Public Health and Prevent Specialist III

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: Public Health and Prevent Specialist III 
Job Title: Publ Hlth and Prevent Spcl III 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Epidemiology & Surveillance 
Posting Number: 13694 
Closing Date: 03/13/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-18 
Salary Range: $4,500.00 - $4,857.33 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel:  
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:  
MOS Codes: 230X,43EX,43HX,4B0X1,4E0X1,60C,68S,68Z,HM,HS,MED,NAP11,SEI12 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under the direction of the HIV Cactus Surveillance Group Manager, responsible for the data collection,surveillance follow up and entry of data into the HIV/STD Integrated System (THISIS) for the rural areas of Texas. Collects reports of HIV/AIDS cases and perinatally exposed infants born to mothers living with HIV. Performs medical record abstractions and collaborates with the local Public Health Follow Up to manage workflows in THISIS. Collaborates with the HIV Surveillance Site Review Coordinator and team lead to ensure that surveillance follow up is complete and timely according to the Texas DSHS and CDC performance standards. 

Essential Job Functions:

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

Collect reports of HIV and AIDS cases diagnosed and/or treated, which health care providers (e.g.,physicians, HIV service providers, etc.) are required to complete under TAC Title 25, Part 1, Chapter 97,Subchapter F, Rule §97.132. Ensure HIV/AIDS case report forms are accurate, complete and entered timely in accordance with guidance provided in the Texas HIV Surveillance Procedure Manual. (30%)

Collect all required data elements to conduct HIV surveillance follow-up activities, including conducting medical record abstractions within three months of diagnosis for all patients seen in designated Service Area, to properly report all HIV and AIDS cases diagnosed and/or treated within designated Service Area. Perform continuous epidemiologic follow-up on all cases missing key pieces of information. (20%)

Collect reports of pediatric HIV and AIDS cases diagnosed and/or treated, infants born exposed to HIV, and pregnant women living with HIV diagnosed and/or treated, which health care providers (e.g.,physicians, HIV service providers, etc.) and laboratories are required to complete under TAC Title 25, Part 1,Chapter 97, Subchapter F, Rule §97.132. Grantee is responsible for collecting the reports within designated Service Area. For each perinatal exposure investigated, staff member shall complete a Pediatric Case Report Form (PCRF) along with an updated Adult Case Report Form (ACRF) for infant’s mother. (15%)

Conduct Out of State Record searches and Routine Interstate Deduplication activities as outlined inTexas HIV Surveillance Procedure Manual to conduct out-of-state record searches. (15%)

Manage THISIS workflows assigned to designated Service Area. Perform person and disease case deduplication. (10%)

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. (10%)

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 preparing reports and delivering public health information in presentations.
Skill in verbal and written communications.

Ability to work with others to resolve complex issues.
Ability to train others regarding quality data collection and data entry.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Experience collecting public health information from medical records or other data sources.

Experience entering public health information into an electronic data collection system.  

Experience in coordinating with group members in the development or implementation of a project.

Experience with public speaking and presenting data to different audiences, writing or editing public health reports, training manuals, or data fact sheets.

Additional Information:

None. 

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