Community Health Improvement Publ Hlth & Prevent Specialist I

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: Community Health Improvement Publ Hlth & Prevent Specialist I 
Job Title: Community Health Specialist 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Region 11 
Posting Number: 11416 
Closing Date: 05/20/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-14 
Salary Range: $3,520.33 - $4,203.08 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 50% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: FALFURRIAS 
Job Location Address: 1200 E HWY 285 
Other Locations: Alice; Kingsville 
MOS Codes: 230X,43EX,43HX,4B0X1,4E0X1,60C,68S,68Z,HM,HS,MED,NAP11,SEI12 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under the direction of the Community Health Improvement Manager, performs routine public health services in assigned counties in Public Health Region 11 to identify, develop, and implement strategies to promote health and prevent disease and injury successfully. Work involves collaboration with schools, local health agencies, non-profit organizations, health advisory boards, private physicians, individuals, and stakeholder coalitions on population-based health promotion activities to improve access to care and prevent disease and injury regarding maternal and child health care. Trains the community stakeholders and staff in evidence-based health promotion and health education strategies that support healthier environments and encourage healthy behaviors. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for initiative and independent judgment. 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 alternative shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

 HEALTH PROMOTION/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Works with communities and local stakeholders, such as schools, healthcare providers, individuals, government officials, local agencies, and community action groups, to identify, develop, implement, and evaluate strategies to successfully promote health and prevent disease and injury. Provides technical assistance for community-wide health promotion campaigns. Educates the community about health issues and services specified in the region’s annual Community Health Improvement Plan and those of agency programs. Participates in Title V population-based services for women, adolescent, and children’s health, such as child fatality review teams, child passenger safety campaigns, obesity prevention activities, prevention of teen pregnancy, etc. Prepares and distributes educational materials. Develops and delivers educational presentations and trainings to at-risk populations, health providers, and community groups, and may assist with public health meetings about emerging public health threats. Provide consultation with staff and stakeholders on tobacco-related health promotion strategies. 35%

Program Implementation: Assists Health Services Region 11 (HSR 11) staff as a resource to create awareness about public health issues and related services. Assists in the implementation of evidence-based programs. Disseminates and interprets information on public health issues and health promotion programs for local stakeholders and the public about these issues. Create awareness of maternal and child health issues and prevention strategies. Coordinates training courses, and health education courses and trains others. Assists in the preparation and completion of team activities.  25%

PLANNING: Assist in regional program planning. Plans activities related to the services provided by the Community Health Improvement Program such as child passenger safety seat checkup events, Becoming a Mom, and other program services offered. Coordinate, participate in, and facilitate stakeholder planning meetings at the local level. Track and maintain meetings and activity schedules. Tracks inventory and identifies program material, equipment, and supply needs for activities. Provides administrative support to the Tobacco Prevention and Control program. 25%

DATA COLLECTION: Collect assessment data for use in planning intervention strategies, implementing intervention activities, and evaluating the effectiveness of public health services. Conduct local public health system assessments to determine compliance with state mandates, regulations, policies, and procedures. Assist in the development of survey tools and collection of survey data. Develop and update resource guides and stakeholder listings. Prepare reports on activities performed and meetings held. Prepare and/or assist in the preparation of administrative reports, studies, and specialized research projects. 10%

OTHER: Support office duties including phone coverage, ordering supplies, filing reports, making copies, and performing related work as assigned including serving in the DSHS Multi-Agency Coordination Center, State Operations Center, regional and/or local operations centers, joint field offices, Disaster District operations centers, or to be deployed to an affected area of the state during the response to and/or recovery from an all-hazard event. 5%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of: social, economic, and public health issues, basic medical terminology, health education, program implementation

Skill in: public health work, gathering facts, reporting on population-based interventions, using Access and Excel, preparing reports

Ability to: implement program policies and procedures, interpret public health laws and regulations, establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships, work with advisory councils, schools, stakeholder groups, and other programs and agencies, and communicate effectively by phone, email, or in-person, train others, collect data and reference information from sources, such as literature searches, and web-based research , write professional correspondence, using correct spelling and grammar, effectively use Windows, MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher), and the Internet to create E-mail messages, letters, informational handouts, spreadsheets, databases, database reports, charts, graphs, presentations, and computer-generated faxes, use computers, printers, scanners, digital cameras, and audio-visual equipment, organize and prioritize workload, work on multiple projects, predict program needs, and implement responses proactively, protect confidential medical and personnel information, present to an audience in both English and Spanish.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

National certification as a Child Passenger Safety Technician through Safe Kids worldwide is preferred; Certification shall be achieved as a technician within 12 months of hire.      

Initial Screening Criteria:

Required Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Experience with the public, students, community members, and/or professionals

Ability to work hours other than regular.

Ability to travel overnight.

Must possess a minimum of an associate degree in a related field or enough college hours to equal an associate degree.

Two years of relevant work experience will equal one year of college education.to the job duties of the position. Two years of relevant work experience will equal one year of college education. Associate degree preferred. In addition to degree or college hours, at least 2 years’ work experience in a field related to the agency program.

Additional Information:

“N/A”

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