluations and providing feedback and guidance 
Experience developing and evaluating policy and procedures 
Experience working with health care professionals and contractors. 

Skill in effectively using word processing software, email, spreadsheets, and databases 
Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance 
Skill in managing project activities 
Skill in oral and written communications, specifically around issues related to public health surveillance and program evaluation.      Skill in problem solving and conflict management.

Ability to analyze complex processes and suggest improvements. 
Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships. 
Ability to prepare reports, fact sheets, and presentations to support program planning and implementation of surveillance initiatives. 
Ability to train and provide technical assistance to improve the quality of data collection and data entry. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: 

None 

Initial Screening Criteria: 

Bachelor's degree in public health, public administration, business administration, communications, or a related field. 

Two or more years work experience in public health, public administration, policy development, grants development, or a related field. 

At least two years full-time work experience in development and production of oral, written and/or electronic communication products preferred.  

Experience in leading the work of others strongly preferred.  

Experience with infectious disease management, diagnosis, epidemiology, transmission and prevention preferred. Direct experience with HIV or STDs and the disease processes preferred. 

Additional Information: 

none

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