Special Projects 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.

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

Functional Title: Special Projects Coordinator 
Job Title: Program Specialist VI 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: PHL Associate Commissioner 
Posting Number: 13121 
Closing Date: 02/06/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $6,700.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 5% 
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 (DBGL) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under the direction of the Public Health Laboratory Deputy Director, performs advanced consultative work in the planning, development, and implementation of the DSHS Laboratory’s initiatives. Assists with special projects that provide support to the Laboratory. Leads and/or assists with process improvement initiatives in the laboratory where administrative or operational processes can be improved upon and help implement changes to boost efficiency. Assists with strategic planning for the Laboratory. Performs other duties as assigned. Duties are performed under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative, professional knowledge and independent judgment on assignments.

Essential Job Functions:

EJF 1.  As determined by DSHS Laboratory Leadership, performs advanced consultative work in the planning, development, and implementation of the DSHS Laboratory’s initiatives.  May require working and coordinating with all sections, units and branches in the Laboratory. Creates procedures, feedback loops and other tools to ensure the coordination and integration of all internal and external stakeholders potentially impacted by changes in DSHS Laboratory procedures and policies.   Prepares reports, presentations, and briefings on DSHS Laboratory activities using Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and/or other agency approved software.  (30%)

EJF 2: Assists with special projects that provide support to the Laboratory, as directed by the Deputy Director. Manages completion of projects that impact the function, efficiency, and policy scope of the DSHS Laboratory.  Coordinates with quality improvement managers throughout the Laboratory on lab wide and cross-sectional projects to ensure appropriate communication, cooperation and successful completion of projects. This may also include working with and/or providing project support to the Legislative Liaison and/or the Project Manager for the unit. (30%)

EJF 3: Leads and/or assists with process improvement initiatives in the laboratory where administrative or operational processes can be improved upon and help implement changes to boost efficiency. Serves as process improvement subject matter expert for the Laboratory, providing consultation as needed. (20%)

EJF 4. Assists with development and implementation of strategic planning initiatives in the Laboratory (10%).

EJF 5. Performs other duties as assigned, including but 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. Assists with COOP coordination for the DSHS Laboratory including planning efforts for anticipated shutdowns. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Consistently complies with DSHS Laboratory, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory.  (10%)

V: Licensure, Certification, or Registration Required

N/A

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of program planning and evaluation.

Ability to lead and manage projects.

Skill in process improvement.  

Skill in using Microsoft Office Suite software such as Word, Excel, and/or PowerPoint.

Skill in effective customer service practices. 

Skill in synthesizing and analyzing complex information for a variety of purposes. 

Skill in problem solving and conflict resolution. 

Skill in providing technical assistance to a variety of stakeholders. 

Skill in organizing large interdisciplinary meetings.

Ability to present complex information to a variety of audiences, both verbally and in writing. 

Ability to organize and prioritize heavy workloads and meet deadlines. 

Ability to establish goals and objectives, monitor and document progress. 

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with managers, co-workers, the public, and key stakeholders. 

Ability to gather, assembles, correlate, and analyze data, to devise solutions to problems.

Ability to prepare concise reports.

Initial Screening Criteria:    

Three years’ experience coordinating/leading projects, required.

Have an earned bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science, medical technology or public health from an accredited institution with at least one year of experience in laboratory testing; OR have an earned associate degree in a laboratory science, medical laboratory science, medical laboratory technology or public health from an accredited institution and have at least two years of experience in laboratory testing, required. 

Two years of customer service experience, preferred.

Experience with quality improvement/Lean Six Sigma projects, preferred.

Experience working in a public health and/or laboratory setting, preferred.

Additional Information

Location: 1100 W 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756, Laboratory. Employees are expected to work onsite.

Work Schedule: Typical work hours are 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday, but employee may be asked to work other hours, as needed. 

Transportation: Employee must provide transportation.

NOTE: When completing your application, include details about your job experience as it relates to the essential functions, knowledge/skills/abilities, and screening information provided on this Position Description. Please note Requisition number on all faxed information.

MOD

Note: There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position.  All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

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