Program Specialist 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: Program Specialist III 
Job Title: Program Specialist III 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: HAI Quality Assurance 
Posting Number: 13007 
Closing Date: 07/17/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19 
Salary Range: $4,020.33 - $5,178.00 
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 (DHT) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Do you have a "can do" attitude? Enjoy working on a dynamic team and are passionate about public health and healthcare?
The Program Specialist III implements training initiatives and develops strategies and materials to train the public health and healthcare workforce across multiple settings. Work involves planning, developing, marketing, and implementing Healthcare Safety training to healthcare and public health workers, program staff, government agencies, and community organizations via in-person and virtual training sessions. The Program Specialist III also helps coordinate and plan logistics for various meetings, conferences and special events. This position is responsible for responding to incoming questions and concerns from healthcare facilities and the public regarding Healthcare Safety training events and works closely with other members of the Healthcare Safety Unit on program initiatives. The Program Specialist III serves as a liaison with the DSHS Communications Office and Office of Practice and Learning and collects and analyzes training data for grant and leadership reporting purposes. This position works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:

(35%) Plans and coordinates trainings and other events for local and regional health jurisdictions and healthcare facilities across multiple healthcare settings via virtual or in-person meetings and training events. This may involve securing meeting sites, speakers/presenters, and preparing meeting agendas, talking points and supplies as needed. Manages and responds to inquiries and concerns from healthcare facilities, health department staff and the public regarding training-related activities and projects. Coordinates with the DSHS Office of Practice and Learning to secure continuing education credits for training events as needed, and prepares/collects all required documentation.

(30%) Creates, distributes, and delivers trainings and presentations for public health and healthcare partners related to healthcare safety. Develops awareness materials such as flyers, posters and social media posts for Healthcare Safety training initiatives. Collaborates with DSHS Social Media/Communications Office and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as needed, to develop and coordinate the distribution of marketing and promotional materials. Works with other Healthcare Safety Unit staff to complete joint program projects including creation and maintenance of the external Healthcare Safety webpage.

(30%) Collects, organizes, and reports on data collected by the training team to fulfill grant deliverables and respond to requests for information regarding Healthcare Safety training programs. Reviews Healthcare Safety training program evaluations and surveys to identify training gaps and update processes and procedures accordingly. Collaborates with Healthcare Safety Unit staff to collect and use data for action. Assists in submission of grant applications including composition, review, evaluation, and reporting. Collaborates in the planning, development, implementation, analysis, and documentation of the Healthcare Safety training program.

(5%) Performs related duties as assigned that 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.
 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:    None.  
 
Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of health promotion and education methods.
Knowledge of current communication and marketing techniques.
Knowledge of local, state and federal laws related to accessibility and marketing practices.
Knowledge of healthcare systems and organizations.

Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in generating accurate reports and materials under short deadlines.
Skill in working with diverse audiences that may have competing needs.
Skill in planning and coordinating conferences, meetings, summits, trainings, or workshops.
Skill in presentation development and delivery.
Skill in planning, organizing, developing, implementing, and managing multiple projects.

Ability to develop marketing strategies.
Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively both orally and in writing.
Ability to work on multiple projects at one time.
Ability to evaluate and interpret policies and procedures.
Ability to collect and analyze data and make recommendations based on findings.
Ability to present information in a clear and concise format.
Ability to use computers to organize and maintain complex records and files.
Ability to use of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint proficiently.
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts to devise solutions to problems.
Ability to work effectively as a team member with regional and local health department personnel and private sector health care professionals.
 
 
Initial Screening Criteria:

• Bachelor’s Degree or 3 years experience in Communications, Public Health or related field preferred.
• Experience with public health, public health promotion and education, and/or healthcare engagement in diverse settings.
• Experience event planning and/or developing promotional materials as part of a diverse team.

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