Vision, Hearing, and Spinal Screening Program Manager

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: Vision, Hearing, and Spinal Screening Program Manager 
Job Title: Manager II 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Vision Hearing Spinal Screenin 
Posting Number: 13655 
Closing Date: 02/27/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Management 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Salary Range: $5,098.67 - $6,701.75 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
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: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (RDM) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 0203,0207,0302,0520,0602,0802,1802,5502,6302,6502,7202,7208,7210,7220,111X,112X,113X,114X,16GX,41AX 
611X,612X,631X,632X,641X,648X,86M0,86P0,8U000,9G100,SEI15 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

The Vision, Hearing, and Spinal Screening Program (VHSS) ensures preschool- and school-aged children receive screenings to identify potential problems for early intervention. The program trains and certifies screeners and screening instructors.

The VHSS manager oversees daily program operations of VHSS; sets goals and objectives; develops and implements policies, procedures, rules, and guidelines while maintaining regulatory compliance; supervises, assigns work to, guides, and evaluates central office and regional staff; collaborates with agency leadership to support broader goals; communicates regularly with director and escalates issues when appropriate; analyzes and implements legislative bills affecting the program; maintains the VHSS budget; develops and renews program contracts; and communicates with and maintains relationships with stakeholders. The manager also seeks and maintains current public health and clinical information to make recommendations to agency leadership regarding VHSS; responds to legislative requests and inquiries; reviews and analyzes data for program planning; and performs all aspects of hiring, training, and disciplinary actions when necessary. The manager works under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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

35% Supervise the day-to-day activities of all VHSS staff members. Sets goals for program staff and evaluates staff performance. Communicate routinely with staff members and mentors and coaches as necessary. Ensure staff follow policies and procedures and inform them of changes. Perform all hiring, training, supervisory, and disciplinary duties for the program in accordance with agency and program policy.

25% Maintain an adequate number of certified screeners are available to meet statewide screening needs. Coordinate local training opportunities to certify screeners and non-DSHS (external) instructors. Monitor screeners and external instructors for adherence to program rules. Provide additional training or revoke certificates as appropriate to ensure quality training and screenings.

15% Maintain the program website, educational materials, training materials including manuals and presentations, resource lists, and forms so all information is accurate and current. Inform stakeholders of changes as needed and gather stakeholder feedback to inform decision making.

10% Plan for accurate and efficient data management systems by working with DSHS IT staff. Ensure data entry by program staff is timely and accurate. Provide technical assistance to schools and daycare centers when submitting electronic data reports. Generate program activity reports upon request. Maintain quality assurance protocols for all data management systems. Review data for screening trends and reporting compliance and use the data to guide program activities and resources. Fulfill open records requests timely and in accordance with agency policy.

10% Represent the program in regularly scheduled meetings. Review legislation and provide analysis as a subject matter expert. Coordinate with Section staff in responding to Section and Division assignments. Periodically develop and make presentations to groups and stakeholders. Act as a resource on inquiries from legislators, stakeholders, and others. Represent the program to schools, professional associations, other state agencies, and the general public.

5% 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

Knowledge of age-appropriate vision, hearing, and spinal screening techniques and tools.

Knowledge of public health principles.

Knowledge of quality assurance principles and practices.

Knowledge of leadership principles.

Skill in:

Skill in program/project planning and implementation.

Skill in managing or supervising staff.

Skill in training or educating individuals or groups.

Skill in verbal and written communication.

Ability to:

Ability to follow and develop policies and procedures.

Ability to balance long-term planning and day-to-day operations when running a program.

Ability to think creatively and solve problems.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Must have at least three years’ work experience in public health, nursing, education, or other relevant field.
Must have at least two years’ work experience educating or training others.

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