Newborn Screening Unit Coordinator

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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: Newborn Screening Unit Coordinator 
Job Title: Program Specialist V 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Newborn Screening 
Posting Number: 12844 
Closing Date: 01/28/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 
Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $5,900.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
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:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Performs highly advanced and complex consultative services, technical assistance, analysis activities and oversight of operational aspects of the Newborn Screening Unit.  Applies extensive knowledge of rules, regulations, policy development and management to assist staff and external customers.  Work involves planning, developing, and implementing policies and procedures for the development, management, monitoring and oversight of rules, policies, and procedures developed for multiple programs in the Newborn Screening Unit. Represents the unit on agency wide committees and coordinates with the division on legislative analysis, tracking and implementation.  Prepare documents, papers and briefings for the unit, section, and the Associate Deputy Commissioner for the Community Health Improvement Division.  Coordinates special projects which improve the delivery of services and program operations process and emphasize proactive, flexible, legally defensible, customer-focused outcomes. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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

(45%) Represents and acts on behalf of the unit manager to provide consultation and guidance to programs on the development of health priorities, administrative operations and the implementation of health service systems for the unit. Facilitates and coordinates the flow of program and administrative assignments and composes/edits final responses.  Works closely with managers, legal, unit staff and others to ensure that division strategic goals and objectives are current and consistent with the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) processes.  Provides education to staff on the full range of activities related to new legislative program initiatives, development, project management, monitoring and reporting responsibilities. Oversees the compliance/response to external audits and investigations (State Auditors, Governmental Accounting Office, Health Resources & Services Administration, etc.).  Oversees the coordination of memoranda, correspondence, bill analysis and tracking, management reviews, productivity reports, cost estimates and technical assistance and analysis to form a concise report of issues with internal and external staff.  Represents the unit manager on executive and senior-level workgroups and committees such as stakeholder meetings, adhoc committees and interagency workgroups.  Serves as the legislative liaison for the Unit and coordinates bill analyses and cost agency estimates in coordination with program staff and unit Director.  

(20%) Develops guidelines, policies and procedures for the unit in order to implement integration of new methods and processes. Monitors compliance with policies and procedures for new and existing methods and processes.  Consults with public groups involved with the department to resolve problems, identify training needs, and discuss effectiveness of process and identify areas for improvement.

(20%) Special projects: Works with the special Projects manager and coordinates requests.  Responds to special requests and assignments from agency management.  Identifies opportunities to further the strategic goals of the division and makes recommendations to improve the overall relationship with both internal and external customers. Coordinates and participates in activities related to legislative and appropriations issues and develops implementation plans in coordination with other programs for enacted legislation to improve the overall relationship between the Unit/Section/DSHS and legislative leadership.

(10%) Responsible for the rule making process for the unit.  Performs periodic reviews of unit rules for statutory compliance, amends rules as required for efficient and effective program administration and incorporating new legislative mandates into program rules.  Coordinates and prepares all necessary forms for the rule making process with program stakeholders, legal counsel, the division office and HHSC. 

(5%) Other duties 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of local, state and federal laws relating to newborn screening, and maternal and child health

Knowledge of public administration and management techniques
Knowledge of Texas legislative and appropriations process

Knowledge of program management processes and techniques

Knowledge of training and marketing techniques

Knowledge of policy and procedure development, implementation and maintenance.

Knowledge of project management

Skill in bill analysis and tracking, in monitoring and coordinating response to legislative and other inquiries

Skills in identifying measures or indicators of program performance.

Skill in editorial roles, showcasing a high level of grammatical precision and language proficiency; ability to elevate written content through meticulous editing.

Skill in writing proposals, plans, policies, procedures and reports.
Strategic planning and goal setting skills
Skilled in the use of computers for word processing, spreadsheet and mainframe applications
Skills in gathering and analyzing information
Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
Skill in conducting and facilitating meetings

Ability to work in a high profile and fast-paced environment
Ability to establish goals and objectives
Ability to devise solutions to administrative problems
Ability to write, develop, implement and evaluate administrative policies and procedures

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts and to devise solutions to problems
Ability to express complex ideas clearly and accurately both verbally and in writing

Ability to prepare reports for diverse audiences

Ability to develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures
Ability to work collaboratively in teams
Ability to provide effective team leadership

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

A Bachelor’s Degree in English, public administration, public affairs, public health, or a related field or 5 years’ relevant experience preferred.
A minimum of 2 years’ experience in program planning, development, administration, and evaluation.

Experience reviewing and approving complex documents and reports.

Health care experience such as Public Health, Nursing, Medical transcription or terminology preferred.

Additional Information:

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; all information must be included on the application to be considered for the initial selection criteria.

 
 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.

Applicants selected for an interview will be required to complete an in-basket exercise.

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