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: Program Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist IV 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Health Information Resources 
Posting Number: 13131 
Closing Date: 02/23/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20 
Salary Range: $4,263.16 - $5,521.16 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 5% 
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 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Provide guidance to professional staff performing highly complex technical work. The Vital Events Data Quality (VEDQ) Specialist assist the VEDQ Team Lead in developing quality assurance procedures and conduct quality assurance reviews for vital statistics data. Prepares data sets, documents data structures and definitions, and assists with conducting data quality assurance procedures for vital statistics data. Analyze health related data. Coordinate and participate in the preparation of annual and special reports, presentations, and analyses utilizing health data derived from computer records and detailed tabulations of case level information. Respond to requests for data. Collaborate on developing and testing data storage and query systems. Provide consultation and technical advice on research methods and techniques. Ensure accurate implementation of new initiatives and policies. Coordinate with team members to automate and build efficiency in processes. Consult with other departmental programs in the design of public health projects. Duties require the utilization of personal computers, local area networks, complex software, and statistical packages. Participate in training staff. Perform other duties as assigned including, but not limited to, branch activities and actively participating and/or serving on departmental committees.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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

EJF 1: Coordinate with members of the VEDQ team on performing data quality procedures involving vital statistics data. Apply statistical techniques to data to determine the reliability, validity, relevance, and significance of the data collected and presented. Use SAS or other statistical software to write programs to conduct quality assurance reviews of vital statistics data. Monitor historical trends and resolve technical or operational problems. Collaborate on developing and testing data storage and query systems. Use advanced skills to manage these systems and ensure they are functional. (25%)

EJF 2: Manage and respond to requests for vital statistics related data through the Vital Events Data Management central email box. Track requests received to ensure requests are completed in a timely manner. Manipulate, query and link large databases to respond to requests. Provide support for research directed by others by preparing data files, conducting statistical analyses, and servicing as technical consultant. (25%)

EJF 3: Coordinate and participate in the preparation of annual and special reports via the Internet or print. Develop tables, graphs, and/or maps and coordinate distribution of reports as appropriate, including adapting to the Web Content Management System. Document procedures for data analysis and report creation. Provide technical review and recommend appropriate changes. Initiate and provide oversight for the geocoding of vital statistics data for the Data Management team. (25%)

EJF 4: Perform administrative duties. Assist other professional employees in the accomplishment of official duties. Ensure accurate implementation of new initiatives and policies. Participate in departmental committees. Serve as subject-matter expert. (10%)

EJF 5: Consult with department programs in the design of statistical projects including procedures for data collection, tabulation and recommendations for analyses and reports. May train personnel in statistical techniques ranging from simple descriptive to complex analytical. (10%)

EJF 6: Other Duties as Assigned. 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. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of statistical applications relevant to vital statistics and public health data.

Knowledge of available computer software packages applicable to biostatistics.

Knowledge of database management principles and technology.

Knowledge of statistical analysis processes and research techniques.

Skill in the use of personal computers and local area networks.

Skills in effective report writing.

Skills in effective oral communication.

Ability to handle a variety of administrative and statistical tasks.

Ability to reason analytically.

Ability to organize, prioritize and schedule assignments.

Ability to work effectively with the public.

Ability to plan, organize, and oversee projects and evaluate research data.

Ability to interpret policies, procedures, legislation, and regulations related to research activities.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Additional Information:

To be considered for an interview, applicants must demonstrate a clear match to all initial criteria in the EMPLOYMENT HISTORY and SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE SECTIONS of the application. Resumes will not be considered. All applicants chosen to participate in the virtual “face-to-face” interview process must have access to a computer, the Internet, and document processing software. All applicants will be required to complete a skills test to demonstrate proficiencies and perspectives associated with this role at the time of the interview. Only applicants selected for an interview will be notified of final selection.

Selected candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Selected candidate must submit to and pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check upon offer of employment.

This position currently has the ability to telework on a part-time basis (up to 50%). The candidate selected for this position will be required to report to the Austin office at least 50% of the time. Selected candidate must have the ability to provide a personal home internet service. The selected candidate must also have a home office location free from distractions that will provide the ability to ensure confidentiality of work product.

The final salary offer must follow DSHS starting salary guidelines and will be determined by the candidate’s qualifications, program area budget, and system/supervisor approvals.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Experience working with confidential data or protected health information.

Experience working with Microsoft Excel or other spreadsheet software.

Experience working with databases or large datasets composed of multiple data tables.

Experience working with others to achieve a goal/objective or complete a project.

Experience in using SQL, SAS, SPSS, SAS, Python, R or other statistical software 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