Community Health 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.

Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

Functional Title: Community Health Specialist I 
Job Title: Community Health Specialist 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Region 6/5 
Posting Number: 11426 
Closing Date: 05/20/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-14 
Salary Range: $3,844.91 - $4,594.50 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 70% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: COLUMBUS 
Job Location Address: 1220 BOWIE ST 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 230X,43EX,43HX,4B0X1,4E0X1,60C,68S,68Z,HM,HS,MED,NAP11,SEI12 
 
 
 

Participates as a member of the Public Health Region 6/5S Community Health Services program and reports directly to the Nurse Supervisor for Community Health Services Program. Works closely with team members. Performs routine public health work. Work involves conferring with local agencies, private physicians, individuals, local stakeholders and community action groups on the control and prevention of diseases and injuries. Travel required throughout seven county region as routinely assigned to work in a variety of locations. Position will primarily focus on Colorado and Wharton counties. Serves as a public resource in creating awareness of health problems and programs. Duties include completing activities on the Title V maternal and child health annual work plan, participating in community needs assessments, collecting data, serving on coalitions, training, providing health education and outreach activities, disseminating information on health, agency programs, community resources and assisting individuals / families to access needed services. Assists with the preparation of reports and performs data entry. Assists the nurses in scheduling and seeing clients, maintaining client records and clinic supplies to assure immunization, STD/HIV, and tuberculosis services are provided effectively and efficiently. This position works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  

Essential Job Functions:

Title V -Population Based Services-35%
Contributes to the work of the county-specific and regional Title V work plan. Work plan includes actively participating in county Child Fatality Review Team, Community Resource Coordination Group and School Health Advisory Councils. Works to assure integrated activities that are consistent with approved work plans. Implements approved evidence-based interventions in assigned county(ies). Assists with the preparation of reports and performs data entry including (but not limited to) Title V monthly reporting and car seat distribution data. Works collaboratively, with direction from the team members, Team Lead and Manager. Reports progress on Title V objectives as required by Team Lead. 

Title V SME & Reporting Services-35%
Participates in community needs assessments, collects data, serves on coalitions, provides health education and outreach activities, disseminates information on health, agency programs, community resources and assisting individuals / families to access needed services. Confers with local agencies, private physicians, individuals, local stakeholders and community action groups on the control and prevention of diseases and injuries in multiple counties of the region without local health departments, with a focus on Colorado and Wharton counties. Serves as a community resource in creating awareness of public health problems and public health education programs. Use of appropriate interpretation services for Spanish speaking clients/audiences with limited English proficiency.

Direct Clinical Services-25% 
Assists in the delivery of direct clinical services both at clinic and selected community satellite sites. Performs technical skills as delegated by the RN, including but not limited to, measuring heights, weights, temperatures, blood pressures, providing vision and hearing screening exams, providing DOT/DOPT, and prepares specimens (blood and sputum, urine), including centrifuging blood for mailing. Monitors cold chain for immunization storage.  May make home visits for the purpose of gathering information to report back to the nurse and/or to provide education. Performs duties to assure effective and efficient immunization services. Includes maintaining supplies and equipment, completing reports and performing data entry. 

Other Duties as Assigned-5% 
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 alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Required to travel throughout the region as routinely assigned to work in other locations. Safe operation of either a state owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with agency policy. Compliance with DSHS Immunization Policy required: serologic evidence of immunity to, or documented evidence of vaccination against hepatitis B.

Registrations, licenses, certifications required to perform this job:

Community Health Worker Certification preferred.

Knowledge, skills and abilities critical to perform in this position:

Knowledge of social, economic, and public health issues; of public health laws and regulations; and of 
Knowledge of public health issues, disease prevention and health promotion strategies.
Knowledge of basic teaching/learning theories. 
Knowledge of cultural, social, and economic forces in families and communities.
Knowledge of community resources.
Skills in developing and providing individual and group education/training.
Skills in computer use including, data input, word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail and internet.
Ability to interpret public health laws and regulations.
Ability to train others.
Ability to problem solve, prioritize, plan, and execute work utilizing supervisor and consultative resources as needed.
Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal formats.
Ability to initiate and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with the public, local officials, various levels of health care professionals and local agency personnel.
Ability to travel.
Ability to meet employee immunization requirements.
Ability to obtain Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification
Ability to meet physical demands of job functions.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduated from an accredited high school or GED program.

Experience providing assistance to customers via direct contact, email or telephone.

Experience in using computer, computer programs and entering data.

Additional Information:

Must provide own transportation and meet driving policy to include checking driving records. Requires daytime and occasional late afternoon travel to assigned rural counties.  Mileage reimbursed in accordance to state policy. Required to serve as essential personnel in disaster response activities within regional jurisdiction, to include alternate work hours.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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.

Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety.  

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