Data Quality 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.

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

Functional Title: Data Quality Specialist 
Job Title: Publ Hlth and Prevent Spcl II 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Blood Lead Epi & Surveillance 
Posting Number: 12418 
Closing Date: 02/04/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Computer and Mathematical 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-16 
Salary Range: $3,409.83 - $4,252.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
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 (DHT) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 230X,43EX,43HX,4B0X1,4E0X1,60C,68S,68Z,HM,HS,MED,NAP11,SEI12 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under the direction of the Data Team Supervisor in the Blood Lead Surveillance Branch, this position prepares electronic data for import and analysis into lead databases. Uses SAS, Excel, SQL, and other software for merging, editing, deduplicating, and importing electronic blood lead data. Uses files with confidential medical data in various formats. Merges blood lead reports and reference files. Edits and conducts quality control and assurance. Obtains missing information when applicable. Conducts routine database maintenance in the above software. Assists in the development and maintenance of databases of health data from surveillance projects and health studies. Conducts health interviews and other data collection activities for surveillance projects and health studies as needed. Oversees the work of others as needed. Works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EFJ1: Converts electronic blood lead data into a usable and consistent format for import into blood lead databases for use and analysis by Blood Lead Surveillance Branch staff. Reviews electronic information to ensure accuracy of reports. Corrects errors, and checks and analyzes information for consistency in all fields. Obtains missing information when applicable. Evaluates the need for changes in data elements. Makes recommendations for the management of information relating to childhood blood lead test result data. Prepares policy and procedure manuals for the handling of electronic blood lead data. Trains both internal and external partners in the use of the Blood Lead Surveillance System as needed. Assists in the tracking of electronic data submitters, evaluates problems, and recommends a corrective course of action when errors occur. (40%)

EJF2: Monitors, reviews, cleans, deduplicates, and analyzes blood lead data for data analysis. Prepares detailed and comprehensive reports of findings and recommendations for review by the manager. Recommends actions for more effective and efficient processes. Evaluates results of policy implementation to assure the appropriate function of the system. (30%)

EJF3: Participates in the preparation of training materials for use in training local and regional health departments on appropriate procedures for electronic data submission. Assists in developing solutions to data problems in reporting. Evaluates the effectiveness of the training program for test result submission. (15%)

EJF4: Conducts health interviews and other data collection activities for surveillance projects and health studies. Conducts research on specific diseases and health conditions. (10%)

EJF5: Performs related work as assigned. “Other duties as assigned including 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”. (5%)

Licensure, Certification or Registration Required:

N/A

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of department policy and procedures

Knowledge and understanding of disease surveillance and public health problems

Skill in problem solving

Skill using various database applications, Access, Adobe, and Excel

Ability to work with confidential data

Ability to develop and evaluate policies and procedures

Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.

Ability to gather, correlate, and analyze data

Ability to work independently

Ability to devise solutions to problems

Ability to use, and train others in the use of, computer equipment and software.

Ability to work as part of a team

Ability to set priorities, organize time, and meet deadlines within set guidelines.

Ability to review others' work.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Experience working with Excel.

Experience with confidential medical information.

Experience with disease surveillance data systems preferred.

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