Workforce Programs 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: Workforce Programs Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist VI 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Workforce Operations 
Posting Number: 15154 
Closing Date: 04/02/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Office and Administrative Support 
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $6,888.11 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for 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 (RDM) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

The Workforce Programs Specialist will shape and improve agency-wide workforce programs and initiatives by researching what’s working, identifying opportunities for improvement, helping plan and roll out new initiatives, and evaluating processes that impact employees across the agency.

This position will guide committees, workgroups, and teams to develop workforce strategies making sure everyone is aligned and moving toward shared goals. This is a role for someone who is comfortable being the “go-to” person. You will provide consultation and technical expertise, help resolve complex issues, and train staff on workforce programs and best practices. You will also use tools like PeopleSoft (or similar systems), Microsoft Excel, and SharePoint to analyze data, spot trends, and provide meaningful recommendations to leadership to support planning, reporting, and collaboration.

If you’ve worked in a government or public‑sector environment before, you’ll feel right at home navigating agency processes and partnering with internal and external stakeholders. Experience working in HR operations and managing large-scale workforce initiatives will allow you to make an immediate impact in this position. Additional skills that matter for success include strategic thinking, problem-solving, negotiation, collaboration, and the ability to communicate effectively to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EFJ 1: Research, implement, administer, and evaluate agency-wide programs, processes, key initiatives, and special projects. Leads committees, teams, and workgroups to develop and implement program goals; works on targeted planning and implementation of recruitment, retention, engagement, recognition, succession planning, and other workforce related strategies. (40%)

EFJ 2: Serves as a subject matter expert on workforce planning, recruitment, retention, engagement, recognition, succession planning, policy, training and development, and other workforce related items; Provides recommendations, technical assistance, consultation, training, data analysis, and briefings for agency leadership and staff; serves as a liaison between DSHS and HHS consolidated functions of HR, PTLL, and LRN, and the Employee Service Center. (40%)

EFJ 3: Analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of practices in agency programs; research best practices of current strategies; designs and implements effective techniques for action plans to improve agency-wide programs. (15%)

EFJ 4: This position will have the opportunity to cross-train on other BSP supported programs. Other duties as assigned include actively participating in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response/recovery or Continuity of Operations activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of human resources policies, procedures, and human resource information systems such as Peoplesoft; employee recruitment, engagement, retention, and succession planning strategies; workforce planning and development processes and procedures; implementation and evaluation principles and statistical analysis processes.

Skill in project management methodology/tools; problem-solving, negotiating, and implementing solutions; communicating information effectively, both orally and in writing; conducting high-level meetings; preparing concise reports, analyses, and recommendations; accurately evaluating and interpreting data and reports; working with Microsoft Suite, SharePoint and Adobe Acrobat Pro.

Ability to develop and maintain successful working relationships with individuals and groups internally and externally; to design and develop policies, procedures, and systems for agency-wide operations; establish, define and set priorities supporting BSP and Operations goals and objectives; balance change and continuity, adjust and respond to changing job priorities, and make timely and effective decisions; continually improve customer service and program performance. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

• Current HR Certification Required (SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP preferred).

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Eight (8) years of work experience as an HR Generalist or similar position.
• Two (2) years of experience working on workforce-related initiatives (onboarding, leadership development, engagement, etc.).
• Experience with Human Resources Information Systems and software (PeopleSoft, SAP, etc.).
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) required.
• Experience using SharePoint preferred.
• Experience working for a State of Texas Agency preferred.

Additional Information:

• DSHS offers a hybrid schedule to eligible employees. If your role requires onsite work, if you manage staff, or if your role is a designated support role, you will be required to be in the office five days per week. All other positions may work a hybrid schedule that consists of two days in the office and three days work from home one week and three days in the office and two days work from home the following week. This schedule would alternate weekly to form a 2/3 – 3/2 schedule. Telework eligibility and schedule will be decided by the supervisor and discussed with the selected candidate.
• Candidates will be required to complete a writing skills test as part of the interview process.

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