PHPS III

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: PHPS III 
Job Title: Publ Hlth and Prevent Spcl III 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Region 4/5 
Posting Number: 20863 
Closing Date: 09/17/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Range: $3,793.41 - $4,857.33 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-18 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 40% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: PITTSBURG 
Job Location Address: 211 MILL ST 
Other Locations: Tyler 
MOS Codes: 230X,43EX,43HX,4B0X1,4E0X1,60C,68S,68Z,HM,HS,MED,NAP11,SEI12 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under the direction of the Community Health Improvement Manager, the Public Health and Prevention Specialist III performs complex (journey-level) public health services and program support work. The position is responsible for planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating public health initiatives across assigned counties in Public Health Region 4/5 North. Work primarily focuses on three major community health improvement pillars: Maternal and Child Health (MCH) (including safe sleep and infant mortality reduction), Injury Prevention (including child passenger safety and injury education), and Tobacco Prevention, Cessation, and Control. The specialist provides critical training and technical assistance to community stakeholders, schools, local health departments, non-profits, and regional coalitions. The PHPS III may be called upon to meet agency obligations for disaster response, recovery, or continuity of operations, which may require an alternate work schedule and location. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJF's):

 • Program Implementation & Planning (35%): Coordinates and implements population-based health promotion interventions for maternal-child health, injury prevention, and tobacco/vaping cessation across Region 4/5N. Assists in setting program goals and objectives tailored to rural and urban communities in East Texas.

• Community Coalition & Partnership Building (25%): Serves as a regional liaison to mobilize community groups, health advisory boards, schools, and medical providers. Represents DSHS on regional child fatality review teams and tobacco control coalitions.

• Training, Education & Capacity Building (20%): Develops, schedules, and conducts educational presentations and training sessions. Delivers DSHS-certified training (such as Community Health Worker CEUs), child passenger safety seat inspections, and tobacco cessation resource navigation to the public.

• Data, Tracking & Evaluation (15%): Collects, monitors, and evaluates program outcome data to identify regional gaps in resources. Compiles information for regional reports, audits, and health assessments to optimize regional health outcomes.

• Disaster Response/Other Duties (5%): Actively participates or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response, emergency management, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. (May require alternative shifts or travel).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of: Public health principles, community health promotion, and socio-ecological factors influencing maternal child health, injury risks, and tobacco dependency in Texas.                                                                                   

Skill in: Public speaking, creating and conducting educational presentations, writing clear technical reports, and operating standard computer software (e.g., MS Office Suite).                                                                                                      

Ability to: Build robust partnerships with community stakeholders, analyze program delivery trends, interpret state health public guidelines, and manage multiple health initiatives simultaneously under tight deadlines. Ability to day travel up to 40% of the time in various geographical areas in the region. Work with vulnerable and special populations.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in public health, community health, social/human services, or a related field. (Experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.)

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