HRSA Propel Grant

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: HRSA Propel Grant 
Job Title: Program Specialist V 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Newborn Screening 
Posting Number: 13996 
Closing Date: 03/26/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical 
Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $5,888.50 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 10% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (RDM) 
Other Locations: Austin 
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Plans, develops, and implements grant activity and provides consultative and technical assistance service to the Newborn Screening Unit follow-up staff and stakeholders including government agencies, community organizations, and the general public. Provides support and oversight for projects and activities related to quality improvement, workforce coordination, and grant oversight and reporting. Identifies resources and opportunities for coordinated processes for follow-up activities within short and long-term newborn screening programs and family-based support systems. Reviews policy and procedures and recommends updates. May serve as a lead worker providing direction to others. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1: Plans, develops, and implements grant activity to evaluate barriers, successes, and opportunities within blood spot, Texas Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (TEHDI), Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD), and long-term newborn screening programs. Develops strategies and processes to address barriers of distinct programs and systems. Strengthens integration of program activities through development of collaborative communication methods and supports. (35%)

EJF 2: Provides support and oversight for projects and activities related to quality improvement. Evaluates current technology systems for collecting data and communicating with providers. Develops and implements techniques for evaluating business functions within the Newborn Screening Unit follow-up program. Analyzes and reports data outcome measures and makes recommendations for improvements. (20%)

EJF 3: Consults with stakeholders to identify system needs, opportunities for workforce coordination, and evaluate concerns. Interacts with internal and external programs to review processes and assess quality improvement, workflow improvement, education, and training needs. Proposes plans for 

sustainable project strategies, services, and interventions. Supplies educational materials, information, and training as needed to address needs. Evaluates and engages resources to provide support to families, providers, and community stakeholders. (20%)

EJF 4: Participates and reports on grant measures, activities, and progress. Provides technical expertise and direction regarding inquiries and assignments related to the grant activity. Collaborates with other state/territory newborn screening programs and stakeholders. Represents newborn screening, prepares reports, and presents data. Fosters teamwork and communication inside and outside of the program. Coordinates and communicates with management and staff at all levels in blood spot, TEHDI CCHD, and long-term groups. (20%)

EJF 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. Assures that contingency plans for testing are adequate. Based on work area, consistently comply with DSHS agency, local, state, and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning workplace. (5%) 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of public health processes, state laws related to program;

Knowledge of public administration and management techniques;

Knowledge of medical terminology; and of educational techniques and procedures.

Skill in written and verbal communication, including explaining abstract concepts in concrete terms.

Skill in using electronic medical record systems, the Internet, database software (e.g. MS Access), and spreadsheet software (e.g. MS Excel) to manage and analyze data.

Ability to analyze public health business processes, and determine program needs/gaps;

Ability to work closely and effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team. 

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze data and facts; to devise solutions to problems;

Ability to plan, implement, evaluate, monitor, and prepare reports;

Ability to develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures;

Ability to train and provide technical assistance to other staff, programs, agencies, and the public.

Ability to work independently without close supervision. 

Ability to organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Ability to plan, assign, and/or direct the work of others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in social services, public health, or a related field is preferred.
2. Experience in using database software (e.g., MS Access, Electronic Medical Records) and spreadsheet software (e.g., MS Excel) to collect, manage and analyze data.
3. Three or more years of experience in work related to one or more of the following areas: program monitoring and evaluation, data analysis, grant writing, project coordination, and public/private health programs.

Additional Information:

This position is not eligible for telework. 

This is a Grant funded position. 

Employee must provide transportation. If employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in any of their official duties, the employee must possess a current valid Texas driver’s license for the appropriate type of vehicle. Employees/Applicants are responsible for providing a copy of their driver’s license prior to employment.
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION PRIOR TO SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION:Information on the application must clearly state how the applicant meets initial selection criteria in the Summary of Experience section in order to be interviewed. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application.Applicants must provide information relevant to the required experience for this position. Answer all questions and completely summarize your experience including technical and managerial responsibilities and any special training, skills and qualifications for each position you have held in the employment history section of application.All fields on the application must be filled-in completely. This includes, but is not limited to, previous salary, previous supervisor, and reason for leaving previous position.Agency salary policy, budget and candidate’s qualifications will dictate final salary offer.

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