HIV Prevention Consultant

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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: HIV Prevention Consultant 
Job Title: Program Specialist IV 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: HIV Prevention 
Posting Number: 14035 
Closing Date: 03/28/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Range: $4,264.00 - $5,521.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 20% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 201 W HOWARD LN STE 200 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

The Program Specialist IV is responsible for ensuring that organizations who enter into a written agreement with the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) provide HIV, STD and HCV programs deliver services that are consistent with the needs of the population to be served and are in accordance with State and Federal mandates and program requirements. Ensures compliance with these requirements through formal site reviews, technical assistance visits, calls, and desktop reviews.  Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent initiative, judgment and action.  

Administers and oversees HIV/STD/HCV prevention services, including all High-Impact Prevention strategies and multiple widely varied evidence based interventions.  Program Specialist performs advanced consultative services and technical assistance work.  Plans and directs the development, implementation and evaluation of HIV/STD/HCV programs provided by state and federal funded agencies. Works in collaboration with DSHS HIV/STD Regional Coordinators/Program Managers. Collaborates closely with other Branches and Units within the DSHS to develop and compose programmatic guidelines and standards.  Program Specialist IV performs the technical writing of standards, guidelines, technical assistance bulletins, policies and procedures, which are distributed internally and externally.  Program Specialist IV develops methods to evaluate the activities of organizations to ensure adherence to federal and state guidelines and standards.  Program Specialist IV reviews and provides technical guidance on programmatic quality assurance plans.  Performs advanced consultative services including but not limited to capacity development and technical assistance.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1: Program Administration and Technical Assistance (45%)

Program Specialist IV (PS IV) are assigned a portfolio of up to but limited to 15 HIV Prevention contracts.  These contracts can be within any of the scopes of work funded by the HIV Prevention Group. Conducts monthly check-in calls with assigned programs within the portfolio and documents each call conducted as monitoring events on technical assistance reporting forms and uploads them into the appropriate team’s channel following the group’s internal processes.

Provides technical assistance to address programmatic barriers. Guides, directs, and provides technical assistance to HIV/STD program by telephone, on-site, and in writing.  Technical assistance may include interpreting DSHS program standards, administrative and program requirements, policies.

Prepares for and assist the HIV Prevention Team Lead with the contract development process. Negotiates contract renewals with funded HIV/STD programs by reviewing the required documentation and ensuring the performance measures are aligned with the programs budget. Collects necessary documentation as required by the Contracts Management Unit for the renewal of contracts within the specified time frames.

Reviews monthly billing information for all assigned programs in conjunction with the contracts management unit.  Addresses any concerns regarding the monthly billing with the programs and ensure that the expenditures are allowable and at target expenditure levels. Initiates, reviews, and processes budget amendments and prior approval requests. Prepares and maintains the Provider Spend Down Tracking Sheet monthly within the contract's folder in TPIT.

Serves as the liaison between local health department, community-based organizations, and other contractors and the Department of State Health Services. May also serve as a liaison with state and national organizations related to HIV/STD/HC prevention and services. Communicates with the Procurement and Contraction Section, the Office of Inspector General and the Information Systems Branch to assure that all documentation is approved and processed correctly. 

EJF 2: Program Monitoring (30%)

PS IV develop and implement effective techniques for evaluating funded programs. Takes the lead in scheduling, planning, and conducting on-site formal program evaluations and provides on-site technical assistance according to policies and procedures. Conducts on-site and desktop program evaluations using standardized program tools. Evaluates compliance with scopes of work, program requirements, and Program Operating Procedures and Standards.  Reviews relevant documentation and observes programmatic activities as they relate to the delivery of effective and efficient HIV prevention services.  Works with program staff at all levels to adequately assess quality service delivery, which may include direct observation of HCV/STD/HIV prevention activities.

When on-site, may demonstrate service delivery techniques to program staff in traditional and non-tradition settings (e.g., bars, parks, housing project, rest stops).  Observes program staff delivering services and provides feedback to staff.  Consults with program supervisor when staff improvement is necessary.  Promotes program staff development by identifying training needs.  Assists in identifying additional resources for the programs.

Completes evaluation tools and written narrative information indicating program compliance or non-compliance, observations, findings, and required corrective action plans.  Assures that site visit evaluations and relevant documents are completed.  Complete risk assessment tools based on site visits and other relevant information to ensure programs are assessed according to risk.  Perform a follow-up site visit to ensure that recommendations are implemented in accordance with program review findings.  Implements DSHS Sanction Policy when needed and performs the necessary follow up activities. Analyzes the program's response to corrective action plans to determine if required program improvement have been implemented and results in improvement in service delivery. Assures that site visits are formally closed out according to procedures.

EJF 3: Data Analysis and Reporting (15%)

PS IV assists program in identifying trends (e.g., infection trends, community assessment, trends in identified population such as drug administration, sexual trends, trends in access to care), barriers to program implementation and achievement of program objectives.

Works with the data analytics team to review program performance by reviewing program reports and data and making recommendations. Reviews and analyzes prevention program data and makes appropriate recommendations to programs.

Review Progress Reports for accuracy and thoroughness. Works with program if edits need to be made and ensures all deadlines are met. Ensures program deliverable forms are completed and submitted to the Contracts Management Unit.

EJF 4: Other Duties (10%)

PS IV works as a member of cross-team work groups on projects related to HIV/STD/HCV that includes, developing program objectives and reviewing grant applications. Participates in Request for Applications and Request for Proposals processes. Develops and revises program policies and procedures.  Creates and updates evaluation tools, budget screening tools, and program report forms. Responsible for technical writing of manuals, guidance, and standards for all scopes of work. 

Responds to any Legislative Inquires as assigned and within the given timelines.

Prepares written responses to inquiries, complaints, and grievances.  Conducts investigation of complains or allegation, writing special reports and providing necessary technical assistance and follow up. Works on special projects as assigned, including but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in supporting role to meet the agencies obligation for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Position may require in-office attendance up to 5 days per week.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

[List the key KSAs, grouped by type.]

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of community-based health and social services programming for persons with HIV disease, such as Ryan White programming.

• Knowledge of HIV, STD and HCV prevention programming.

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws relating to HIV/STD/HCV (e.g., names reporting, partner notification).

• Knowledge of grant application and review process.

• Knowledge of customer service philosophy, displaying ability to provide customer friendly services to agencies and the public.

Skill in:

• Skills in clear and effective oral and written communication with culturally and professionally diverse audiences.

• Skills in organizing and writing reports using business English grammar and a professional/business writing style.

• Skills in conducting program oversight and evaluation.

• Skills in using internet, MS Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and other computer applications.

• Skills in developing and maintaining effective working relationships across organizational lines.

Ability to:

• Ability to work effectively in a team within the Branch and with interdisciplinary staff.

• Ability to be resourceful and apply initiative to assigned tasks with limited supervision.

• Ability to work independently

• Ability to prioritize workload and manage multiple tasks.

• Ability to take initiative in becoming involved with various work groups.

• Ability to exercise independent judgment in evaluating situations and making recommendations.

• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with local health agencies, community-based organizations, and local planning and services coordination groups.

• Ability to provide constructive and critical feedback and guidance to programs.

• Ability to assist in developing policies and procedures.

• Ability to identify problems and formulate solutions by developing/implementing logical, effective and realistic solutions.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a concentration in Public Health, Social Work, or other health related field. A minimum of 3 years’ experience providing services in an HIV/STD or other Public Health program is required. Experience may be substituted for degree.

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