Program Evaluator Team Lead

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Functional Title: Program Evaluator Team Lead 
Job Title: Research Specialist V 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Chronic Disease Epidemiology 
Posting Number: 11629 
Closing Date: 02/27/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24 
Salary Range: $5,425.33 - $7,155.75 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 10% 
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: No military equivalent 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under direct supervision of the Manager of the Chronic Disease Epidemiology (CDE) Branch, evaluates chronic disease programs or initiatives within the Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention (HPCDP) section. Oversees and leads technical assistance and consultative services regarding program evaluation to internal and external partners for HPCDP programs, including but not limited to the Heart Disease and Stroke and the Diabetes Prevention and Control Programs. Develops and implements evaluation frameworks for strategic partnerships, implements evaluation plans for HPCDP programs and community interventions, and performs assessment of surveillance systems. Leads the evaluators’ team within CDE branch. Work includes developing and/or refining the scope and methodologies of research projects, theoretical concepts, developing and implementing complex surveillance/research studies following new or standardized scientific policies/protocols, coordinating studies, collecting, analyzing and evaluating qualitative and quantitative data. Prepares scientific publications, reports and presentations. Work is performed under limited direction with extensive 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.

(35%) Provides expert technical assistance and consultation for the evaluation of strategic partnerships, implementation of chronic disease prevention initiatives, programmatic and community interventions, and assessment of surveillance systems. Participates in evaluation planning, development, implementation and reporting of chronic disease initiatives in collaboration with various HPCDP programs including but not limited to the Heart Disease and Stroke and the Diabetes Prevention and Control Programs. Creates evaluation-related materials such as evaluation frameworks, and logic models. Develops and conducts surveys, focus groups, and key informant interviews. Develops other data collection instruments as needed. Analyzes qualitative and quantitative data and writes evaluation reports.

(25%) Serves as the team lead for the CDE branch’s evaluators’ team. Participates in the screening, interviewing and selection process in hiring evaluation team members. Makes assignments, directs projects for the team and ensures deadlines are met. Assists the CDE Branch Manager with establishing priorities for the team and implements them. Assesses training needs and makes recommendations for training; provide on-the-job training and mentor less experienced staff with complex issues and/or projects. Attends and provides input at meetings pertaining to work assignment.

(20%) Develops, designs, implements, and monitors research studies relevant to chronic disease prevention and health promotion. Develops research aims, hypotheses, and study protocols; reviews, organizes, and coordinates the collection and compilation of data. Designs and implements data collection instruments. Performs advanced statistical analyses on quantitative and qualitative data as appropriate. Disseminates findings through formal contributions to public health sciences and presentations to partners. Develops, communicates, and implements quality improvement plans. Provides consultation and technical assistance regarding study design, statistical methods, instrument development, and communication procedures.

(10%) Designs and oversees scientific literature reviews. Provides consultation to HPCDP Section members regarding research and evaluation initiatives. Oversees clearinghouse for formal contributions to public health science, including manuscript and abstract submission. Develops and coordinates applications for research funding.

(5%) Prepares annual, internal and legislative reports related to programmatic funding and assists in the preparation of grant applications.

(5%) Other duties as assigned. This includes but is 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:

• Public health, health promotion, and chronic diseases.
• Research planning, methods and principles.
• Scientific research methods, principles, philosophy and statistical concepts and methods and their application to research analysis.
• Evaluation methods and tools including SMART objectives, performance measures, indicators and logic models.
• Conducting survey interviews and/or focus groups.
• Scientific literature review processes, techniques, methods, and associated publication databases.
  
  

Skill in:

• Building effective partnerships, effective problem-solving, and communicating clearly and concisely.
• Leading group efforts, working in a team environment and project management.
• Developing procedures to monitor and evaluate progress in achieving project objectives.
• Conveying planning alternatives or recommendations to a variety of audiences.
• Communicating both orally and in writing, including strong technical writing skills.
• Using MS Office, statistical software (e.g. SAS, SPSS, Stata, NVivo, Atlas.ti etc) analyzing qualitative and quantitative data.

Ability to: 

• Synthesize and translate complex information into simpler terms.
• Create formal contributions to public health science and participate in the peer-review process.
• Develop and implement valid and reliable measurement instruments.
• Establish effective working relationships with staff at all levels of an organization, agencies, providers, and stakeholders.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

• A graduate degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public health or related field.
• One or more years of experience in evaluation related work, evidence-based interventions, qualitative data collection, developing surveys, performing data analysis, and data dissemination.
• One or more years of experience developing logic models, conducting survey interviews and/or focus groups, writing evaluation reports, and describing scientific findings effectively.
• One or more years of experience leading a team or project.
• One or more years of experience with presenting and publishing scientific work preferred.

Additional Information:

Information on the application must clearly state how the applicant meets initial selection criteria to be interviewed. An in-basket activity will be required at time of interview.

Agency salary policy, budget, and candidate’s qualifications will dictate final salary offer. Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. without employer’s sponsorship.

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