What are the responsibilities and job description for the Asthma Control Specialist position at Texas Department of State Health Services?
Date: Mar 26, 2025
Location:
AUSTIN, TX
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: Asthma Control Specialist
Job Title: Program Specialist V
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: Chronic Disease Prevention
Posting Number: 4427
Closing Date: 04/09/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21
Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $5,888.50
Shift: Day
Additional Shift
Telework:
Travel: Up to 15%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
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,86M0,86P0,88A0,88B0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS
Brief Job Description
Under the general direction of the Manager for the Tobacco, Asthma, and Cancer (TAC) Branch in the Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Section, serves as the Asthma Control Specialist (Program Specialist V) of the Texas Asthma Control Program (TACP). This position performs advanced (senior-level) consultative and technical assistance work, including planning, development, and implementation of TACP activities. Responsible for federal grant deliverables and activities related to asthma control EXHALE strategies in focus settings, including program implementation and cross collaboration with other TACP efforts. Assists in federal grant writing, work plan development and monitoring, reporting, and drafting progress reports. Oversees TACP contracts and contractor activities related to EXHALE strategies. Identifies potential contractors and develops contracts, including writing scopes of work and deliverables. Ensures that contractor scopes of work, deliverables, and activities are in alignment with overall TACP goals. Provides guidance and technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders, including TACP staff, TAC Branch staff, other Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Section programs, and partner organizations. Develops program materials, reports, briefings, and other documents and ensures compliance with Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Section and Community Health Improvement Division policy. Works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Due to the work of the TAC Branch, the person filling this position must not use tobacco products (combustible or non-combustible), including e-cigarettes/electronic nicotine delivery devices.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs)
(30%) This position oversees and coordinates asthma control EXHALE efforts. Responsible for federal grant deliverables and activities related to asthma control EXHALE strategies in focus settings, including program implementation and cross collaboration with other TACP efforts. Oversees the TACP contracts related to asthma control EXHALE efforts. Provides technical assistance to contractors to ensure a seamless implementation of these programs. Oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based interventions focused on asthma control.
(30%) Assists in federal grant writing, work plan development and monitoring, reporting, and drafting progress reports. Oversees TACP contracts and contractor activities related to asthma control EXHALE efforts. Identifies potential contractors and develops contracts, including writing scopes of work and deliverables. Ensures that contractor scopes of work, deliverables, and activities are in alignment with overall TACP goals. Monitors contracts, provides technical assistance to contractors, and ensures appropriate and complete spend down of contract funds. Meets with contractors routinely and monitors their monthly reports to analyze contractor performance. Ensures that contractor efforts align with and work toward the goals of the Strategic Plan for Asthma Control in Texas.
(20%) Serves as a subject matter expert on asthma, implementing asthma control EXHALE strategies, and policy, system, and environmental change efforts. Works collaboratively with other programs in the Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Section to identify best practices and areas for improvement of chronic disease related community and clinical services. Provides guidance and technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders, including TACP staff, TAC Branch staff, other Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Section programs, and partner organizations.
(15%) Develops program materials, reports, briefings, fact sheets, publications, and other documents and ensures compliance with Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Section and Community Health Improvement Division policy. Prepares and presents information at meetings, conferences, and trainings. Speaks to community and professional groups to coordinate, improve, and stimulate interest in and to secure support for TACP initiatives and asthma control work. Gathers and interprets information to identify best practices for the program and makes recommendations to the TAC Branch Manager. Ensures compliance with program and agency policies and procedures, state statutes, and rules.
(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. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. To perform these job duties, this position may require working the extra hours needed to meet defined deadlines and support the agency’s mission critical reporting requirements.
Knowledge Of
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
N/A
Initial Screening Criteria
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university required. A degree in public health, health education, or related field preferred. Master's degree in a related field preferred. At least two years of experience working in asthma control, chronic disease, health promotion, public health, or other related field. Experience managing contracts, managing projects, and working on federal grants preferred.
Additional Information
Information on the application must clearly state how the applicant meets initial selection criteria to be interviewed. An in-basket activity will be required at time of interview.
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
This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.
Nearest Major Market: Austin
Location:
AUSTIN, TX
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: Asthma Control Specialist
Job Title: Program Specialist V
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: Chronic Disease Prevention
Posting Number: 4427
Closing Date: 04/09/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21
Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $5,888.50
Shift: Day
Additional Shift
Telework:
Travel: Up to 15%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
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,86M0,86P0,88A0,88B0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS
Brief Job Description
Under the general direction of the Manager for the Tobacco, Asthma, and Cancer (TAC) Branch in the Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Section, serves as the Asthma Control Specialist (Program Specialist V) of the Texas Asthma Control Program (TACP). This position performs advanced (senior-level) consultative and technical assistance work, including planning, development, and implementation of TACP activities. Responsible for federal grant deliverables and activities related to asthma control EXHALE strategies in focus settings, including program implementation and cross collaboration with other TACP efforts. Assists in federal grant writing, work plan development and monitoring, reporting, and drafting progress reports. Oversees TACP contracts and contractor activities related to EXHALE strategies. Identifies potential contractors and develops contracts, including writing scopes of work and deliverables. Ensures that contractor scopes of work, deliverables, and activities are in alignment with overall TACP goals. Provides guidance and technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders, including TACP staff, TAC Branch staff, other Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Section programs, and partner organizations. Develops program materials, reports, briefings, and other documents and ensures compliance with Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Section and Community Health Improvement Division policy. Works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Due to the work of the TAC Branch, the person filling this position must not use tobacco products (combustible or non-combustible), including e-cigarettes/electronic nicotine delivery devices.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs)
(30%) This position oversees and coordinates asthma control EXHALE efforts. Responsible for federal grant deliverables and activities related to asthma control EXHALE strategies in focus settings, including program implementation and cross collaboration with other TACP efforts. Oversees the TACP contracts related to asthma control EXHALE efforts. Provides technical assistance to contractors to ensure a seamless implementation of these programs. Oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based interventions focused on asthma control.
(30%) Assists in federal grant writing, work plan development and monitoring, reporting, and drafting progress reports. Oversees TACP contracts and contractor activities related to asthma control EXHALE efforts. Identifies potential contractors and develops contracts, including writing scopes of work and deliverables. Ensures that contractor scopes of work, deliverables, and activities are in alignment with overall TACP goals. Monitors contracts, provides technical assistance to contractors, and ensures appropriate and complete spend down of contract funds. Meets with contractors routinely and monitors their monthly reports to analyze contractor performance. Ensures that contractor efforts align with and work toward the goals of the Strategic Plan for Asthma Control in Texas.
(20%) Serves as a subject matter expert on asthma, implementing asthma control EXHALE strategies, and policy, system, and environmental change efforts. Works collaboratively with other programs in the Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Section to identify best practices and areas for improvement of chronic disease related community and clinical services. Provides guidance and technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders, including TACP staff, TAC Branch staff, other Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Section programs, and partner organizations.
(15%) Develops program materials, reports, briefings, fact sheets, publications, and other documents and ensures compliance with Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Section and Community Health Improvement Division policy. Prepares and presents information at meetings, conferences, and trainings. Speaks to community and professional groups to coordinate, improve, and stimulate interest in and to secure support for TACP initiatives and asthma control work. Gathers and interprets information to identify best practices for the program and makes recommendations to the TAC Branch Manager. Ensures compliance with program and agency policies and procedures, state statutes, and rules.
(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. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. To perform these job duties, this position may require working the extra hours needed to meet defined deadlines and support the agency’s mission critical reporting requirements.
Knowledge Of
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
- Public health principles and practices at the local, state, and national levels.
- Program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation.
- Health promotion and chronic disease prevention.
- Asthma control best practices.
- The Strategic Plan for Asthma Control in Texas.
- Stakeholder engagement, grant application, and program coordination.
- Gathering and analyzing data for program decisions and writing reports.
- Partnership building, engagement, and maintenance.
- The use of Microsoft Office computer software including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- The use of general office equipment.
- Public speaking, facilitating meetings, and communicating verbally and in writing.
- Take complex and often disconnected elements and identify how they are linked to support program goals and objectives.
- Work independently and within a team setting depending on the project.
- Communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing.
- Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders based on shared priorities.
- Create spreadsheets and track and analyze program data.
- Prepare reports.
N/A
Initial Screening Criteria
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university required. A degree in public health, health education, or related field preferred. Master's degree in a related field preferred. At least two years of experience working in asthma control, chronic disease, health promotion, public health, or other related field. Experience managing contracts, managing projects, and working on federal grants preferred.
Additional Information
Information on the application must clearly state how the applicant meets initial selection criteria to be interviewed. An in-basket activity will be required at time of interview.
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
This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.
Nearest Major Market: Austin
Salary : $4,523 - $5,889
