Vulnerable Populations 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: Vulnerable Populations Specialist 
Job Title: Social Worker II 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Region 6/5 
Posting Number: 12934 
Closing Date: 02/09/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19 
Salary Range: $4,020.33 - $6,335.66 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 25% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: HOUSTON 
Job Location Address: 5425 POLK ST 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 0149,5832,230X,42SX,4C0X1,68X,73A,HM 
 
 
 

 General Description

Under the direction of the Preparedness and Response Manager, the Vulnerable Populations Specialist (VPS) performs highly advanced social service public health emergency preparedness work. Using the whole community approach, the VPS is responsible for planning for the access and functional needs of vulnerable populations in the event of a public health emergency, as well as developing strong vulnerable population participation in disaster planning and response activities. The VPS performs this work using the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Public Health Preparedness Capabilities: National Standards for State and Local Planning framework. The VPS will define, locate, and reach vulnerable populations. Conducts analyses, assesses needs, identifies gaps, and formulates strategies. In coordination with regional planners, provides input into existing plans and provides insight to develop new plans to serve vulnerable populations. Develops and facilities opportunities for inclusive planning with vulnerable populations. In coordination with regional training and exercise specialists, provides input on the inclusion of vulnerable populations in exercises and drills. Builds relationships with self-advocates and vulnerable population partners who can act as subject matter experts and provide feedback on regional plans, as well as participate in exercises. Provides presentations and trainings to external partners and DSHS staff. Actively participates in regional collaborative workgroups, such as Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coalition (PHEP-C), Mass Care Coalition, Houston UASI Disaster Access and Functional Needs Committee, and Texas Gulf Coast Regional Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (TGCRVOAD). Actively leads workgroups, such as the DSHS-TEPHI Vulnerable Populations Working Group. Documents all community work in agency software, such as Qualtrics. Completes required preparedness documentation to support federal and state grant deliverables. Coordinates with preparedness staff and external partners, such as county emergency management coordinators, local health department preparedness programs, and organizations serving vulnerable populations. Works in partnership with the Specialized Health and Social Services (SHSS) VPS on projects to mitigate the increased threats and risks which vulnerable populations face during disasters, with an emphasis on public health and emergency management policy, planning and inclusiveness. When staff are activated to respond to public health emergencies, the VPS is required to be available to deploy in a range of Incident Command System roles and provides subject matter expertise on public health, mass care, and sheltering topics. Primary focus on seven counties in which DSHS provides dirrect public health services (Austin, Colorado, Liberty, Waller, Walker, Wharton, Matagorda).

Essential Functions

45% Under the direction of the Preparedness and Response Manager, performs highly advanced social service public health emergency preparedness work. Primary focus on seven counties in which DSHS serves as local public health (Austin, Colorado, Liberty, Waller, Walker, Wharton, Matagorda). Using the whole community approach, the VPS is responsible for planning for the access and functional needs of vulnerable populations in the event of a public health emergency, as well as developing strong vulnerable population participation in disaster planning and response activities. The VPS performs this work using the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Public Health Preparedness Capabilities: National Standards for State and Local Planning framework. The VPS will define, locate and reach vulnerable populations. Conducts analyses, assesses needs, identifies gaps, and formulates strategies. In coordination with regional planners, provides input to existing plans and provides insight to develop new plans to serve vulnerable populations. In coordination with regional training and exercise specialists, provides input on the inclusion of vulnerable populations in exercises and drills. Builds relationships with self-advocates and vulnerable population partners who can act as subject matter experts and provide feedback on regional plans, as well as participate in exercises.

25% Develops and facilities opportunities for inclusive planning with vulnerable populations. Actively participates and/or leads regional workgroups focusing on emergency preparedness issues concerning vulnerable populations, such as Mass Care Coalition, Disaster Access and Functional Needs Committee, Texas Gulf Coast Regional Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (TGCRVOAD), and DSHS-TEPHI Vulnerable Populations Working Group. Actively participates on regional collaborative work groups such as Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coalition (PHEP-C). Provides presentations and training to external partners and DSHS staff.

10% Documents all community work in agency software, such as Qualtrics. Completes required preparedness documentation to support federal and state grant deliverables. Meets regularly with and works closely with the SHSS VPS.

10% When staff are activated to respond to public health emergencies, the VPS is required to be available to deploy in a range of Incident Command System roles and provide subject matter expertise on public health, mass care and sheltering topics. Serves as the subject matter expert on Functional Needs Support Services.

10% Other duties as assigned. Participates in DSHS initiatives, to include regional work groups and projects. All DSHS employees are required to actively participate and/or serve 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the CDC Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Capabilities

Knowledge of community and government service delivery systems and case management delivery systems

Knowledge of state and federal laws related to social services

Knowledge of Medicaid policies and benefits for women and children in Texas

Knowledge of Functional Needs Support Services (FNSS) as defined by Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and FEMA

Knowledge of public health emergency preparedness at all levels of government

Knowledge of the National Incident Management System, Incident Command Structure, Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program

Knowledge of interviewing techniques

Knowledge of a vulnerable populations’ needs during an emergency response

Knowledge of maternal, infant and children’s health, to include mental health

Knowledge of medical terminology

Knowledge of medical countermeasures

Knowledge of community resources

Knowledge of community building and development

Knowledge of whole community approach

Knowledge of community involvement and macro social work practice models

Knowledge of collective stress situations

Knowledge of best practices in community engagement

Skill in interviewing, conducting community assessments, and conducting gap analyses.

Skill in developing and facilitating community coalitions and focus groups

Skill in developing and presenting information and training to diverse audiences

Skill in using Microsoft Office Software and specialized software programs

Skill in implementing best practices in community social work practice

Skill in data collection, assessment and analysis

Skill in cultural competency

Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally

Ability to deploy during emergencies

Ability to provide technical assistance in social services and public health

Ability to establish effective partnerships in communities

Ability to build and sustain resilient community capacity related to preparedness

Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively among all stakeholders

Ability to locate and reach at risk populations

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Texas C Class Drivers License or ability to aquire one within the first month of employment

INITIAL SCREENING CRITERIA:

• Graduate of an accredited four-year college or university.
• Major coursework in behavioral sciences, social sciences, humanities, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in social services work
• Public health and/or emergency management experience preferred.
• Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a one-for-one year basis

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