Program Specialist V

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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 V 
Job Title: Program Specialist V 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Quality Assurance 
Posting Number: 21202 
Closing Date: 10/07/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $5,888.50 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
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 (DBGL) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under the direct supervision of the Quality Assurance Unit (QAU) Quality Improvement (QI) Special Projects Manager, performs highly advanced consultative and technical work. Assists the QI Special Projects Manager with implementing goals and objectives; developing guidelines, policies, and procedures; developing schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving established goals of projects or grants; and coordinating and evaluating Unit activities. Leads and coordinates Quality Improvement Initiatives within the Unit.  Supports and responds to the developing needs of customers both internal and external. Works under limited direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Serves as the point of contact for some of the laboratory's Quality Assurance Systems.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1. (35%) In coordination with the QI Special Projects Manager, administers and advises on the activities of the Unit. Responsibilities include: implementing goals and objectives for the Unit that support agency and/or laboratory-wide strategic plans; developing, approving, and monitoring schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving goals of projects and/or grants; participating in staff meetings to discuss problems and resolutions; ensuring all assigned Quality Assurance Unit compliance activities are completed on time. Assists with evaluating the effectiveness of unit activities and with requests for information from DSHS senior and executive management and the legislature.

EJF 2. (25%) Leads and coordinates Quality Improvement Initiatives within the Unit. Works closely with the QI Special Projects Manager and staff to identify projects; develop teams; and create problem statement(s). Oversees team projects and serves as a resource by providing information/training and tools used for quality improvement. Performs other activities in support of the Unit and the Laboratory Services Section as required. 

EJF 3. (20%) Supports and responds to the developing needs of customers both internal and external (such as laboratory customers, laboratory employees, Lab Operations Unit, DSHS administration, DSHS program staff; state and federal regulators, etc.). Develops and maintains positive working relationships. Provides laboratory information, data, and written reports as requested. 

EJF 4. (15%) Serves as the point of contact for the biannual laboratory inventory and/or QA Systems such as the Environmental Monitoring Control System and/or the MediaLab Quality Management Document Control System for the laboratory.  Responsibilities could include: acting as the liaison between the vendor and the laboratory for troubleshooting issues, assisting laboratory staff with administrative support for MediaLab, etc.

EJF 5.  (5%) Supports the creation of a laboratory-wide safety culture by serving as a liaison to the Safety Office to ensure a healthy and safe workplace. 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.  Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business, and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge and understanding of the roles of public health laboratories.

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the program area.

Knowledge of Quality Improvement Strategies such as Lean Six Sigma and/or Project Management strategies and tools.

Knowledge of statistical analysis and budget processes.

Skill in effective customer service practices. 

Skill in synthesizing and analyzing complex information for a variety of purposes.

Skill in problem solving and conflict resolution.

Skill in oral and written communication.

Skill in systems development and evaluation.

Skill in time management and planning.

Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software such as MS Office 360 applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, MS Teams, and statistical programs.

Ability to establish goals and objectives.

Ability to identify issues and gather, assemble, and correlate information to devise solutions.

Ability to prepare concise reports/presentations, to develop and evaluate policies and procedures, and to plan for following action needed.

Ability to plan, coordinate, and administer quality control program activities/projects.

Ability to utilize computer programs for spreadsheet analysis, word processing, and data collection and analysis.

Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks, prioritize heavy workloads, and meet deadlines. 

Ability to tailor communications/presentations of complex information to a variety of audiences. 

Ability to facilitate meetings and projects and work effectively with teams both in person and virtually.

Ability to develop/maintain positive working relationships with managers, co-workers, partners, and stakeholders both in person and virtually. 

Ability to adapt to a changing work environment.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, in person or virtually.

Ability to effectively train others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Valid Driver's License

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Three years’ experience coordinating/leading projects and/or assignments, required.
2. Two years of customer service experience preferred.
3. Experience in using Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Word, preferred.
4. Experience preparing reports, presentations, and/or documents for management review.
5. Experience with Quality Improvement/Lean Six Sigma projects, preferred.
6. Experience working in a public health and/or laboratory setting, preferred.

Additional Information:

Work Schedule: Must be able to work holidays. Must be able to work hours other than 8 am–5 pm.

Transportation: Employee must provide transportation. If an employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in the performance of their official duties, the employee must possess a current valid Texas driver’s license for the appropriate type of vehicle. Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business; applicants will have their driving records checked through the Department of Public Safety, and applicants must have a valid Class C Texas driver’s license or an equivalent license from another state.

Immunizations: Compliance with DSHS Laboratory Exposure Control Plan required: vaccine requirements are consistent with current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations and other national guidelines for employee groups based upon job duties and tasks.

NOTE: When completing your application, include details about your job experience as it relates to the essential functions, knowledge/skills/abilities, and screening information provided on this Position Description. Please note the requisition number on all faxed information. Additional tips on completing the Application are available online at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us under "About DSHS - Jobs". Requisition #XXXXXX. Location: 1100 W 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756, Laboratory.

MOD

Note: There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position.  All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply. For more information, see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

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