Preparedness and Response Specialist

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: Preparedness and Response Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist III 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Region 1 
Posting Number: 16333 
Closing Date: 05/31/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Range: $4,020.33 - $5,178.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 40% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AMARILLO 
Job Location Address: 3407 PONY EXPRESS WAY 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under the supervision of the Public Health Region 1 Supervisor III, Preparedness and Response Planner, the Program Specialist III functions as a member of the regional Preparedness and Response team.

Work includes public health preparedness activities that create/enhance/support the local capacity to address the CDC's 15 Public Health and Emergency Response Capabilities.

This position:

Plans and manages efforts to achieve compliance with regional public health preparedness response plans in assigned counties.

Assists counties with disaster readiness assessments, plans, disaster drills, and achieving community wellness and public health improvements. 

Serves as a liaison between the regional Preparedness and Response Program and local government officials, their representatives and other community stakeholders.

Establishes partnerships with local health departments to collaborate on effective and cost efficient public health planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Speaks before community groups, service clubs, and other community groups to address preparedness and response-related initiatives/issues.

Works under general supervision, with moderate 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. Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety

Preparedness and Response Liaison – Work with assigned counties serving as a liaison between the Department of State Health Services in general and the Preparedness and Response (PAR) Program specifically. Work with local city and county elected officials and other key contacts in assigned counties to develop and implement local disaster response plans, with a particular focus on issues related to public health and medical issues. Work with assigned counties and communities to prepare residents to respond in a natural or manmade disaster. Provide technical assistance to local partners during the planning and response of exercises and real events in matters related to public health. Provide assistance to all counties in the region, as needed and requested. Provide assistance to other PAR staff in their assigned counties as requested and/or needed.  Upon request, deploy to the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Disaster District Emergency Operations Centers (DDEOCs), monitoring for Emergency Support Function 8, Public Health and Medical (ESF-8) needs/issues, providing situational awareness to DSHS PHR 1 and the DSHS State Medical Operations Center (SMOC). (45%)

Training – Develop and present trainings and appropriate related materials to community groups, schools, partner agencies, and other audiences as opportunities and needs are identified. Training will focus on public health, medical, and other topics related to PAR team subject matter and preparedness related topics. Assists other programs and partner agencies through assistance with training and response. (25%)

Asset/Equipment Exercise and Maintenance – Working with the Administrative Assistant II for PAR, provide assistance by working to identify and maintain program assets/equipment by tracking location, condition and testing schedule for the program. Develop and follow testing/exercise schedule for assets/equipment. Report as scheduled/requested to the Administrative Assistant II on status and testing/exercise results. Arrange for repairs as needed. (25%)

Marginal Functions – Provide guidance to local health departments and other agencies. 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. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge:

Knowledge of disaster planning and disaster exercise planning, implementation and assessment.

Knowledge of county and local government organization and operation.

Knowledge of planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs.

Knowledge of theory and practice of public health, community assessment and community development.

Knowledge of theories/processes for development of system and/or community health improvement plans.

Knowledge of National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS) practices.

Skills:

Skill in word processing, statistical analysis, mapping, and graphics/design, using Windows based programs including Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook and Internet.

Skill in using computer software for data analysis and interpretation for response planning.

Skill in the development of training techniques, educational media, and program presentations.

Skill in operating two way radios.

Skill in communicating health issues and priorities.

Skill in conducting community health needs assessments.

Abilities:

Ability to manage multiple projects or assignments.

Ability to manage, maintain, and track disaster preparedness assets. 

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Ability to coordinate the activities of groups of professional and community individuals and agencies.

Ability to analyze and interpret basic health data, information and statistics.

Ability to develop/ support community coalitions and other techniques to affect public health problems at the community systems level.

Ability to relate to individuals of varying socioeconomic and cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.

Ability to apply and interpret Federal, State and local regulations.

Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to function independently.

Ability to function as a team member.

Ability to speak to large or small audiences, answer questions and provide a professional image.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver’s license, or equivalent license from another state and able to obtain a Class C Texas driver's license within 60 days.  

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework related to emergency management or public health or other related field. Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year-to-year basis. Required.

Experience in using computer software including word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail (Microsoft Office). Required.

One year’s experience in an emergency management-related field and/or one year’s experience in a public health-related field. Preferred.

Experience in working within a National Incident Management System (NIMS) compliant Incident Command Structure (ICS). Preferred.

Experience in working with county and local government officials. Preferred.

Experience in managing, maintaining, and tracking assets. Preferred.

Experience in planning and conducting effective meetings. Preferred.

Experience in developing training materials (including presentations) and conducting training. Preferred.

Additional Information:

Employee must provide transportation to/from headquarters. If an employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in performance of their official duties, the employee must possess a current valid Texas driver’s license for the appropriate type of vehicle. This position requires that an employee’s driving record be verified with law enforcement to ensure compliance with DSHS’s driving policy. Employee/Applicants are responsible for providing a certified copy of their driving record and a copy of their driver’s license prior to beginning employment.

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