Texas Vaccine for Children (TVFC) Policy Team Lead

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: Texas Vaccine for Children (TVFC) Policy Team Lead 
Job Title: Program Specialist VI 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Immunization Unit 
Posting Number: 7549 
Closing Date: 08/11/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Salary Range: $6,701.75 - $8,304.83 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel:  
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DHT) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,86P0,88A0,88B0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Job Description:

Under the minimal supervision of the Vaccine Operations Group (VOG) Manager, performs highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment in the Texas Vaccine for Children (TVFC) Program. Develops or oversees the development of guidelines, policies, and procedures for the VOG group and monitors compliance with policies and procedures. Coordinates with the Immunization Section on legislative analysis, tracking, and activity updates. Serves as a team lead for the TVFC Policy Team and liaison for partnerships with state and national professional associations, stakeholders, and internal partners. Writes or updates policies and procedures for TVFC activities and projects. Communicates with partners verbally and in writing regarding pediatric immunization, including influenza, notifications and updates. Provides updates on the TVFC to senior management.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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

(45%) Coordinates VOG group activities related to vaccine policy issues. Coordinates with the VOG Manager and the Vaccine Operations Unit Director on legislative analysis, tracking, and related activities for the Unit. Works with TVFC Groups within the Immunization Section to develop bill analyses, cost estimates, and briefing documents; revise legislation; develop legislative implementation plans; write or amend rules; and to monitor compliance with legislative mandates. Prepares and coordinates the completion of legislative reports and assignments. Communicates with department staff, stakeholders, legislators, advocates, and others on legislation and rules affecting the Unit programs. Oversees VOG projects and assignments related to rulemaking and policy.

(25%) Facilitates and coordinates the flow of program and administrative assignments for the TVFC Policy Team and composes/edits final responses. Works across the Vaccine Operations Unit to ensure strategic and operational plans and reports are submitted timely and accurately. Makes data and information available to decision makers in order to assist them with policy decisions and resource allocations. Facilitates high-level responses appropriate to VOG involvement with inter- and intra-agency activities related to health policy priorities and the implementation of program activities. Develops or oversees the development of policies, procedures, and standards for VOG. Develops and implements project management principles and processes to assure timely and effective delivery of VOG services and responses. Identifies opportunities for VOG to further strategic goals and develops recommendations to improve the overall relationship between the Section and leadership.

(25%) Monitors state, federal, and public health developments and findings though research and major publications to assist in making policy decisions and allocations of program funds. Provides consultation and assistance to VOG staff in developing methods and strategies for effective reporting of data and analyses. Responsible for financial and data analysis of the TVFC program in order to recommend, implement, and evaluate operations of program policies and procedures. Performs complex analysis and interpretation of data to identify issues, needs, and best practices, and makes policy recommendations to agency leadership. Prepares high quality written reports, studies, and specialized research projects utilizing current technologies, and incorporates technical information in a manner that is easily translated by a variety of audiences. Prepares briefing documents and other materials. Prepares, submits, and/or oversees the preparation of clear, concise, and timely written reports and presentations for the Immunization VOG Manager. Prepares written project updates, summaries, reports, and other programmatic documents. Makes presentations on a variety of immunization topics, including on state and national trends and issues that have an impact on funding and delivery of the Unit’s services.

(5%) Other Duties as Assigned 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 Plan (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Registration, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: 

N/A

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of public health principles and essential public health services.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws relating to public health, immunization, and immunization services.
• Knowledge of public administration and management techniques.
• Knowledge of formal rulemaking requirements for state agencies.
• Knowledge of Texas legislative and appropriations process.
• Skill in project management.
• Skill in research and data analysis.
• Skill in bill analysis and tracking.
• Skill in monitoring and coordinating responses to legislative and other inquiries.
• Skill in strategic planning and goal setting.
• Skill in gathering and analyzing information.
• Skill in conducting and facilitating meetings.
• Skill in using personal computer application software such as Microsoft Office applications (especially Excel and Word), or similar programs.
• Skill in making public presentations, writing technical information in an understandable format, and producing sophisticated research reports.
• Ability to research, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts.
• Ability to analyze proposed legislation and its policy and fiscal impact on programs.
• Ability to prioritize, manage, and direct multiple projects and activities concurrently, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to establish goals and objectives.
• Ability to devise and implement solutions to problems.
• Ability to write, develop, implement, and evaluate policies and procedures.
• Ability to express complex ideas clearly and accurately both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively with a variety of individuals and groups.
• Ability to lead teams and facilitate workgroups.
• Ability to work independently.

Initial Screening Critieria:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university required with major course work in public health, social services, policy, biology, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred. Two years of full-time relevant experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Knowledge of public health, health promotion and education, health policy, and/or immunizations.
• Experience in leading projects. 
• Experience researching, interpreting, and analyzing data and policies.

Additional Information:

If selected for an interview, a previous writing sample will be requested to bring to the interview.

An in-basket exercise will be required at the time of the interview. 

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