Research Specialist IV

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.

Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

Functional Title: Research Specialist IV 
Job Title: Research Specialist IV 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Health Information Resources 
Posting Number: 20704 
Closing Date: 09/11/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Range: $4,801.16 - $6,281.33 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: 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: 1100 W 49TH ST (RDM) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: No military equivalent 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Performs advanced (senior-level) data analysis on vital event data within the Vital Event Data Management Team within the Center for Health Statistics. Consults with internal and external customers regarding data requests. Work involves manipulating data and querying vital events databases using SAS and or SQL and compile into aggregated reports. Assists in preparing technical reports regarding vital event data. Assist in establishing and maintaining standard work procedures governing vital event data management processes and procedures. Create vital events data sets for various stakeholders and requests approved via the Department's Institutional Review Board (IRB), contracts or Memorandums of Understanding, and Data Use Agreements. Coordinates and participates in the preparation of annual and special reports. Performs other duties as assigned.      

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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

EJF 1: Responds to special and complex requests for data and statistics by manipulating data and querying large relational databases. Coordinates production of vital events data sets for various stakeholders and requests approved via the Department's Institutional Review Board (IRB), contracts or Memorandums of Understanding, and Data Use Agreements (40%).

EJF 2: Assist VEDM team efforts in preparing and maintaining team documentation on the State's vital events relational databases. Evaluates standards and best practices established from national and state agencies & interest groups for implementation. Guides and cross-trains vital events data management personnel in the accomplishment of official duties. (35%)

EJF 3: Analyzes data housed in state-wide relational databases using specific statistical and/or analytic software, such as SAS, SQL Server Management Studio (SMSS) or other statistical software packages. Prepares and provides presentations for professional organizations, governmental entities, and the public. Documents procedures for data analysis and report creation. (20%)

EJF 4: Perform other Duties as assigned. (5%) 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of secure handling of confidential data

Knowledge of statutes, rules, and policies

Knowledge of business process improvements and programmatic quality control procedures Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration and management

Knowledge of project management principles and tools

Knowledge of program planning, implementation, and analysis

Skill in oral and written communication

Skill in developing and teaching training sessions for adult learners and providing consultation services excellent customer service skills

Ability to manage program activities and establish program goals and objectives

Ability to effectively interact, and communicate with partners, customers, stakeholders, and wide variety of audiences

Ability to work in a team environment

Ability to demonstrate creativity, initiative, and innovation

Ability to establish goals and objectives, to devise solutions to problems, to develop and evaluate policies and procedures, and to prepare clear and concise reports.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Prior work experience analyzing data using SAS, SQL, SPSS, R, Python or other query languages. Experience providing customer service via direct contact, email, or by telephone. Experience working with confidential data or protected health information.

Additional Information:

This position is currently 50% remote and 50% in-office and subject to change at any time.

To be considered for an interview, applicants must demonstrate a clear match to all initial criteria in the EMPLOYMENT HISTORY and SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE SECTIONS of the application. Resumes will not be considered. All applicants chosen to participate in the virtual “face-to-face” interview process must have access to a computer, the Internet, and document processing software. All applicants will be required to complete a skills test to demonstrate proficiencies and perspectives associated with this role at the time of the interview. Only applicants selected for an interview will be notified of final selection.

Selected Candidate must submit to and pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check upon offer of employment.

All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information, see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MilitaryCrosswalkGuide.pdf

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