Senior Operations 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: Senior Operations Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist V 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Pharmacy Branch 
Posting Number: 17163 
Closing Date: 07/18/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support 
Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $7,253.83 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
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: 1111 W NORTH LOOP 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

General Description

Performs advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work. Work involves planning, developing, and implementing the DSHS Central Pharmacy’s medications warehouse operations and maintaining accurate inventory levels to support efficient and compliant distribution activities. Provides consultative services and technical assistance to program staff, government agencies, community organizations, and the general public. Oversees training, regulatory compliance, and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) for the DSHS Central Pharmacy’s staff and operations, including responsibility for providing and documenting required annual cGMP training. Serves as the Team Lead and provides direction, leadership, and motivation to the Repack staff. Ensures budgetary compliance with the department’s approved budget. May represent the DSHS Central Pharmacy at meetings or conferences. Works under limited supervision under the DSHS Central Pharmacy Operations Manager, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

Oversees the performance of the operations teams in the DSHS Pharmacy Unit. Ensures operational responsibilities and production processes are met, and updates are accurately reflected within the inventory and ordering system, PIMS. Ensures staff are properly trained on how to use and troubleshoot issues with pharmacy equipment which includes but is not limited to: bar code scanning equipment, printing devices, repackaging equipment interface system, shipping interface, and other software system interfaces. Oversee daily inventory management system operations and inventory control processes, including, order processing, receiving, picking, packing, shipping and other operations to ensure inventory control standards. Monitors and analyzes operations as appropriate to identify opportunities for continuous business process improvement. (40%)

Oversees operational compliance with all state and federal requirements including FDA, Pharmacy Class A, and DSHS Regulatory requirements. Analyzes current policies, procedures, manuals, and incorporates updates as needed from federal and state resources. Reviews and analyzes inventory management system functionality and inventory processes for quality control and quality assurance and to determine system effectiveness. Provides advanced technical support services, system testing, defect reporting, production issue support, system error resolution, and technical troubleshooting for the inventory management system, associated system hardware, bar code scanners, and system interfaces. Collaborates with Branch, IDPS Help Desk personnel and IT personnel regarding technical production issues for resolution. (30%)

Oversees training and guidance to internal and external stakeholders including but not limited to: DSHS staff, IDPS personnel, Health Service Regions, and Local Health Departments. Provides help desk support for PIMS users, HIV medication orders, and shipment operations. Oversees and manages inventory counts, completes required reporting requirements, reconciles data reports, and provides oversight of items required to support operations. (25%)

Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligation for disaster response and/or recovery of Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternative shift pattern.  (5%)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Required)

Knowledge of pharmaceutical technology, medical and pharmaceutical terms

Knowledge of federal and State laws governing pharmaceuticals

Knowledge of agency policies, rules, and regulations

Knowledge of inventory management methodology, inventory control, record keeping and reporting procedures

Knowledge and experience with computer databases and inventory management software systems.

Knowledge of public health systems in Texas

Skill in training and motivating others

Skill in team leading, team building, motivation, conflict resolution and vision building

Skill in operating inventory management system software, inventory databases and bar-code scanning equipment

Skill in developing and implementing complex plans and procedures

Skill in problem identification, analysis, and resolution

Skill in conducting business needs assessment, on-site reviews and evaluations

Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance

Skill in providing consultative and technical assistance to address problems and coordinate or facilitate business or projects

Skill in using quality assurance monitoring and evaluation techniques applicable to inventory control systems

Skill in providing customer service and support

Skill in excellent telephone and email etiquette

Skill in excellent verbal and written communications

Skill in organizing and prioritization of workload and meeting deadlines

Skill in the use of computer and graphical software, MS Office software (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook)

Ability to instruct and delegate to subordinates in all phases of inventory work, inventory management, inventory controls, customer service, procurement and record keeping.

Ability to review inventory operations for compliance with established practices and procedures

Ability to perform complex and cross-functional assignments

Ability to assist in developing policies and procedures

Ability to plan and conduct effective business meetings

Ability to manage and coordinate activities and projects

Ability to develop and conduct presentations

Ability to train others and to effectively manage classroom or web-based learning environments and manage problematic situations

Ability to interact effectively and professionally with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic and professional backgrounds

Ability to represent the agency to stakeholders and the community

Ability to participate as a proactive team member with regional and local health departments, clinics, pharmacies, and other providers

Ability to work effectively with managers, supervisors, inter and intra agency personnel, and members of public and professional groups

Ability to comprehend and implement written and verbal instructions

Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, including email correspondence and detailed reports

Ability to prepare and present technical information in a professional, clear concise manner

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts, customer needs, devise solutions to problems, prepare reports, and develop and evaluate policies and procedures

Ability to prepare and present data analyses, technical specifications and recommendations in a professional, clear concise manner

Ability to collect, analyze and evaluate information and provide appropriate feedback/recommendations

Licensure, Certification or Registration (Required)

Must have a current Texas Driver’s License.
Must have an active Texas Pharmacy Technician License or obtain within 1 year of hire.
Must have a forklift license or obtain one within one year of hire.

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Current Texas Drivers License

2. Pharmacy Tech Registration preferred

3. Fork Lift License preferred

4. Experience in team leading, team building, motivation, and conflict resolution preferred

5. Experience inventory management methodology, inventory control, record keeping and reporting procedures preferred

Additional Information:

Applicants invited to an interview will be required to complete a skills test/in-basket exercise. This position is NOT eligible to telework. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

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