Website and Communications 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: Website and Communications Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist IV 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Newborn Screening 
Posting Number: 9277 
Closing Date: 10/03/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, Media 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20 
Salary Range: $4,265.00 - $5,600.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for 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: 1100 W 49TH ST (RDM) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under the supervision of the Newborn Screening Special Projects Manager, this position is responsible for providing complex website and communications consultation and technical assistance for the Newborn Screening (NBS) Unit. The unit includes case management for the newborn hearing screening, blood spot screening for inherited disorders, screening for critical congenital heart disease and NBS benefits program. Work involves coordination NBS website activities such as maintenance, monitoring, and updates. Monitors effectiveness of NBS website to improve user experience. Works with the NBS Laboratory staff to improve consistency between the messaging of the two areas. Reviews and modifies published materials and website information. Coordinates distribution of all educational materials and brochures to requesters. Collects data on website use and tracks requests for a variety of educational materials to help guide program decisions. Responds to calls from the unit's toll-free number and to website inquiries, including orders for educational materials. Ensures the website and all educational materials are universally accessible and meet DSHS guidelines. Assists in developing posters, marketing materials, brochures, and other written materials using Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, PowerPoint and other applications. Maintains distribution lists for periodic mass mailings. May provide support to grant-related activities including grant application responses and preparation of reports. Works with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

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 (25%) Maintains, updates, maintains, and monitors all website activities for the NBS Unit to include NBS clinical care coordination, Texas Early Hearing Detection and Intervention, and NBS Benefits. Works closely with the agency Webmaster to ensure compliance with agency policies regarding website postings. May assist in implementing new web technologies. Works with the NBS laboratory, and with the NBS clinical care coordination program to ensure consistency of program information across areas. Prepares management reports and tracking systems as it relates to the user experience, accessibility, and formatting regarding all sections of the NBS website.

EJF 2 (25%) Works with stakeholders to create and update documents, printed materials, and forms. Works with staff to focus content and presentation to the intended audience. Works with the Office of Communications and other agency departments to create professional and effective work products.

EJF 3 (15%) Oversees inventory of printed materials. Documents distributed printed materials to forecast needs and ensure adequate inventory. Provides technical assistance to health care providers and their staff regarding completion of forms. Responds to related inquiries received through the NBS toll-free number and website. Ensure that all educational materials are available on the NBS website. Prepares and distributes NBS program updates or newsletters to blood spot submitters and related health professionals. Maintains and routinely updates mailing lists of submitters and specimen collection facilities, physicians, and hospitals using Excel, or a similar program. Periodically requests address updates to all subscriber mailing lists to ensure that NBS educational information is received.

EJF 4 (20%) Provides support for other areas including: Assists with logistics of conferences and stakeholder meetings; Assists with contract related activities, as needed. Compiles and prepares reports related to performance measures and educational initiatives; Provides support to grant-related activities. Assists program staff with evaluation and survey activities related to educational materials.

EJF 5 (15%) Ensures adherence to Federal and agency standards for accessibility, plain language, style and branding guides, and related requirements, for website content, educational documents, forms, etc. Ensures content is written for the intended audience. Coordinates annual and ad hoc reviews of NBS educational materials, including updating educational brochures, web content, and revising written materials. Learns new technology to support unit activities.  

EJF 6 (5%) Other duties as assigned may 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 activation. Such participation may require an alternative shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Desktop publishing software.
• Content management systems and web applications.

Skill in:

• Writing concise reports, educational materials, brochures, newsletters, and other documents.
• Detailed work reviewing and updating content annually.
• Website and web page design, maintenance, and updates.
• Use Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office, and database applications.
• Quality assurance activities.
• Reporting of performance measures for a public or private health or human services-related program.

Ability to:

• Effectively communicate in writing.
• Compose, review, and edit educational materials.
• Ability to comply with ADA accessibility requirements.
• Organize and monitor educational materials inventory.
• Analyze and interpret information and data to report and present findings in a clear and organized fashion.
• Communicate and deal tactfully with internal and external stakeholders.
• Follow specific guidelines for branding and writing style.
• Maintain large mailing lists and conduct mass mailings.
• Follow detailed instructions and guidelines.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Not applicable

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university (related experience and education may be substituted for one another).
• Experience with website and web page design, and maintenance.
• Experience with desktop publishing software/applications.

Additional Information:

Information on application must say how applicant meets initial selection criteria in the application's summary of experience section. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application.

All applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check.

Applicants selected for interview will be required submit a work sample prior to the interview and complete writing  exercise immediately following the interview.

Agency salary policy, budget and candidate’s qualifications will dictate final salary offer.

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