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: Food & Drug 
Posting Number: 15496 
Closing Date: 05/02/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Office and Administrative Support 
Salary Range: $4,263.16 - $6,779.25 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20 
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: Austin 
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Working under the limited supervision of the Retail Operations Branch manager, with moderate autonomy for the use of personal initiative and professional judgment. Collaborate with program staff, stakeholders, and agency staff to track, evaluate and approve expenses as outlined in contractual agreements. Monitor inspections, reports, and invoices for accurate billing. Evaluate annual contract renewals and make recommendations to ensure cost coverage of estimated yearly expenses. Monitor annual contract purchase order close outs. Coordinate with the administrative program staff for communications, data entry, filing, and supplies. Analyze and streamline processes for improved workflow. Perform various technical, training, research, planning, policy, program assessment, and administrative duties. Monitor inspection reports, invoices, and compliance activities outlined in the contractual agreements. Monitor record keeping for documents and files related to contractual agreements. Analyze inspection reports and issue warning letters and related compliance or enforcement notices. Prepare and evaluate reports derived from the database, utilizing complex search procedures. Provide advice and counsel to Retail Operations manager to ensure new and amended rules are approved and disseminated to the Division, the public, and the retail food industry. Monitor and review compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules for Retail Operations. Train administrative staff and perform routine quality control of data entry work utilizing the Regulatory Automated System (RAS) and VERSA for records, inspection, and regulatory activities under the authority of Retail Operations Branch. Coordinate programming and network modifications with IT and RAS staff to maintain data entry systems. Provide information to customers and stakeholders, including responding to open records requests. Provide daily technical assistance and support to the Retail Operations Branch and assist in the Retail training program. Assist program staff in resolving technical problems with running reports and other datamining. Assist in managing licensing workflows for Mobile Food Vendors in Texas.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Collaborate with program staff, stakeholders, and agency staff to track, evaluate and approve expenses as outlined in contractual agreements. Monitor inspections, reports, and invoices for accurate billing. Evaluate annual contract renewals and make recommendations to ensure cost coverage of estimated yearly expenses. Monitor annual contract purchase order close outs. (35%)

Monitor inspection reports, invoices, and compliance activities outlined in the contractual agreements. Monitor record keeping for files related to the contractual agreements. Analyze inspection reports and issue warning letters and related compliance or enforcement notices. Prepare and evaluate reports derived from the database, utilizing complex search procedures. (35%)

Provide recommendations to Retail Operations manager to ensure new and amended rules are approved and disseminated to the Division, the public, and the Retail Food industry. Track compliance with program policies such as Mobile Food Vendor rules and Texas Administrative Code for Retail Food Safety Operations. Coordinate with the administrative program staff for communications, data entry, filing, and supplies. Analyze and streamline processes for improved workflow. Train administrative staff and perform routine quality control of data entry work utilizing the Regulatory Automated System (RAS) and VERSA for records, inspection, and regulatory activities under the authority of Retail Operations Branch. Provide daily technical assistance and support to the Retail Operations Branch, field staff and assist in the Retail training program. Assist program staff in resolving technical problems with running reports and other data mining. Coordinate programming and network modifications with IT and RAS staff to maintain data entry systems. Provide information to customers and stakeholders, including responding to open records requests. Assist in managing licensing workflows for Mobile Food Vendors in Texas. (30%)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of modern office practices and administrative procedures. Knowledge of business English, grammar, spelling, punctuation and arithmetic. Knowledge of the general construct of rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Knowledge of automated data processing equipment, electronic data and personal computer-related procedures and software packages including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. Skill in the use of standard office equipment. Skill in the use of electronic data and/or personal computer-related equipment and software. Skill in both written and verbal communication of technical material and Consumer Protection requirements. Skill in solving problems. Ability to design, format, and print database reports. Ability to comprehend technical reference material or guidelines; and to train others. Ability to prepare and proofread documents with correct spelling and grammar. Ability to deal effectively with the public. Ability to organize work and complex files (public documents). Ability to work with other units and branches within the unit on an emergency basis to meet urgent operational requirements. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to compose effective correspondence, memorandums and other documents. Ability to work effectively with supervisors and co-workers.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements, or Certifications:

Possess a valid Texas driver’s license, or equivalent license from another state.

Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 67C, HM, 8056, 4E0X1. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at

http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. Minimum of two years experience working in Public Health, Contract Management, Data Entry, or Operations.

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