Prevention Program 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: Prevention Program Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist V 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Injury Prevention 
Posting Number: 13863 
Closing Date: 02/27/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 
Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $5,888.50 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 25% 
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:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Job Description:

The Program Coordinator (PS V) works under the direction of the Injury Prevention Unit / Texas Overdose Data to Action (TODA) manager. This position performs advanced (senior level) consultative services, technical assistance, analysis activities, and oversight of multiple operational aspects of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Overdose Data to Action in States grant. This work includes knowledge of rules and rule making process, regulations, planning, and development. The PS V supports coordination and implementation of TODA initiatives including oversight of risk reduction, fatality prevention, and community-based linkage to care programs, strategic program plan development, and ongoing TODA initiatives. This position includes building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders, with an emphasis on public safety departments, community-based prevention programs, academic partners, and local health departments across Texas. This position may represent TODA on agency-wide committees. The PS V will coordinate with the Injury Prevention Unit and the Community Health Improvement Division on TODA activities and progress. This position will prepare reports, presentations, briefings, and other documents for the Unit, Section, Medical Director, and/or the Community Health Improvement Deputy Commissioner. The PS V will serve as a team coordinator on TODA projects and/or initiatives as well as on other quality improvement initiatives to improve program operations. The PS V will support data collection and program evaluation to support the TODA program in meeting federal grant requirements and internal goals. This position works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  

Essential Job Functions:

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

(30%) Represents and acts on behalf of the TODA manager to provide guidance on policy, planning, and administrative operations of the grant. Facilitates and coordinates the flow of program / administrative assignments and composes responses. Develop program policies, procedures, standards, and manuals in accordance with program objectives and goals. Works closely with TODA and Unit staff to coordinate assignments. Drafts short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals and objectives, policies, procedures, and standards for TODA. Works closely with the TODA manager to meet grant responsibilities and submit reports in a timely, accurate manner. Makes data and information available to decision makers to assist them with policy decisions and resource allocations. 

(25%) Facilitates alignment and coordination of TODA activities toward strategic goals and objectives, develops priorities for achieving goals, and participates in evaluation activities. Coordinates TODA activities related to tracking and activities. 

(15%) Facilitates appropriate TODA involvement with inter- and intra-agency activities related to grant priorities. Analyze the application of and variations within programs to develop action plans for improving or initiating new programs. Identifies opportunities for the program to further strategic goals. Maintains continuous communication and coordination with TODA and HHSC staff. Consults with public stakeholders, interest groups (both state and national level), and HHS enterprise staff as directed by the TODA manager. Consult with public and private agencies involved in the programs to resolve problems, identify training needs, and discuss program effectiveness.

(15%) Communicates with program staff, unit staff, stakeholders, advocates, and others on TODA activities. Participates in activities related to program issues, possible rulemaking with key legislation, interim studies or project work teams, and activities designed to improve the TODA deliverables. Analyze performance data to help ensure compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules; and recommend corrective action(s) as needed. Supports program and staff needs based on emerging national and state level activities. Guides staff to initiate, sponsor, manage, or participate in projects to maximize the success of TODA and participates in planning and convening meetings or conferences. 

(10%) Conducts research and analysis of unintentional and undetermined drug poisoning related topics; examines proposed regulations or policies that impact or potentially impact TODA or the agency. Analyze legislation to develop recommendations for policy in programmatic issues relating to the implementation, improvement, and/or expansion or reduction of program funding. Prepares reports, presentations, briefings, and other documents for the Unit, Section, Medical Director, and/or the Division Deputy Commissioner.

(5%) 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.

Knowlege/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the program area; public administration techniques; training and marketing techniques; and program management processes and techniques.
• Knowledge of management techniques; statistical analysis processes; budget processes; and research techniques.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public health administration and management.
• Knowledge of governmental budgeting processes and procedures.
• Knowledge of the service needs of persons who experience drug poisoning.
• Knowledge of the array of planning and evaluation methods used in state government.
• Knowledge of grants, report writing, research, and budgeting processes.
• Knowledge of concepts and applications for continuous quality improvement.
• Knowledge of the major functions of public health, health care reform initiatives, and health care policy development.

• Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance and in the use of a computer and applicable software.
• Skill in conducting planning activities including developing goals and objectives for strategic planning and evaluation.
• Skill in organizing and presenting complex information to a variety of diverse stakeholders.
• Skill in managing and prioritizing multiple and competing work activities.
• Skill in quality improvement implementation for program evaluation.
• Skill in meeting facilitation.
• Skill in using a public health prevention framework and ensuring it is incorporated and evaluated in program activities and initiatives. 
• Skill in developing and evaluating administrative policies, procedures, and protocols.

• Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems; to market programs; to prepare reports; to develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures; and to communicate effectively.
• Ability to provide guidance to others.
• Ability to serve as a lead worker providing direction to others.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to speak and write effectively, clearly, and concisely on a variety of complex subjects related to the program.
• Ability to plan, organize and complete multiple activities in a timely fashion.
• Ability to handle a wide range of tasks in an effective manner along with planning, organizing, and completing multiple tasks and activities in a timely fashion.
• Ability to interpret guidelines, policies, procedures, and regulations on a state and/or national level.

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in a relevant field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience working in public health, drug poisoning prevention, injury prevention, and/or health care policy. 
• Experience in contract or grant support, management, or monitoring.
• Experience in project reporting, presentation, or developing educational or training materials.
• Experience in public speaking.

Registration, Licensure, and Certifications:

N/A

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.  
 
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.

This position is not eligible for full-time telework within the state of Texas. This position is required to be in office at the Austin campus on a hybrid schedule.

Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 68S, 60C, HM, 230X, 4E0X1, 43HX, 43MX, 43EX.  All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx

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