Tobacco Control and Compliance Specialist

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Functional Title: Tobacco Control and Compliance Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist VI 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: BHS Substance Use Grant 
Posting Number: 10007 
Closing Date: 11/09/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $8,304.83 
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 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Program Specialist VI, functionally known as the Tobacco Control and Compliance Specialist, will report directly to the Associate Director of Community and Public Awareness programs and is part of the Prevention and Behavioral Health Promotion (PBHP) unit in Substance Use Programs. The Program Specialist VI 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 minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 

The Tobacco Control and Compliance Specialist will oversee and manage programs aimed at reducing tobacco use and tobacco sales to minors within the State of Texas. This position serve as the Synar Tobacco Program representative for the state of Texas.  They will manage activities associated with implementing and monitoring the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) federally mandated Statewide Synar efforts. This position will maintain regular contact with the state comptroller’s office, SAMHSA state project officer, FDA Tobacco Enforcement and SAMHSA Synar programs, state Synar coordinators, contracted tobacco prevention coordinators, and other stakeholders responsible for tobacco prevention and control activities. The Federal Synar Program supports public health measures through the provision of health education and compliance checks, which aim to reduce underage access to tobacco products. This position also oversees tobacco prevention and control contracts, and provides training and technical assistance to providers implementing tobacco prevention and control work.

This position drives innovation in tobacco prevention strategies by researching evidence-based practices, facilitating statewide workgroups, and developing individualized support plans for providers. The role includes organizing and leading regular conference calls, conducting site visits, and maintaining ongoing communication with service providers to promote continuous quality improvement. This position also tracks and analyzes program data to assess effectiveness and identify areas for improvement and provides recommendations to PBHP leadership. Performs advanced policy work, such as analyzing policies and legislation related to tobacco prevention and control and provides policy recommendations to leadership. 

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 (EJFs):

EJF 1: Oversees Tobacco Prevention and Control efforts for PBHP.  Oversees the Tobacco Program, which includes the Tobacco Enforcement Program, the Federal Synar program, and statewide compliance efforts. All tobacco initatives utilize public health measures, including health education, compliance checks and community mobilization, to reduce underage access to tobacco products. Responsible for maintaining current knowledge on best practices as it related to substance use prevention, behavioral health promotion, and tobacco prevention and control.  Serves as the Synar Tobacco Program representative for the state of Texas and manages activities associated with implementing and monitoring  federally mandated Statewide Synar efforts. Maintains regular contact with the state comptroller’s office, SAMHSA state project officer, FDA Tobacco Enforcement and SAMHSA Synar programs, state Synar coordinators, contracted tobacco prevention coordinators, and other stakeholders responsible for tobacco prevention and control activities. Performs advanced administrative work related to Behavioral Health Services and the Substance Use Programs, such as the completion of the Annual Synar Report. (35%)

EJF 2: Develops and revises products to support evidence-based practices related to tobacco prevention and control, Synar, substance use  prevention, and behavioral health promotion.  This includes, but is not limited to, developing implementation tools, agency memos, FAQ’s, statements of work, dashboards, and public awareness campaigns. Tracks and analyzes program data to assess effectiveness and identify areas for improvement and provides recommendations to PBHP leadership. Performs advanced policy work, such as analyzing policies and legislation related to tobacco prevention and control and provides policy recommendations to leadership. (20%)

EJF 3: Supports contract management and other internal entities in development and oversight of tobacco prevention and control contracts. 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%)

EJF 4: Researches and supports implementation of innovative tobacco prevention and control strategies, facilitates meetings and workgroups, develops individualized support plans, and conducts or attends related trainings. Schedules and conducts ongoing statewide conference calls, one on one monthly provider calls, site visits. Represents agency on internal and external committees, workgroups and projects to ensure that oversight and quality improvement aspects of primary prevention related to tobacco prevention and control, and behavioral health promotion are realistic and effective. (15%)

EJF 5: 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%)

EJF 6:  Performs other duties and participates in other divisional operational processes as assigned. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Primary prevention approaches and public health promotion methods related to substance use and misuse and other behavioral health related issues;
• The application of evidence-based practices and strategies for primary prevention programs;
• Local, state, and federal laws/rules related to the provision of primary prevention services and Tobacco Prevention;
• Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Standards, Strategic Prevention Framework, the socio-ecological model, and non-medical drivers of health;
• Effective strategies for tobacco prevention and control; and,
• Epidemiological principles and practices related to surveillance, data collection, and data analysis

Skills in:

• Effective verbal and written communication and public speaking;
• Facilitation of small to large workgroups,
• Identifying and implementing creative solutions to complex problems;
• Managing large projects;
• Effective time management;
• Computer software, including Microsoft Office Suite Programs, various social media platforms, Office 365- SharePoint, web-based platforms such as Skype, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc.;
• Data collection, analysis, and reporting and qualitative interpretation of policy issues;
• Identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions to complex policy and implementation issues; and,
• Quickly comprehending complex issues and prioritizing activities to meet strict deadlines.

Ability to: 

• Develop complex, detailed reports, implementation plans and resources for partners and stakeholders;
• Build and maintain strong interpersonal relationships with diverse professionals and stakeholders;
• Use research and data applications to inform decisions related to prevention work in Texas;
• Conduct training and provide technical assistance to various professionals and stakeholders and lead cross-functional workgroups;
• Support the development and oversight of contracts and related practices;
• Think strategically and holistically while simultaneously being detail-oriented; and,
• 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 Screening Criteria:

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in prevention science, public health, epidemiology, social work, health education, business administration, project management, or other related field from an accredited college or university, required. 
 
A minimum of two years managing prevention, behavioral health, and public health programs required.  Experience working in tobacco prevention and control, preferred.
 
At least one year of prior state or government experience is highly preferred. 
 
Advanced Degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in public administration, health services, social work, business administration, human services, or related areas, or equivalent post master’s degree training preferred. 

Additional Information:

N/A

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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.