Obesity and Worksite Wellness Branch Manager

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: Obesity and Worksite Wellness Branch Manager 
Job Title: Manager IV 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Obesity & Worksite Wellness 
Posting Number: 16036 
Closing Date: 05/23/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Range: $5,797.66 - $7,652.91 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 15% 
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: 0203,0207,0302,0520,0602,0802,1802,5502,6302,6502,7202,7208,7210,7220,111X,112X,113X,114X,16GX,41AX 
611X,612X,631X,632X,641X,648X,86M0,86P0,8U000,9G100,SEI15 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under general guidance of the Health Promotion (HP) Unit Director, The Manager IV performs highly complex (senior-level) managerial work administering daily operations and activities of the Obesity and Worksite Wellness Branch, including but not limited to the Obesity Prevention Program, Worksite Wellness Program, and the Texas Healthy Communities Program. Work involves developing strategic plans and establishing long-term goals and objectives; developing schedules, guidelines, procedures and policies. Confers with the Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Section and with DSHS executive management to ensure branch goals and objectives are consistent with agency goals. Coordinates and evaluates business functions including human resources, accounting and finance and payroll for the branch. Manages day to day activities of highly specialized professional staff assigned to the branch, including all supervisory and human resources responsibilities. Plans and develops grant applications and budgets; monitors large and complex budgets and expenditures. Participates in the legislative processes prior to and during legislative sessions. May oversee the implement of changes resulting from new legislation. Consults with the Chronic Disease Epidemiology Branch on surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation of branch projects.  Prepares management and productivity reports; and reviews and approves documents and reports developed by employees to ensure professional quality and appearance, appropriate content, consistency, and responsiveness. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for use of 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:

(35%) Provides leadership for programs in the Obesity and Worksite Wellness Branch (branch). Establishes strategic plans and long-term goals for branch programs; develops and/or approves complex program policies and procedures, schedules, priorities and performance standards for achieving goals and objectives in the strategic plans; and coordinates program evaluation activities. Supervises highly specialized professional and technical program staff members. Plans, implements, coordinates and monitors surveillance and evaluation activities through coordination with the section, unit, Chronic Disease Epidemiology branch, and other program staff as needed. Develops and directs the maintenance of statewide partnerships with external stakeholders. Directs the overall operations of the branch, including budgets, federal grant applications and contracts, regulatory processes, program implementation, and reporting.

(30%) Identifies funding and resources needed to meet branch goals and objectives and communicates needs to the HP Unit Director and the Section Director. Oversees the development of large program operating budgets, evaluates budget requests, allocates approved budgets to programs, monitors program expenditures, and makes adjustments as necessary. Analyzes budget reports and expenditures to ensure compliance with policies and procedures set forth by DSHS and by state and federal funding sources. Addresses any budget issues with appropriate personnel to ensure issues are resolved. Plans, develops and oversees the preparation of grant applications/proposals, requests for proposals/applications, contracts and scopes of work. Develops monthly, quarterly and annual reports for funding agencies. Evaluates budget utilization for completion of program activities and operations. 

(20%) Provides technical expertise and guidance regarding questions related to program topics in the branch. Keeps abreast of relevant scientific and technical developments related to chronic diseases, their risk factors, and self-management relative to the branch programmatic settings and target populations, including national and state evidence-based strategies and priorities. Maintains current knowledge of local, state and federal laws, regulations and trends relevant to branch program operations. Oversees the preparation of training and operations manuals, educational materials, and information related to relevant program areas. Presents information on current and future program activities and accomplishments and represents the branch at conferences and meetings as needed. 

(10%) Participates in the legislative process by analyzing bills, preparing cost estimates, and testifying at hearings. Oversees the implementation of program changes resulting from new legislation. Coordinates development of all required legislative reports to ensure professional quality and appearance, appropriate content and that they are prepared and submitted in a timely manner.

(5%) Performs 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.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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of public health practices at the local, state and national levels.

Knowledge of health promotion and chronic disease prevention.

Knowledge of local, state and federal worksite wellness laws, principles and trends.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and management.

Knowledge of community based public health interventions, best practices and current trends.

Knowledge of basic data and evaluation procedures.

Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative

solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Skill in the use of Microsoft Office computer software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams.

Skill in the use of general office equipment.

Skill in public speaking, facilitating meetings and communicating verbally and in writing.

Ability to take complex and often disconnected elements and identify how they are linked to support program goals and objectives.

Ability to lead, work independently, and within a team setting depending on the project.

Ability to design and implement public health interventions and programs.

Ability to apply theoretical models and practices to real world applications.

Ability to manage business functions and branch activities.

Ability to establish goals and objectives.

Ability to devise solutions to administrative problems.

Ability to develop and evaluate administrative policies and procedures.

Ability to communicate effectively.

Ability to supervise the work of others.       

Registrations, Licenure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Completion of a four year degree in public health, community health, chronic disease prevention, nutrition, physical activity or other related field required. Masters degree preferred. At least four years experience in a community health program related to obesity, nutrition, chronic disease prevention, health promotion or worksite wellness. At least two years of experience in a management or leadership role. At least two years of experience in federal grant writing and managing.

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