Program Specialist IV

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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 IV 
Job Title: Program Specialist IV 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Epidemiology & Surveillance 
Posting Number: 11080 
Closing Date: 03/05/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20 
Salary Range: $4,714.00 - $5,328.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for 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: 201 W HOWARD LN STE 200 
Other Locations: Austin 
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief job description

Under the direction of the HIV Epidemiology and Surveillance Group Manager and the HIV Monitoring and Reporting Team Lead, the Program Specialist IV performs highly complex (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work supporting local and regional health department HIV Surveillance staff and programs.  Performs a variety of tasks related to the reporting and case validation of HIV investigational data, including database maintenance, report tracking, data entry, and quality assurance. Acts as the primary point of contact and overseer for contracts and case reporting from assigned local and regional health department jurisdictions. This position will aid in development of short-term, mid-term and long-term goals and objectives, and the development of standards for achieving strategic operational goals. Exercises independent judgment and professional discretion with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment to administrate, advise, plan, and coordinate duties.

Essential Job Function

Provides consultative services, technical assistance, and program information to regional and local HIV registry sites in accordance with state and national goals to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of data gathered during HIV investigations. Identifies and addresses training needs and aids in the evaluation of local and regional health department progress toward contractually required metrics. Provides consultation to assigned HIV surveillance jurisdictions in meeting short-term, mid-term and long-term goals, objectives and standards.  (20%)

Coordinates the instate and interstate communications, Out of State Record Searches (OOS), Cumulative Interstate Duplicate Review and Routine Interstate Duplicate Review, necessary to ensure the reporting and investigation of HIV cases which transverse state boundaries are complete, timely, accurately capture case history, and do not overcount the total number of people with HIV at a national level. (20%)

Manages database workflows and provides guidance, training and technical assistance on the review and monitoring of workflows at surveillance sites, ensuring data are entered meeting federal and state requirements. Coordinates and conducts data quality assurance and data management for information entered into CDC and state reporting databases. (20%)

Verifies entered HIV data by reviewing, correcting, deleting, or reentering data collected from medical records and other sources; combining data from multiple systems and multiple data sources when reporting information is incomplete; purging files to eliminate duplication of data. Processes HIV reports and provides occasional data entry support for HIV case registry sites. (20%)

Supports epidemiologists by researching and resolving aberrant data findings and records while understanding the reporting limitations of the data collection process. Participates in case reporting accuracy studies by reabstracting the medical records of previously reported cases. (10%)

Participates in CDC site visits and trainings as appropriate. Prepares data and objectives for grant applications, annual progress reports, and interim progress reports. (5%)

Performs other duties as assigned, including but 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 Planning (COOP) activities. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of word processing, database software applications, and spreadsheet software applications.

Knowledge of infectious disease control or disease surveillance.

Knowledge of HIV control and/or reporting. 

Skill in organizing and interpreting data, preparing reports, delivering public health information in presentations. 

Excellent communication skills.     

Ability to work with others to resolve complex issues. 

Licensure, Certification or Registration

None

Initial Screening Criteria

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in social sciences, public health, public administration, or related field.

Four years of experience in applicable public health programs, such as chronic or infectious disease may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

Experience with the development, data extraction, and maintenance of databases.

Experience with public health, surveillance and infectious disease control preferred.

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