Community Development Specialist

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Community Development Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist V 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: SUD Publ Awarnss & Promo Pgm 
Posting Number: 9776 
Closing Date: 10/16/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 
Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $7,253.83 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 10% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

General Description 

Program Specialist V, functionally known as the Community Development Specialist, will report directly to the Associate Director of the Community and Public Awareness programs and is part of the Prevention and Behavioral Health Promotion (PBHP) unit in Substance Use Programs. The Program Specialist V position performs advanced (senior-level) oversight, consultative services, and technical assistance work related to Prevention and Behavioral Health Promotion (PBHP) services.  This position works under limited direction of the Community and Public Awareness Associate Director, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

This role manages the implementation and performance of 11 regional Prevention Resource Centers (PRCs), ensuring alignment with core program areas including tobacco compliance checks, media outreach, regional mobilization, and training. This position also oversees Community Coalition Partnerships (CCP) and works collaboratively with other PBHP team members to guide community coalition efforts, promoting evidence-based practices and fostering protective factors through the Strategic Prevention Framework.

This position supports contract development and oversight, ensuring deliverables meet program goals and state priorities. It leads the creation of tools and resources to enhance prevention strategies, contributes to strategic planning, and evaluates program effectiveness using data-driven approaches. This position represents the agency on internal and external committees, advises on best practices, and provides training and technical assistance to partners and stakeholders.

Additionally, the role includes legislative analysis and response development, assessing the impact of proposed policies on behavioral health programs. This position plays a key role in shaping integrated, community-level prevention strategies that promote behavioral health and reduce substance use across Texas.

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy. This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business need.

Essential Job Functions 

EJF1: Oversees the work of the 11 Prevention Resource Centers across the state to ensure the effective implementation of the four core areas of PRC work including conducting tobacco compliance checks, media awareness activities, regional mobilization activities, and training. Increases capacity of the statewide prevention and behavioral health promotion system by promoting regional collaboration.  Performs advanced policy and administration work related to behavioral health services. Conducts training and provides guidance to staff and external partners including agency executives and contracted partners on effective methods for substance use prevention, other primary prevention, public and behavioral health promotion. Supports a cohesive team effort to accomplish goals, milestones and metrics. Adheres to internal policies and reporting requirements established by HHSC, BHS Program Sections. (25%)

EJF2: Oversees multiple coalition efforts to address the risk factors and promote protective factors relating to substance use in communities across the state. Assists the Community Coalition Partnership providers statewide to implement evidence-based substance use prevention practices at a community-level based on the Strategic Prevention Framework. Maintains knowledge of best practices as it relates to substance use prevention, behavioral health promotion, coalition work and environmental strategies. Understands the need for an integrated approach to service delivery and establishes related policies and practices. (20%)

EJF3: Supports contract management and other internal entities in development and oversight of prevention contracts including CCP and PRC programs. Monitors contractor performance provides technical assistance and makes recommendations for corrective action. Ensures that contractor scopes of work, deliverables, and activities are in alignment with overall PBHP goals and priority areas. Assist in the development of requests for applications and similar processes at the state level to procure substance use prevention services. Coordinates with other agency staff, include Quality Management and Contract Management, to ensure contractor adherence to statements of work and contract requirements.  (20%)

EJF4: Develops and revises tools and resources to support effective implementation of prevention services. Participates in development and organization of strategic planning and goal setting for PBHP.  Assists with development of grant applications and reports for federal funders. Collects, tracks and utilizes data on substance misuse prevention, other primary prevention and behavioral health promotion including monitoring and assessing effectiveness and reach of community-based development, policy and awareness strategies. Determines trends, needs, and opportunities, and identifies strategies for improvement. (15%)

EJF5: Represents agency on internal and external committees, workgroups, and projects to ensure streamlined delivery of effective behavioral health promotion strategies. Stays current on latest data, promising and evidence-based practices. Researches and recommends best practice strategies for community development, environmental change, social norming, training and outreach/awareness and supports providers in implementing these strategies. Provides training and technical assistance and identifies experts in the field who can provide training and support.  (10%)

EJF6: Develops responses to legislative and/or executive leadership inquiries. Analyzes legislation and conducts bill analysis to determine programmatic impact of proposed policies or funding strategies and provides written responses. (5%)

EJF7: Performs other duties and participates in other divisional operational processes as assigned. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

Knowledge of:

a. Substance use primary prevention approaches and public health promotion methods;

b. The application of evidenced-based practices for prevention programs;

c. Local, state, and federal laws/rules related to the provision of prevention services;

d. Best practices and approaches as they relate to substance use and misuse, primary prevention and/or public health promotion.

e. The complex underlying issues related to substance use and misuse, including non-medical drivers of health

Skills in:

a. Effective verbal and written communication and public speaking;

b. Facilitation of large workgroups;

c. Identifying and implementing creative solutions to complex problems;

d. Management of large projects;

e. Computer software, including Microsoft Office Suite programs, social media platforms, Office 365 – SharePoint, web-based platforms i.e. Skype, Teams, or Zoom;

f. Data analysis and reporting, and qualitative interpretation of policy issues;

g. Identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions to complex policy and implementation issues;

h. Quickly comprehending complex issues and prioritizing activities to meet strict deadlines; and

i. In identifying measures or indicators of program performance.

Ability to:

a. Develop complex, detailed implementation plans and resources for partners;

b. Build and maintain strong interpersonal relationships with diverse professionals and stakeholders;

c. Use data to inform decisions and research/apply findings to prevention work in Texas;

d. Lead training, technical assistance, and cross-functional workgroups

e. Support the development and oversight of contracts

f. Think strategically and holistically while simultaneously being detail-oriented;

g. Lead cross functional work groups; and,

h. Be solution-focused and work well in a team environment.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must hold a certification as a Prevention Specialist or obtain within 18 months of employment.

Initial Selection Criteria 

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree required. Degree in public health, epidemiology, social work, sociology, psychology, health education or related field from an accredited college or university or foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator. At least one year of experience in coalition work, community mobilization, policy work or systems-level change for a related social service issue, required.

Previous experience overseeing contracts or grant programs, preferred. Masters degree from an accredited college or university in related field, including public health, public administration, health services, social work, human services, or related areas preferred.  Certified prevention specialist, preferred.  

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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 to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.