Alzheimer's Disease Program Specialist

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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: Alzheimer's Disease Program Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist V 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Alzheimer's Disease 
Posting Number: 18865 
Closing Date: 07/23/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $5,888.50 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
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 general supervision of the Alzheimer’s Disease Program (ADP) Manager, performs highly advanced public health and technical assistance work to plan, develop, and implement ADP and CDC BOLD grant priorities. Oversees federally- and state-funded contracts by developing scopes of work, monitoring contractor performance, and providing technical assistance to ensure program activities, quality, and expenditures align with the Texas State Plan for Alzheimer’s Disease, CDC BOLD grant priorities, and state and federal policy. Maintains strategic partnerships, including support for the statewide Alzheimer’s disease coalition, contributes to statewide strategic planning efforts, and serves as a subject matter expert on Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, risk reduction, and healthy aging. Responsibilities also include program implementation, grant management and reporting, evaluation, and the use of initiative and independent judgment in carrying out assignments.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

(35%) In coordination with the Alzheimer’s Disease Program (ADP) Manager, establishes program goals, objectives, timelines, and performance standards to implement state and federally-funded ADP priorities. Prepares and monitors state-funded and grant-related budgets and ensures timely completion of program deliverables. Supports grant development and implementation, including grant reporting and writing applications to seek funding for healthy aging initiatives. Works collaboratively with the ADP team and stakeholders to support the development, revision, implementation, and monitoring of the Texas State Plan for Alzheimer’s Disease, including leading coordination activities, gathering stakeholder input, developing recommendations, and advancing strategic priorities. Contributes to legislative reports, program updates, and other planning initiatives. Coordinates and tracks program activities to support federal and state priorities, project timelines, performance deliverables, and reporting requirements. Assists with evaluation-related activities, including coordinating with internal and external partners, as needed.

(30%) Develops and monitors program contracts, including developing statements of work and performance measures; monitoring performance measure progress; ensuring timely submission of contract deliverables; conducting detailed and extensive review of contractor deliverables, invoices, and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance with contract terms and funding requirements; monitoring contractor budgets, invoicing, and expenditures; and conducting site visits and/or desk reviews as needed. Ensures contract activities are aligned with federal award requirements, CDC BOLD priorities, the Texas State Plan for Alzheimer’s Disease, and program initiatives, including the Alzheimer’s media and outreach campaigns and healthcare provider education efforts. Collaborates with Contract Management Section staff to maintain compliance and coordinates with Chronic Disease Epidemiology (CDE) Branch staff on contractor evaluation, performance reporting, and related performance requirements. Coordinates with contractors and internal staff to address performance concerns and ensure timely completion of contractual deliverables.

(15%) Provides technical assistance to partners, stakeholders, contractors and other DSHS and Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) programs on Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, risk reduction, and healthy aging. Maintains and applies current knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease, related dementias, risk reduction strategies, caregiving issues, and healthy aging practices to support program implementation, contractor oversight, technical assistance, and stakeholder engagement activities. Attends and supports facilitation of the statewide coalition meetings and workgroups. Attends the Texas Council on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias meetings and assists in facilitation when needed. Ensures a high level of coordination with HPCDPS and HHS programs and maintains a high level of communication with the ADP Manager, unit director, section director, and project stakeholders on progress and status of priority activities. Coordinates across internal and external partners to support successful implementation of program activities and ensure timely completion of assigned responsibilities and project activities.  Reviews, edits, and revises program documents, guidance, and deliverables to ensure accuracy and compliance with state and federal statutes, rules, and policies.

(15%) Creates reports, briefings, fact sheets, summaries, and other communication materials and presents information at meetings, conferences, and trainings as requested. Develops presentations and communication materials in accordance with brand guidelines and plain language, policy, and program reporting standards, including multi-level review and approval processes. Conducts bill analyses, develops fiscal and policy impact information, and prepares responses related to legislative and media inquiries. Develops and maintains program documentation, records, reports, and correspondence to support program operations and reporting requirements. Ensures timely, accurate, and coordinated communication on program activities and priorities.

(5%) Other duties as assigned include, but 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of public health practices, systems, and policy at the local, state, and national levels. 

Knowledge of program planning, development, implementation, including developing and monitoring of work plans, timelines, and performance measures.

Knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), including risk reduction, early detection, diagnosis, and caregiver support best practices.

Knowledge of quality improvement and performance measurement practices.

Knowledge of the Texas State Plan on Alzheimer’s Disease.

Knowledge of stakeholder engagement and partnership development strategies.

Knowledge of legislative processes, reporting requirements, and policy development to relevant public health programs.

Knowledge of plain language, policy, and program reporting standards for government communications.

Skill in research and information analysis to inform reports and communicate effectively with stakeholders. 

Skill in contract oversight, including reviewing deliverables, invoices, and supporting documentation for accuracy and compliance. 

Skill in developing, implementing, and coordinating complex public health programs and initiatives.

Skill in building and maintaining partnerships with a variety of stakeholders, including contractors, healthcare providers, community-based organizations, academic institutions, and government entities. 

Skill in preparing reports, briefings, legislative responses, and other written communication for a variety of audiences.

Skill in developing and delivering presentations to both lay and professional groups.

Skill in the use of Microsoft Office computer software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint

Skill in the use of general office equipment.

Ability to manage federal grants and contracts.

Ability to ensure program and contractor activities comply with requirements, policies, and regulations.

Ability to monitor contractor budgets and track invoicing in accordance with agency and program policy.

Ability to coordinate multiple projects and priorities while meeting deadlines and adapting to changing program needs. 

Ability to work independently with initiative and exercise sound judgement in decision-making. 

Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively, both verbally and in writing. 

Ability to work independently without close supervision, and also collaboratively with a team setting. |

Ability to review, edit, and revise technical and programmatic documents for accuracy, clarity, and compliance with applicable requirements. 

Ability to adapt writing and communication materials to meet varying requirements and to incorporate feedback through muti-level review and approval process to ensure accuracy, clarity, and compliance with state and federal standards. 

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university required, with degree relevant to public health or health education or related field preferred. Graduate degree preferred. At least three (3) years of experience in a field related to dementia, community preventative services, health promotion, or public health. Experience with coalitions, grant management, contract management, project management, and stakeholder or community engagement preferred.

Additional Information:

Information on application must clearly state how applicant meets initial selection criteria in the summary of experience section of the application. 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