CHW Certification Program 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: CHW Certification Program Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist V 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Community & School Health 
Posting Number: 20670 
Closing Date: 09/10/2026 
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: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 5% 
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 Manager, Community Health Worker (CHW) and School Health Branch at the Texas Department of State Health Services, performs complex consultative and technical work in support of the Promotores or CHW Training and Certification Program (CHW Program). Serves as a subject matter expert responsible for the review, evaluation, and certification of CHW renewal applications and related certification activities. Interprets and applies state statutes, administrative rules, policies, and procedures to assess compliance and resolve complex, sensitive, or non-routine certification issues with statewide impact. Consults with applicants, training centers, academic institutions, community-based organizations, governmental agencies, private entities, and internal stakeholders to resolve program problems, identify training needs, and discuss program effectiveness. Analyzes certification performance data to monitor compliance with program policies, procedures, statutes, and rules; identifies trends and deficiencies; and recommends corrective actions and program improvements. Supports program oversight, quality assurance, continuous improvement, and development of program policies, procedures, standards, guidance materials, and action plans in accordance with program objectives and goals. Assists other program staff with different types of applications and related certification functions. Performs other duties as assigned by leadership. Adheres to CHW Program policy and procedures.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Reviews, evaluates, and processes renewal applications for CHW certification. Independently determines whether applications meet applicable statutes, administrative rules, policies, and procedures; identifies deficiencies; documents certification decisions; and communicates required corrective actions. Reviews complex or non-routine certification matters and applies consistent standards to support accurate, defensible, and timely certification outcomes. 45%

Provides training, advanced consultation, and technical assistance to applicants, training entities, academic institutions, community-based organizations, internal staff, and other stakeholders regarding CHW certification requirements, standards, documentation expectations, and application processes. Explains applicable laws, rules, policies, and procedures; responds to complex inquiries; advises stakeholders on steps needed to correct deficiencies or achieve compliance; and works closely with the CHW Certification Team Lead to update guidance materials, talking points, and training resources to support consistent understanding of program requirements. 20%

Analyzes the application of certification requirements and variations in program processes to develop recommendations and action plans for improving existing certification activities or initiating new program processes. Supports the Texas CHW Partnership and additional certification activities, including initial applications for CHW certification, training curricula certification, and training center certification, to ensure continuity and consistency across certification programs. Conducts application reviews, provides technical expertise, resolves escalated or program-wide issues, and provides guidance or technical direction to other program staff regarding certification standards and processes. 15%

Manages and analyzes CHW certification data, including application volume, processing timeframes, application status, compliance findings, deficiencies, and certification outcomes. Prepares and maintains the CHW Program Matrix Report and related summaries, reports, and responses for internal leadership and external stakeholders. Reports performance trends to the CHW Certification Team Lead to help ensure compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules; identifies operational risks or barriers; and recommends corrective actions, process improvements, and updates to program policies, procedures, standards, guidance materials, or manuals. 15%

Performs other duties as assigned in support of program operations and agency objectives. Participates in emergency response, disaster recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activities, which require alternate work schedules or work locations. To perform these job duties, this position requires working the extra hours needed to meet defined deadlines and support the agency’s mission critical reporting requirements. 5%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the program area; of public administration and management techniques; of statistical analysis processes; of research techniques; and of program management processes and techniques.
Knowledge of program development, planning, implementation, and evaluation/continuous quality improvement. 
Knowledge of laws and rules related to the program area; Knowledge of statistical analysis processes
Knowledge of community health worker standards of practice, competencies and roles.
Knowledge of public health principles and practice 
Knowledge and understanding of adult learning methods and training techniques
Knowledge of and experience in providing technical assistance.  

Skill in communicating information clearly, concisely, and effectively, both verbally and in writing in English and Spanish.
Skill in preparing comprehensive and accurate reports
Skill in working with internal and external stakeholders and partners 
Skill in developing and evaluating policies and procedures.
Skill in demonstrating initiative in projects and activities.
Skill in the use of computer software and various applications, to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet, etc; Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance and in operating computers and applicable software.

Ability to interpret and apply agency rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Ability to organize and manage multiple and diverse tasks/projects in an effective and efficient manner.
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems.
Ability to prepare reports; develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively, to train, lead, and/or prioritize the work of others.
Ability to communicate effectively within the agency and with the public.
Ability to implement data-related procedures and to evaluate their effectiveness.
Ability to exercise judgment in evaluating situations, making decisions, and effectively working through areas of conflict.  
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors and co-workers.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in or major course work in a relevant field such as education, public health, health promotion or health education. 

Minimum of 2 years of experience reviewing, evaluating, or processing applications, certification, approvals, or similar program materials to determine compliance with applicable requirements, standards, policies, or procedures.

Minimum of 2 years of experience providing training, consultation, technical assistance, or guidance to internal or external stakeholders on program requirements, standards, policies, procedures, or processes.

Additional Information:

This position is eligible for part-time telework. Staff must be able to work in-person in Austin 2–3 days per week.

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