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Information Specialist IV

 

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Functional Title: Information Specialist IV 
Job Title: Information Specialist IV 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Congenital Syphilis 
Posting Number: 12667 
Closing Date: 03/26/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Office and Administrative Support 
Salary Range: $4,801.16 - $6,281.33 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22 
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: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (RDM) 
Other Locations: Austin 
MOS Codes: 4502,4503,4505,4511,4512,4591,8055,165X,35PX,3N0X6,46A,46S,46Z,INF,MC,PA,SEI13 
 
 
 

Job Description

The Information Specialist IV works under the direction of the Director for Data Analytics and Special Projects (DASP) within the Community Health Improvement (CHI) Division. The position performs highly advanced (senior-level) informational, consultative, and technical communications work supporting inter- and intra-agency public health programs administered by CHI. This role is responsible for planning, developing, and disseminating information by researching, writing, editing, and producing communication plans, content, and materials across formats, including news, print, digital, and social media. The Information Specialist collaborates with CHI program staff on the development of content and materials, while serving as the programmatic lead and primary point of contact for all communications activities. The incumbent coordinates all communications and material‑development efforts, including monitoring contracts with external vendors involved in producing communication plans, informational content, and written or digital products. The position represents CHI on interagency and intra-agency workgroups and, upon request, provides training related to low literacy communication, readability standards, and cultural competence. Additional responsibilities include managing Data Analytics and Special Projects section websites to ensure compliance with Section 508 accessibility standards and departmental internet requirements. The position also serves as a backup point of contact for division email approval accounts, coordinating responses to internal and external stakeholders. The Information Specialist works under minimal supervision and is expected to exercise extensive latitude for initiative and independent judgment. To perform these job duties, this position may require working extra hours needed to meet defined deadlines and support the agency’s mission critical reporting requirements.  

Essential Job Functions

EJF 1.  Responsible for communication plans within CHI, informational content, and materials, including performing and coordinating activities related to designing communication plans and developing materials. Materials may include, but are not limited to, program manuals, brochures, newsletters, booklets, posters, surveys, web pages, and template letters, ensuring all products meet DSHS publication and branding guidelines. Assesses content needs and program objectives with CHI staff. Researches, analyze, develop, and monitor information and content using all available resources, including statutes, rules, policies, procedures, and internet-based sites. Designs, writes, edits, revises, and coordinates the translation of materials using a variety of software applications. Ensures that all products developed are culturally competent, culturally sensitive, and equitable in language that reflects the diverse communities served by CHI programs. Incorporates feedback and approvals within publication timelines to ensure final approvals occur sufficiently ahead of due dates in case revisions are required. Arranges for printing, storage, and dissemination of publications. Tracks quantities of printed materials to ensure an adequate supply and verify the completeness and accuracy of all printed products. (35%) 

EJF 2.  Develops and maintains the DASP Publications, Materials, and Communications Plan, ensuring section management is kept current on the status of all publications, materials, and communication efforts. Arranges for the printing, storage, and dissemination of publications. Tracks quantities of printed materials to ensure an adequate supply and verifies the completeness and accuracy of all printed products. (30%) 

EJF 3.  Assists in the planning, promotion, and execution of conferences, stakeholder meetings, and workshops. Coordinates and executes the design of exhibits to promote DASP projects. May attend events to support or coordinate activities related to the oversight of work products developed for CHI programs.  May serve as agency liaison with the media and coordinate media visits (20%) 

EJF 4.  Conducts training and provides technical assistance to staff on accessible and writing; effective readability practices, including the use of plain language and/or technical language appropriate to the audience; and cultural competency and cultural sensitivity to meet the needs of diverse populations across the State. The position also serves as a backup point of contact for division email approval accounts, coordinating responses to internal and external stakeholders (10%) 

EJF 5.  Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to actively participating in 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 work location. To perform these job duties, this position may require working extra hours needed to meet defined deadlines and support the agency’s mission critical reporting requirements.  (5%) 

Certifications

American Translator's Certification for Spanish preferred.  

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Knowledge of communication and marketing principles.  

Knowledge of publishing principles and style guides.  

Knowledge of principles of cultural competency and diversity awareness.  

Knowledge of technology/terminology and of the operation of various types of communication tools, their material requirements, and approach to subject matter. 

Knowledge of the design, implementation, and evaluation of public information campaigns. 

Knowledge of media measurement, evaluation, and distribution techniques and best practices.  

Knowledge of design and production for a broad range of public information materials, including the understanding of styles and formats for mass media, specialized outlets, and electronic publications.  

Knowledge of libel, slander, and copyright laws.  

Knowledge of agency functions, policies, and procedures; news and communication media; various social media platforms; editing and preparing informational material; design principles; and publishing and broadcast industries.  

Skill in using computer systems, electronic mail systems, Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet Explorer.  

Skill at writing for print, radio, and television markets and targeting communication at numerous populations, ranging from low literacy groups to healthcare professionals.  

Skill in gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing information from numerous sources.  

Skill in planning, developing, preparing, and disseminating information to the public and other targeted audiences.  

Skill in the use of Microsoft Office (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint) and specialized design software. 

Skill in researching information. 

Skill in translating documents from English to Spanish and Spanish to English (preferred). 

Skill in editorial and design practices, and in the use of a computer and applicable software.  

Ability to research, prepare, and direct information effectively; to accurately interpret and translate public health messaging, and to track numerous publications at different stages of development from conceptualization through final printing.  

Ability to research and prepare information, to design communication plans and materials related to the goals and priorities of the agency, to compose usable content for websites and social media, to prepare copy and scripts, to design broad communications plans and materials, and to communicate effectively  

Ability to plan conferences, seminars, workshops, and public information events; to oversee and/or supervise the work of others 

Ability to design communication plans and materials related to the goals and priorities of CHI. 

Ability to organize and express thoughts clearly and concisely. 

Ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.  

Ability to creatively explore and propose ideas for effective, yet innovative, communications.  

Ability to express clearly both verbally and in writing in a professional manner. 

Ability to design, write, edit, and produce clear, concise informational materials. 

Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage a variety of projects at one time.  

Ability to understand and interpret complex policies and issues. 

Ability to work effectively as a team member. 

Ability to establish effective working relationships with other employees, agencies, contractors, partners, community groups, and the general public.

Initial Screening Criteria

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year university in journalism, marketing, health education, or related field.   

A minimum of three years’ experience designing, writing, editing and producing educational, informational, and technical materials, including reports for various purposes and diverse audience(s).  

A minimum of one year experience managing contracts, preferably for health education or social marketing for public health programs.   

In-Basket Exercise

In lieu of a written exercise, the candidate will be requested to provide two writing samples, one of which was for an external audience.  Additionally, the candidate will be asked to share an example of a publication document produced in previous work (e.g., flyer, brochure, educational materials/presentations, marketing materials, executive presentations)   

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

Date Posted
03/12/2026
Job Reference
12667-en_US
Organization
Dept of State Health Services
Location
Austin, TX
Category
Data Science
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