Public Health and Prevention 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 Prevention Specialist III 
Job Title: Publ Hlth and Prevent Spcl III 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Epidemiology & Surveillance 
Posting Number: 10437 
Closing Date: 01/28/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-18 
Salary Range: $3,793.41 - $5,921.25 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Not 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: 201 W HOWARD LN STE 200 
Other Locations: Austin 
MOS Codes: 230X,43EX,43HX,4B0X1,4E0X1,60C,68S,68Z,HM,HS,MED,NAP11,SEI12 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description

Under the direction of the Data Management and Analytics Group Manager, the Public Health and Prevention Specialist III performs highly complex and advanced technical activities related to HIV, STD, and Hepatitis C data management and processing. Monitors and maintains high volume workflows and conducts activities related to data management and processing in the TB, HIV, STD Integrated System (THISIS) or appropriate database. Creates written procedures for the monitoring and maintenance of high-volume workflows and best practices in maintaining workflows. Collaborates with program subject-matter experts to enhance work processes and best practices according to security and confidentiality guidelines. Develops and provides training on deduplication and facility management in THISIS or appropriate database. Performs data validation, manual lab entry in THSIS database and, data quality assurance tasks.  Serves as a subject-matter expert for facility management and party deduplication ensuring backlogged workflows are cleared in a timely manner.  Applies all subject matter expertise to the development of databases and dashboards. Must have excellent attention to detail and be able to work well independently and with others. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions

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

Under the direction of the Data Management and Analytics Group Manager, perform data quality activities such as: monitor and manage facility management and party deduplication high volume workflow and performs facility and provider outreach as needed. Consolidate laboratory reports under the same disease instance for HIV and STD event deduplication workflows. (35%).

Interprets and validates electronic faxes and flags them for routing. Performs entry of laboratory reports received in the mail, fax or other non-importable electronic methods for import to THISIS or appropriate database. Performs quality assurance on laboratory data. (35%). 

Coordinates management of other high-volume workflows designated by the Data Management and Analytics Manager. Monitors and reports on backlog volume of high-volume workflows. Develops and maintains procedures manuals for facility management and party deduplication and other data quality tasks. (25%). 

Other duties assigned including 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

Knowledge of medical terminology, including HIV, STD, and HCV

Knowledge of data collection systems

Experience in data entry of public health surveillance, laboratory or similar data

Experience in data quality activities 

Kills in data cleaning, data validation, data management tasks

Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, in particular Excel and Word

Thorough knowledge of computer software capabilities and limitations

Excellent attention to detail

Ability to perform data quality activities

Ability to develop basic reports (non-statistical analyses)

Ability to provide technical assistance trouble-shooting issues

Ability to conduct database training in the field

Ability to pay attention to details

Ability to meet deadlines

Ability to plan and organize work in a logical and efficient manner

Ability to solve problems and adapt to changing situations

Ability to work and interact with people with diverse backgrounds, education level and cultures

Ability to maintain security and confidentiality

Ability to use and enter data into tables and spreadsheets

Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken formats

Ability to document outcomes, tasks and processes in detail

Ability to interpret public health laws and regulations

Ability to analyze and evaluate public health needs

Ability to collect data using standardized methods

Ability to abstract data from medical charts

Ability to multitask and shift priories as needed.

Ability to follow written procedures and protocols

Ability to work in a teams setting

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Inital Selection Criteria

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in social science, computer science, statistical analysis, behavioral science, and/or biostatistics. Master level degree in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, social science, or statistical analysis preferred. Two years of data quality and data management experience strongly preferred. Years of experience in applicable public health programs such as chronic or infectious disease may substitute for education on a year-by-year basis. Experience in data extraction, data entry, data validation and maintenance of databases. Experience in public health and infectious disease control preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft office especially with Excel required. Knowledge and experience with medical data abstraction, survey development, data collection, and statistical analyses, processes is a plus. Experience in documentation and monitoring of project progress, processes and completed tasks.

Additional Information:

N/A

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