School Health Program 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: School Health Program Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist III 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Community & School Health 
Posting Number: 16877 
Closing Date: 05/26/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Range: $4,020.33 - $5,178.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19 
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: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under the supervision of the Manager for the Community Health Worker and School Health Branch in the Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Section within the Community Health Improvement Division, performs complex consultative and technical assistance work. Provides support to school health-related advisory committees by developing and posting agendas and minutes, logistics, documentation of activities, and technical assistance. Implements membership solicitation activities including solicitation of applications, application review, and member confirmation activities. Responds to routine and complex school health inquiries, including health and safety laws, procedures and protocols, and DSHS recommendations for health issues in the school setting. Disseminates information on public health and health education programs and plans to partners and stakeholders, ensuring compliance with DSHS accessibility guidelines and publication policy. Participates and provides support for the Texas Coordinated School Helath Partnership. Collaborates in the planning, development and implementation of school health publications, rules, and activities.  Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for use of initiative and independent judgement. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Provide support to school health-related advisory committees by developing and posting of agendas and minutes, logistics, documentation of activities, and technical assistance. Serve as the point of contact for advisory committees and provides follow-up and dissemination of information and resources. Coordinate the nomination process for new members and follows the DSHS approval process. 35%

Serve as resource person for the School Health Program by responding to routine and complex school health inquiries, including health and safety laws, procedures and protocols, and DSHS recommendations for health issues in the school setting. Disseminate information on public health and health education programs and plans to partners and stakeholders, ensuring compliance with DSHS accessibility guidelines and publication policy. Draft content and format the bi-weekly school health newsletter. Track communications to inform school health needs and track trends. 30%

Input and track program data including stock epinephrine, opioid antagosit, and asthma reporting forms, phone log, publication statistics, and other data as needed. Periodically review website for edits and updates based on program and committee activity. 15%

Participate and provide support for the Texas Coordinated School Health Partnership, as needed. Assist in developing reports and other documents which include input from advisory committees and state agencies, as requested. 15%

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):

Knowledge of state law and DSHS rules and/or recommendations on the provision of healthcare in public, private, and charter school settings.

Knowledge of structure of the public education system at state, regional, and local levels.

Knowledge of agency functions, policies, and procedures, particularly those related to communications, publications and web development.

Knowledge of document and web accessibility guidelines.

Skill in writing for a professional audience and communication design concepts and practices for print and web.

Skill in telephone communication with the public.

Skill in conducting oral presentations.

Skill in communication clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.

Skill in use of computer related equipment, including the use of Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent to include word processing, spreadsheet, database, or presentation software programs.

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze statewide information and data.

Ability to solve problems and coordinate activities.

Ability to translate technical information related to school health for multiple audiences including health care professionals, school staff, and parents.

Ability to manage internal review processes for reports and other documents in regard to version control and meeting deadlines for responding to edits and questions from reviewers.

Ability to use independent judgment in responding to inquiries and assignments.

Ability to organize, prioritize, and work independently to complete complex tasks and assignments within limited timelines.

Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgement in communicating with the public, media, and representatives of government and outside agencies.  

Ability to abide by Department of State Health Services Universal Expectations, Guiding Principles, Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in public health, health education, health promotion, communications, or a related field. Experience writing professional materials such as rules, bylaws, policies or procedures. 

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