Smiles for Moms and Babies Coordinator

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: Smiles for Moms and Babies Coordinator 
Job Title: Program Specialist V 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Oral Health Surveillance 
Posting Number: 13657 
Closing Date: 02/27/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 
Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $5,888.50 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
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: Exempt 
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:

Performs advanced consultative services and technical assistance work under the direction of the State Public Health Dental Director in the Oral Health Improvement Program (OHIP). Coordinates the Smiles for Moms and Babies (SMB) program to improve perinatal and infant oral health. Creates short- and long-term goals for SMB and implements projects. Evaluates SMB outcomes, identifies areas for improvement, and makes recommendations to the Dental Director. Involved in writing grant applications and reports. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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

Implement strategies to meet Smiles for Moms and Babies (SMB) goals. Collaborate with coworkers and a variety of stakeholders. Follow work plans and stay on schedule. Apply quality improvement principles to improve outcomes. Provide timely updates to the Dental Director and inform them of challenges that may jeopardize a project. Identify opportunities for improvement and make recommendations to the Dental Director. (40%)

Follow or develop an SMB strategic plan. Create short- and long-term goals that are measurable. Develop work plans and timelines. Identify partners for collaboration. Create evaluation plans and dissemination plans for project deliverables. Participate in grant activities including applications, reporting, work groups and grantee meetings. (25%)

Serve as an oral health subject matter expert. Perform advanced consultative services and technical assistance work for the agency and for stakeholders. Serve as an ambassador of OHIP, including attending and/or speaking at conferences, stakeholder events, and OHIP events. (20%)

Assist OHIP operational and administrative tasks as needed including but not limited strategic planning, orienting new OHIP team members, reviewing budgets, and assisting with contracts, audits, inventories, etc. (10%)   

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, Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation, and/or serving on the State Medical Operations Center (SMOC) team.  Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of: Public health principles and practices, oral health and its connections to overall health, strategic planning, and goal setting.

Skill in: Creating measurable goals to achieve an outcome, writing concisely and effectively with minimal errors, public speaking, or training, promoting oral health.

Ability to: Manage projects and stay on schedule, manage time effectively, demonstrate initiative and think creatively to solve problems, demonstrate attention to detail.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Required: Must have at least two years' work experience in oral health, either within an oral health program or as a dentist or dental hygienist.

Preferred: History of public health coursework or public health work experience.

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