Public Health 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: Public Health Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist I 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Region 9/10 
Posting Number: 20141 
Closing Date: 08/28/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Range: $3,581.33 - $4,476.83 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-17 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 60% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: EL PASO 
Job Location Address: 401 FRANKLIN AVE 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Job Description:

Under the direct supervision of the Texas Health Steps (THS) Program Supervisor and general oversight of the Specialized Health & Social Services (SHSS) Program Manager, performs routine to moderately complex public health program duties in support of THS and SHSS initiatives. Provides assistance and technical support to program staff, community organizations, and the public regarding established program policies and procedures.

Supports daily program operations for assigned areas, including monitoring assigned workload activities and reviewing case documentation to promote compliance with program policies and procedures. Assists with planning and implementing program activities and coordinates resources for assigned sub-offices and program areas. Conduct presentations and communicate program services and updates to consumers and community stakeholders in a professional and accurate manner. Assists with case management activities and maintains confidentiality of all clients and provides information.

May assist in reviewing quality assurance measures and identifying service delivery issues for supervisory review. Assists with planning and supporting program conferences, workshops, and service projects as assigned. Travels as required to fulfill job responsibilities. Collaborates with public health staff during regional or statewide events and participates in Public Health Emergency Response and Continuity of Operations (COOP) activities as assigned.

Essential Job Functions:

EJF #1: Provider Client Services (30%)

Provides education and updates to retain existing and new medical, dental and case management providers; conduct education activities to community stakeholders regarding THS and Medicaid Services. Assist providers with provider issues or refer them to THS Provider reps to enhance the knowledge of THS providers around program policy, requirements, and procedures. May assist medical and dental providers in the resolution of client related problems with community resources for referrals. Maintains case files as directed. Maintain active/assigned case management cases. Make calls to clients and provide appropriate referrals as needed.  Conducts Needs Assessments on any assigned case management cases and complete mini assessments as needed. Conducts follow-up visits with families to determine if services have been rendered or are still needed. Link and direct clients receiving case management to resources in the community as needed.

EJF #2: Program Support (25%)

Assists with compiling, analyzing and reporting of the THS activities to meet regional program goals and objectives and reporting to Program Supervisor.  Assists with marketing activities for events that will offer THS education and training. May assist Providers with consumer complaints and corrective action plans with guidance and interpretation from THS Provider Reps. Ensures that provider information is updated annually in appropriate database as determined by central office or regional needs.

EJF #3: Community Outreach (25%)

Participates in community activities for the promotion and marketing of THS/SHSS program. Contacts potential medical, dental or CPW providers to explain the THS program and works collaboratively with public health partners to develop strategies to increase number of THS providers and retain current providers. Attends and participates in regional and statewide THS meetings for program planning. Attends trainings and seminars to obtain and further knowledge about resources in the community. Provides presentations and information to stakeholders and other community members as needed. Assists with developing, creating, facilitating with program conferences as directed.

EJF #4: Reporting (15%)

Responsible for reporting Texas Health Steps (THS) activities to meet regional program goals and objectives and reporting to Program Supervisor. Document all case management activities on TWICES or the appropriate database. Maintains THS provider database and contacts for mailing lists. Ensures that all case related and community activities are properly documenting in the appropriate database as determined by central office or regional needs. Maintain logs for community events thro Client Services.

EJF #5: Adherence to policy & Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

Employee actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligation for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Performs other duties as assigned. Other Duties as assigned include, programmatic processes for upcoming events and conferences. Complete program tasks as needed. Maintains an acceptable driving record, a valid class C Texas driver's license, and professional license. Maintains working knowledge of Human Resources, Information Technology, Administrative Policy and Program Policy. Reports time, labor and travel information in a timely manner.

Knowledge, Skills, & Ability

Knowledge of Case Management principles and practices.

Knowledge of children’s programs, such as Medicaid, CSHCN, and Case Management for Children.

Knowledge of quality assurance and technical assistance policies and procedures.

Knowledge of community resources on a local, state and national level.

Knowledge of the cultural and socioeconomic issues related to health and disabilities.

Skill in using computer software programs in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, electronic mail and Internet, specifically MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access and Outlook.

Skill in compiling monthly reports, travel reports, and time activity reports.

Skill in conducting in-home family needs assessments and developing service plans.

Skill in providing presentations and trainings.

Skill in conflict resolution, mediation, and problem solving.

Ability to work effectively as a team member in an interdisciplinary setting.

Ability to interpret and apply program policies and procedures.

Ability to provide professional leadership.

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Ability to plan work in an orderly manner to manage caseloads and meet deadlines.

Ability to provide training and technical assistance to professionals.

Ability to speak and write effectively and to address audiences in a professional manner.

Ability to provide own transportation to conduct work duties.

Ability to work under minimum supervision with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

Ability to follow DSHS Policies and Procedures and adhere to the DSHS Standards of Conduct and Work Rules.

Licensure, Certification, or Registration (Required)

Must possess a four-year college degree in social work, psychology, Public Health, human services or related field or work experience in related field.

Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver’s license, or equivalent license from another state.

Must obtain a Community Health Worker certification within the first year of employment.

Initial Criteria:

Bachelor's degree in human services, public health, education, social work or related field from an accredited college or university.

Experience in assisting client services, case management, or human services- 2 years preferred

Experience working with community resources, healthcare providers, or community partners – 2 years preferred.

Experience conducting community outreach, education, presentations, or trainings – 2 years preferred

Experience with program support, case documentation, data collection, and reporting. – 2 years preferred

Experience using Microsoft office, spreadsheets, databases, and electronic documentation systems.

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