What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Health and Prevention Specialist III position at Texas Department of State Health Services?
Date: Apr 2, 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: Public Health and Prevention Specialist III
Job Title: Publ Hlth and Prevent Spcl III
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: Newborn Screening Care Coord
Posting Number: 4573
Closing Date: 04/16/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-18
Salary Range: $3,922.55 - $4,200.00
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: Nonexempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (RDM)
Other Locations: Austin
MOS Codes
230X,43EX,43HX,4B0X1,4E0X1,60C,68S,68Z,HM,HS,MED,NAP11,SEI12
General Description
Under the supervision of the Newborn Screening Metablic Manager, performs highly complex public health work in the Newborn Screening Unit. Major focus is on the identification and follow-up of infants and children with one or more of the screened conditions. Work involves coordinating, planning, and monitoring newborn screening program and educational activities, including formulating definitions, standards, and policies for the effective and efficient rendering of newborn screening services. Disseminating educational materials, and providing technical assistance to program staff, and other agencies and organizations. Acting as a lead for PHPS Public Health and Prevention Specialist I (PHPS I) staff and providing back-up as necessary; coordinating program activities across teams according to business needs and performance measure goals. Supporting quality assurance monitoring of Clinical Care Coordination processes; assessing and recommending courses of action for improvement. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. All applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check.
Essential Job Functions
30% Provides leadership in Quality Assurance (QA) and training. Acts as a lead for PHPS I staff and provides and supports quality assurance monitoring of daily cases. In coordination with managers and nurse leads, reviews cases, and supports consistency and accuracy of Clinical Care Coordination processes; recommends courses of action for correction or improvement. Trains new and existing staff on newborn screening protocol, works with Program staff to determine trends and resolve technical problems; provides technical assistance to staff. Provides back-up for PHPS I staff as necessary.
25% Coordinates, and plans health education activities for staff and customers for new and existing disorders. Coordinates and evaluates the effectiveness of training and educational programs. Formulates definitions, standards, policy and procedures and other written guidelines for newborn screening staff and customers. Participates in workgroups or stakeholder meetings; researches information on newborn screening disorders and practices to support program improvement or enhancements. Develops and generates forms, memorandums, and other correspondence using Microsoft Word, Excel, or Access.
25% Monitors procedures for efficiency and analyzes data for planning and coordinating the Newborn Screening Program. Supports the collection and maintenance of data for reporting, planning and evaluation. Coordinates process development and enhancement including data collection, reporting, and paper reduction projects. Conducts surveys, reviews, and studies, and analyzes newborn screening operations, prepares reports of findings, and makes recommendations.
15% Provides back-up for PHPS I staff as necessary. Follows established protocols to link families with appropriate health care providers through follow-up activities; recommends and tracks additional testing and/or referral for treatment; provides training and information for providers and parents.
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 or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Licensure, Certification or Registration (Required): None
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (Required)
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to public health.
Knowledge of public health laws and regulations.
Knowledge of medical terminology.
Knowledge of educational techniques and procedures.
Knowledge of database management, data analysis, and reporting (word processing, database, spreadsheets).
Knowledge of business grammar, punctuation, proofreading and spelling.
Skill in using computer systems and programs including Word, Excel, Access and Internet.
Skill in problem solving and working independently.
Ability to understand, interpret, and adhere to applicable public health laws and rules.
Ability to understand and follow confidentiality laws and regulations.
Ability to facilitate and participate in meetings, and stakeholder working groups.
Ability to understand and perform quality assurance activities.
Ability to communicate effectively, and train staff.
Ability to supervise the work of others.
Ability to identify and devise solutions to problems.
Ability to plan and coordinate several projects simultaneously, and to organize and set priorities.
Initial Screening Criteria
“IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION PRIOR TO SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION:
Information on the application must clearly state how the applicant meets initial selection criteria in the Summary of Experience section in order to be interviewed. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application.
Applicants must provide information relevant to the required experience for this position. Answer all questions and completely summarize your experience including technical and managerial responsibilities and any special training, skills and qualifications for each position you have held in the employment history section of application.
All fields on the application must be filled-in completely. This includes, but is not limited to, previous salary, previous supervisor, and reason for leaving previous position.
Agency salary policy, budget and candidate’s qualifications will dictate final salary offer.
All applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check.
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: Public Health and Prevention Specialist III
Job Title: Publ Hlth and Prevent Spcl III
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: Newborn Screening Care Coord
Posting Number: 4573
Closing Date: 04/16/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-18
Salary Range: $3,922.55 - $4,200.00
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: Nonexempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (RDM)
Other Locations: Austin
MOS Codes
230X,43EX,43HX,4B0X1,4E0X1,60C,68S,68Z,HM,HS,MED,NAP11,SEI12
General Description
Under the supervision of the Newborn Screening Metablic Manager, performs highly complex public health work in the Newborn Screening Unit. Major focus is on the identification and follow-up of infants and children with one or more of the screened conditions. Work involves coordinating, planning, and monitoring newborn screening program and educational activities, including formulating definitions, standards, and policies for the effective and efficient rendering of newborn screening services. Disseminating educational materials, and providing technical assistance to program staff, and other agencies and organizations. Acting as a lead for PHPS Public Health and Prevention Specialist I (PHPS I) staff and providing back-up as necessary; coordinating program activities across teams according to business needs and performance measure goals. Supporting quality assurance monitoring of Clinical Care Coordination processes; assessing and recommending courses of action for improvement. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. All applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check.
Essential Job Functions
30% Provides leadership in Quality Assurance (QA) and training. Acts as a lead for PHPS I staff and provides and supports quality assurance monitoring of daily cases. In coordination with managers and nurse leads, reviews cases, and supports consistency and accuracy of Clinical Care Coordination processes; recommends courses of action for correction or improvement. Trains new and existing staff on newborn screening protocol, works with Program staff to determine trends and resolve technical problems; provides technical assistance to staff. Provides back-up for PHPS I staff as necessary.
25% Coordinates, and plans health education activities for staff and customers for new and existing disorders. Coordinates and evaluates the effectiveness of training and educational programs. Formulates definitions, standards, policy and procedures and other written guidelines for newborn screening staff and customers. Participates in workgroups or stakeholder meetings; researches information on newborn screening disorders and practices to support program improvement or enhancements. Develops and generates forms, memorandums, and other correspondence using Microsoft Word, Excel, or Access.
25% Monitors procedures for efficiency and analyzes data for planning and coordinating the Newborn Screening Program. Supports the collection and maintenance of data for reporting, planning and evaluation. Coordinates process development and enhancement including data collection, reporting, and paper reduction projects. Conducts surveys, reviews, and studies, and analyzes newborn screening operations, prepares reports of findings, and makes recommendations.
15% Provides back-up for PHPS I staff as necessary. Follows established protocols to link families with appropriate health care providers through follow-up activities; recommends and tracks additional testing and/or referral for treatment; provides training and information for providers and parents.
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 or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Licensure, Certification or Registration (Required): None
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (Required)
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to public health.
Knowledge of public health laws and regulations.
Knowledge of medical terminology.
Knowledge of educational techniques and procedures.
Knowledge of database management, data analysis, and reporting (word processing, database, spreadsheets).
Knowledge of business grammar, punctuation, proofreading and spelling.
Skill in using computer systems and programs including Word, Excel, Access and Internet.
Skill in problem solving and working independently.
Ability to understand, interpret, and adhere to applicable public health laws and rules.
Ability to understand and follow confidentiality laws and regulations.
Ability to facilitate and participate in meetings, and stakeholder working groups.
Ability to understand and perform quality assurance activities.
Ability to communicate effectively, and train staff.
Ability to supervise the work of others.
Ability to identify and devise solutions to problems.
Ability to plan and coordinate several projects simultaneously, and to organize and set priorities.
Initial Screening Criteria
- Experience in public health work, and graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in social services, public health, or a related field preferred.
- Experience in database management, data analysis, and reporting (word processing, database, spreadsheets).
- Experience in teaching or training Preferred
“IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION PRIOR TO SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION:
Information on the application must clearly state how the applicant meets initial selection criteria in the Summary of Experience section in order to be interviewed. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application.
Applicants must provide information relevant to the required experience for this position. Answer all questions and completely summarize your experience including technical and managerial responsibilities and any special training, skills and qualifications for each position you have held in the employment history section of application.
All fields on the application must be filled-in completely. This includes, but is not limited to, previous salary, previous supervisor, and reason for leaving previous position.
Agency salary policy, budget and candidate’s qualifications will dictate final salary offer.
All applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check.
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 : $3,923 - $4,200
