Regional Tobacco Coordinator

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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Brief Job Description:

Under the supervision of the Community Health Services Manager, serves as the Regional Tobacco Coordinator adhering to the state work plan for tobacco prevention and control. Provides community level planning, development, and implementation of the tobacco prevention/control work plan. Promotes social, environmental, and systems approaches at the community level in 16 county area of the Public Health Region 6/5S. Provides consultative and technical services to governmental agencies, schools, work sites, community organizations, local health departments, and healthcare providers. Assists in the development and evaluation of tobacco prevention and cessation strategies and adapts their implementation to the local level, via a variety of methods, training programs, coalition development, and the promotion of retailer compliance. Assists in responding to regional public health emergencies such as disease outbreaks, biological, environmental and/or weather-related response efforts. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Following the state work plan develops and administers a comprehensive tobacco prevention regional work plan. Provides recommendations for improving standards and polices for program development. Prepares reports, forms, and other documentation for effective program planning and evaluation. Meets all program deadlines. Provides guidance for the implementation of effective tobacco prevention, cessation and secondhand smoke prevention programs (40%)

Provides consultative and advisory assistance to community and business leaders, agencies and coalitions, health care providers, educators, and retail merchants in the development of policies, procedures, and strategies to prevent tobacco use and to prevent minor’s access to tobacco. Coordinates efforts with programs addressing cancer-related issues such as the Texas Comprehensive School Health Network, Texas Agricultural Extension service, and other related entities. (30%)

Provides consultative and advisory assistance to community and business leaders, agencies and coalitions, and health care providers in the development of strategies to increase prevention and cessation among young people and adults. Mobilize youth-serving organizations and implement evidence-based, culturally appropriate programs to promote tobacco cessation. (10%)

Support Comptroller of Public Accounts and other local law enforcement agencies in enforcement and compliance activities to reduce minors’ access to tobacco products. Educate communities on laws that regulate retailer tobacco sales and prohibit tobacco possession by minors, as well as laws and ordinances restricting exposure to secondhand smoke. (10%)

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. (10%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of program planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Knowledge of principles and practices of community health education, community development, public relations, program coordination and evaluation, and training program development.

Knowledge of current health, social, and economic problems associated with tobacco abuse.

Knowledge of laws that regulate retailer tobacco sales and prohibit tobacco possession by minors, as well as laws and ordinances restricting exposure to secondhand smoke.

Knowledge of evidence-based and culturally appropriate programs for tobacco prevention and cessation.

Ability to work effectively in public health programs dealing with professionals and members of the general public.

Ability to motivate and work with other agency personnel in organizing and managing community programs.

Ability to provide leadership and guidance in coalition building and program development, and to exercise good judgment in the evaluation of situations and the submission of recommendations.

Ability to speak and write effectively, expressing ideas concisely and articulately. 

Ability to train others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver’s license, or equivalent license from another state.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Masters degree in Public Health (preferred)

Bachelor’s degree from a US accredited college or university or a foreign degree determined to be an acceptable equivalent

Experience working with community groups, coalitions and/or providing technical assistance

Additional Information:

Must provide own transportation and must meet agency driving policy. Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays. May require occasional overnight/evening/weekend shifts. Mileage reimbursed in accordance to state policy. Required to serve as essential personnel in disaster response activities within regional jurisdiction, to include alternate work hours.

Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. 

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