Program Specialist IV

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 IV 
Job Title: Program Specialist IV 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Healthcare Providers Resources 
Posting Number: 18672 
Closing Date: 07/20/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Range: $4,263.16 - $5,333.34 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: 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: 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

Under minimal supervision and direction of the Texas Primary Care Office (TPCO) manager, the Program Specialist IV performs advanced consultative and technical work related to Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) and Medically Underserved Area (MUA) designations. Work involves collection, compilation, analysis and interpretation of workforce, demographic and healthcare data used for planning, developing and implementing strategies to improve access to primary healthcare providers of primary, mental and dental healthcare. Following federally developed methodologies, protocols and guidance for the designation of HPSAs and MUAs, submits designation data to Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Prepares maps, charts and tables that show areas considered or designation as HPSAs or MUAs. Responds to designation questions from internal and external customers, including health professionals, legislators and media. Assists TPCO Manager with the preparation of annual data and performance measure reports to federal agency. Works with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 

Essential Job Functions

(70%) Responsible for collection, compilation, analysis and interpretation of healthcare workforce data. Data is used to update shortage and underserved area designations submitted to Health Resources and Services Administration in accordance with federal criteria and established deadlines. Works with federal and state staff on data fields, data definitions, reports, audits and functionality for the online Shortage Designation Management System (SDMS). Analyzes business processes to identify opportunities and develop strategies for designation process improvement. Communicates with manager, staff, communities, media outlets, legislative and congressional staff, as well as federal project officer/designation analyst, director, staff and contractors to identify, define and analyze data, business/system requirements, define scope, develop project schedules and resolve issues.

(15%) Prepares and conducts presentations using Microsoft Office software, including Word and PowerPoint to inform stakeholders about Shortage Designation and measuring access to healthcare services. Prepares maps, charts and tables that show areas considered for or designated as HPSAs or MUAs. Also prepares maps, charts and tables showing locations of health care facilities and illustrating whether barriers to access are present in the area.

(10%) Assists the TPCO Manager with the preparation of annual performance measure data transmissions and narrative reports to HRSA. Prepares reports for external program staff and organizations (legislature, local governments, safety net-related organizations, community organizations, and the general public) upon request using health professional data from SDMS and other sources.

(5%) Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned may include actively participating and/or serving in a supportive role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery of COOP activation.     

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: N/A

Knowledge Skills Abilities

Knowledge of federal criteria and methodology relating to the designation of HPSAs and MUAs.

Knowledge of health workforce registries and other population data sources used for measuring access to health care professionals and health care services.

Knowledge of barriers to and issues surrounding access to primary care for underserved populations.

Skill in collection, compilation, analysis and interpretation of workforce or population data.

Skill at interpreting complex guidelines, rules, and policies and relating information to others.

Skill in making public presentations to groups and individuals with varied background, education, and interests using presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint.

Skill in linking data from different sources and coordinates for address.

Skill in using software to make pivot tables, preparing maps, charts and tables.

Ability to establish priorities and plan workflows to meet short and long term deadlines.

Ability to use project management skills to assure that milestones are reached in a timely manner.

Ability to use computer to enter data, track and assess information, and prepare written communications, presentations, and data analysis.

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, interpret and analyze data.

Ability to train others.

Ability to plan, organize, schedule and monitor completion of assigned projects.

Ability to assess and manage priorities.

Ability to use data and mapping software, electronic mail and the Internet.

Initial Screening Criteria

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university required. Major course work in social sciences or public health preferred. Experience with data collection, including online research, data validation and analysis is preferred. Experience creating workflow processes and process documentation, that are consistent with program eligibility rules and criteria, is required. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel is required. Experience working with and communicating with external stakeholders is required. 

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