Public Health Follow-Up Consultant

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 Follow-Up Consultant 
Job Title: Program Specialist IV 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: STD Public Health Follow-up 
Posting Number: 16670 
Closing Date: 08/03/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support 
Salary Range: $4,263.16 - $5,521.16 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 30% 
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: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

The Program Specialist IV is responsible for ensuring organizations that enter into a written agreement with the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to provide HIV, STD and HCV programs deliver services that are consistent with the needs of the population to be served and are in accordance with State and Federal mandates and program requirements. Ensure compliance with these requirements through formal site reviews, technical assistance visits and desktop reviews. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent initiative, judgment and action.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Evaluates and assesses regional and local health departments’ HIV/STD and DSHS programs that conduct STD disease intervention and HIV prevention activities. Develops and implements effective techniques for evaluating programs. Schedules, plans and conducts the on-site desktop and formal program evaluations and technical assistance visits according to procedures. Reviews relevant documentation and observes programmatic activities as they relate to the delivery of effective and efficient services. Works with program staff at all levels to adequately assess quality service delivery. Assists programs in identifying trends, barriers to program implementation and achievement of program objectives. Provides technical assistance for addressing programmatic barriers. Assures that evaluations and relevant documents are completed. Submits reports to agencies according to procedure within required time frame. Performs follow-up site visits to ensure that recommendations are implemented in accordance with program review findings. Implements DSHS Sanction Policy when needed. Analyzes the program corrective action plans to determine if required program improvements have been implemented and result in improved service delivery. (35%)

Plans, develops, coordinates, implements, delivers and evaluates training programs and technical assistance for DSHS employees, contractors, and public and private health care professionals. Delivers customized courses in response to needs identified. Assists in developing and evaluating trainings statewide through direct observation, co-training, constructive feedback and support. Analyzes program performance by reviewing program reports and data and making recommendations for program improvement. Guides, directs and provides technical assistance to HIV/STD programs by telephone, on-site, or in writing. Communications may include interpreting DSHS and funders’ program standards, administrative and program requirements, policies and guidelines. When on-site, the consultant may demonstrate services delivery techniques to program staff in traditional and non-traditional settings. Observes program staff delivering services and provides feedback to staff. Consults with program supervisors when staff improvement is necessary. Promotes program staff development by identifying training needs. Reviews program reports and provides information to program managers about performance and reporting issues. (20%)

Initiates and assists in program development process. Reviews budgets, objectives and work plans submitted by programs. Works with Contract Management Unit to determine appropriateness of equipment requests. Prepares for and assists the Contract Management Section with the contract development process. Communicates with the Procurement and Contracting Section to assure that all documentation is approved and processed correctly. Initiates, reviews and processes budget amendments and Institutional Prior Approval requests. Tracks program expenditures to assure that program funds do not lapse or are overspent. (20%)

Works as a member of cross-team workgroups on projects. Develops and revises program policies and procedures. Creates and updates evaluation tools, budget screen tools, and program report forms. Responsible for the technical writing of manuals, guidance, and standards for all scopes of work. Reviews and analyzes HIV/STD prevention/partner services program data and makes appropriate recommendations to providers. Assures that all required documentation is filed appropriately for access by Unit staff. Serves as liaison with local health departments, community-based organizations, and other contractors and DSHS workgroups. Prepares written responses to inquiries, complaints and grievances. Works on special projects as assigned. (15%)

Participates in state-level, regional and national professional development, planning and policy development activities. Serves as liaison or in a capacity with other internal/external public, private and community local, state and national partners, and others, who share common objectives or benchmarks directed towards improving PHFU outcomes and advancing common policies and resources. (5%)

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):

[List the key KSAs, grouped by type.]

Knowledge of:

• Disease investigation and partner services processes.
• HIV, STD and HCV prevention programming Local, state, and federal laws relating to HIV/STD/HCV
• Principles of public health and program planning
• Public health policies, structure and functions of public health organizations

• Grant application and review process
• Program evaluation and strategic planning
• Customer service philosophy
• Cultural competency issues and methodologies
• Research methods used in developing assessment tools, curricula and program evaluation
• Adult education principles
• Audio, visual hardware and software needed to produce and deliver curricula
• Quality assurance and improvement techniques

Skills in:

• Conducting program oversight and evaluation
• Developing and maintaining effective working relationships across organizational lines
• Clear and effective communication with culturally and professionally diverse audiences
• Organizing and writing reports using business English grammar and writing style

• Using internet, MS Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and other computer applications
• Problem solving
• Monitoring and evaluating programs and interventions

 Ability to:

• Work effectively in a team and with interdisciplinary staff
• Be resourceful and apply initiative to assigned tasks with limited supervision
• Prioritize workload and manage multiple tasks
• Take initiative in becoming involved with various workgroups
• Exercise independent judgment in evaluating situations and making recommendations
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships
• Provide constructive and critical feedback and guidance to programs
• Assist in developing, implementing and evaluating policies and procedures
• Identify problems and formulate solutions
• Analyze and interpret data Effectively set up training room i.e. move tables, chairs, boxes of training materials, and audio visual equipment.

  Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: 

  Not Applicable

  Initial Screening Criteria:

  At least three years of experience with HIV/STD prevention, or PHFU services programming, planning, and administration.

  Experience with program monitoring, compliance, and program evaluation.

  Additional Information:

  This position is eligible for hybrid telework.  

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