What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Liaison position at Texas Department of State Health Services?
Date: Jan 21, 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 Emergency Preparedness Liaison
Job Title: Program Specialist VI
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: Hlth Emer Preparedness Respons
Posting Number: 1706
Closing Date: 02/04/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Management
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $6,701.75
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Part-Time
Travel: Up to 15%
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 (RBB)
Other Locations:
MOS Codes
16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,86P0,88A0,88B0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS
Job Description
Under the direction of the Grants Manager, performs highly advanced technical assistance as the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Team Lead. Serves as liaison to local health departments; provides statewide oversight of all PHEP program participants; and serves as point of contact for agency and external stakeholders regarding the program. Provides technical assistance and advanced consultative services for Texas cities, counties, and regions for PHEP activities and deliverables. Collects and analyzes data from multiple sources to ensure individual and overall program progress. Prepares reports and enters data into electronic federal reporting platforms. Duties are performed under the direction of the Grants Manager III, Preparedness Management Unit (PMU) in the Center for Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Section (CHEPR) with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Actively participates in disaster response by serving in a role in the State Medical Operation Center activation.
The CHEPR Section offers up to 1 to 4 day telework to its team members, in accordance with agency and division telework policy. This position’s ability to telework will be determined by CHEPR leadership, RLHO policy, and agency telework policies. Staff performance is monitored to ensure appropriate use of work hours and agency assets. The position will be required to come into the office, as directed, to fulfill essential job functions and for any public health response activations outside of normal business hours.
Essential Job Functions
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. (30%) Serves as the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Team Lead. Supports the team members through consultation, technical assistance, and routine team meetings. Facilitates the development and management of the PHEP cooperative agreement application and associated deliverables. Works closely with Department of State Health Services (DSHS) staff and external stakeholders to ensure program activities are coordinated, integrated, and meet federal and DSHS guidelines and performance measures. Coordinates activities of program specialists and agency leads to ensure timely collection and submission of federal cooperative agreement application, performance measures and other reports including but not limited to program guidance, work plans, performance measures, reports, and budgets. Reports staff and program issues and concerns to manager for corrective action. Provides information and updates for the center website. Participates in assigned projects and maintains PHEP and HPP subject area knowledge. Provides overall direction to the team in the development and prioritization of implementation recommendations. Provides technical assistance and consultative support to section staff as needed.
(20%) Serves as liaison and technical advisor to local health departments and provides statewide oversight to all PHEP funding recipients and program activities. Maintains public health and medical situational awareness. Fosters and maintains relationships with local health departments, program vendors, contractors and agency staff. Develops agenda and coordinates the PHEP meetings, including, but not limited to, soliciting topics and speakers, securing venue, sending meeting notices. Plans, attends, and leads PHEP and Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) meetings. Collects, organizes, analyzes, and tracks requests from public health regions, local health departments and other stakeholders, and forwards to appropriate section staff to ensure consistent and timely response. Coordinates with DSHS Contract Management Unit (CMU) to ensure PHEP funding recipients are continually kept abreast of programmatic and fiscal changes to the PHEP cooperative agreement. Meets regularly with regional and local public health departments to develop partnerships, assist with capacity building activities and maintenance, and infrastructure improvements and communication. Works with program specialists to coordinate activities with local and regional health partners and subject matter leads across the agency. Participates in internal and external cross-functional, multi-disciplinary workgroups. Identifies and works with key partners on program development and strategic planning, and obtains input on key program activities and reports. In collaboration with others, develops policies and guidelines as needed related to health and medical emergency response. Works collaboratively with federal (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and national (National Association of County and City Health Officials and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials) level partners and field staff. Assists the Grants Manager III and PMU to ensure multiple preparedness partners, including but not limited to public health and other diverse partners provide input into the development and implementation of performance measures, program evaluation, and plans to improve the readiness of Texas in responding to all hazards events.
(25%) Collects and analyzes a variety of data from multiple sources. Prepares reports and enters data into a variety of electronic systems. Reviews and evaluates information on PHEP-participating local public health emergency preparedness activities to identify gaps and makes recommendations for improvements. Directs and conducts benchmark activities and manages the analysis of data and report preparation. Collects, organizes, analyzes, and prepares material in response to requests for information from stakeholders regarding preparedness activities, including but not limited to, contracts, budgets, health and medical emergency response activities, public health emergency preparedness and Homeland Security initiatives. Collaborates with appropriate internal subject matter experts to provide information and follow up as requested and/or needed by stakeholders. Shares best practices, information and strategies used throughout the state with agency staff and leadership. Serves as a subject matter expert regarding public health emergency preparedness and activities, critical tasks and outcome measures.
(15%) Serves as point of contact for agency and external stakeholders regarding the PHEP and other CDC Public Health Crisis Cooperative Agreements (CoAg). Prepares and leads federal PHEP reporting efforts as well as federal site visits and oversees follow-up activities in a timely manner. Provides overall direction to the preparedness partners to resolve problems, identify needs and enhance program effectiveness. Professionally collaborate with the CDC Project Officer on the Cooperative Agreements.
(10%) Other duties as assigned. Serves as a backup to the Hospital Preparedness Program Team. Reviews legislative items related to preparedness and response as assigned and assists the Grants Manager III, PMU in preparing, developing, reviewing, and revising DSHS impact statements, including internal processes. Represents the agency upon request at PHEP quarterly meetings, regional preparedness meetings, and other partner planning meetings such as Texas Disaster Medical Systems and the Governor’s Emergency Management Services Trauma Advisory Council meetings. Serves as a leader in CHEPR and PMU. Participates in cross functional, multi-disciplinary teams within CHEPR, Division for Regional and Local Health Operations, and DSHS. Actively participates and/or serves 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 Abilities
Have a current CTCM or be able to obtain in within 12 months of hire.
Initial Selection Criteria
At least one year experience leading a work team or directing/supervising the work of others.
At least four years experience in public health or a bachelor’s degree in public health, public policy, or related field.
At least two years experience writing procedures, guidelines, or reports.
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
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 Emergency Preparedness Liaison
Job Title: Program Specialist VI
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: Hlth Emer Preparedness Respons
Posting Number: 1706
Closing Date: 02/04/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Management
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $6,701.75
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Part-Time
Travel: Up to 15%
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 (RBB)
Other Locations:
MOS Codes
16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,86P0,88A0,88B0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS
Job Description
Under the direction of the Grants Manager, performs highly advanced technical assistance as the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Team Lead. Serves as liaison to local health departments; provides statewide oversight of all PHEP program participants; and serves as point of contact for agency and external stakeholders regarding the program. Provides technical assistance and advanced consultative services for Texas cities, counties, and regions for PHEP activities and deliverables. Collects and analyzes data from multiple sources to ensure individual and overall program progress. Prepares reports and enters data into electronic federal reporting platforms. Duties are performed under the direction of the Grants Manager III, Preparedness Management Unit (PMU) in the Center for Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Section (CHEPR) with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Actively participates in disaster response by serving in a role in the State Medical Operation Center activation.
The CHEPR Section offers up to 1 to 4 day telework to its team members, in accordance with agency and division telework policy. This position’s ability to telework will be determined by CHEPR leadership, RLHO policy, and agency telework policies. Staff performance is monitored to ensure appropriate use of work hours and agency assets. The position will be required to come into the office, as directed, to fulfill essential job functions and for any public health response activations outside of normal business hours.
Essential Job Functions
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. (30%) Serves as the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Team Lead. Supports the team members through consultation, technical assistance, and routine team meetings. Facilitates the development and management of the PHEP cooperative agreement application and associated deliverables. Works closely with Department of State Health Services (DSHS) staff and external stakeholders to ensure program activities are coordinated, integrated, and meet federal and DSHS guidelines and performance measures. Coordinates activities of program specialists and agency leads to ensure timely collection and submission of federal cooperative agreement application, performance measures and other reports including but not limited to program guidance, work plans, performance measures, reports, and budgets. Reports staff and program issues and concerns to manager for corrective action. Provides information and updates for the center website. Participates in assigned projects and maintains PHEP and HPP subject area knowledge. Provides overall direction to the team in the development and prioritization of implementation recommendations. Provides technical assistance and consultative support to section staff as needed.
(20%) Serves as liaison and technical advisor to local health departments and provides statewide oversight to all PHEP funding recipients and program activities. Maintains public health and medical situational awareness. Fosters and maintains relationships with local health departments, program vendors, contractors and agency staff. Develops agenda and coordinates the PHEP meetings, including, but not limited to, soliciting topics and speakers, securing venue, sending meeting notices. Plans, attends, and leads PHEP and Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) meetings. Collects, organizes, analyzes, and tracks requests from public health regions, local health departments and other stakeholders, and forwards to appropriate section staff to ensure consistent and timely response. Coordinates with DSHS Contract Management Unit (CMU) to ensure PHEP funding recipients are continually kept abreast of programmatic and fiscal changes to the PHEP cooperative agreement. Meets regularly with regional and local public health departments to develop partnerships, assist with capacity building activities and maintenance, and infrastructure improvements and communication. Works with program specialists to coordinate activities with local and regional health partners and subject matter leads across the agency. Participates in internal and external cross-functional, multi-disciplinary workgroups. Identifies and works with key partners on program development and strategic planning, and obtains input on key program activities and reports. In collaboration with others, develops policies and guidelines as needed related to health and medical emergency response. Works collaboratively with federal (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and national (National Association of County and City Health Officials and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials) level partners and field staff. Assists the Grants Manager III and PMU to ensure multiple preparedness partners, including but not limited to public health and other diverse partners provide input into the development and implementation of performance measures, program evaluation, and plans to improve the readiness of Texas in responding to all hazards events.
(25%) Collects and analyzes a variety of data from multiple sources. Prepares reports and enters data into a variety of electronic systems. Reviews and evaluates information on PHEP-participating local public health emergency preparedness activities to identify gaps and makes recommendations for improvements. Directs and conducts benchmark activities and manages the analysis of data and report preparation. Collects, organizes, analyzes, and prepares material in response to requests for information from stakeholders regarding preparedness activities, including but not limited to, contracts, budgets, health and medical emergency response activities, public health emergency preparedness and Homeland Security initiatives. Collaborates with appropriate internal subject matter experts to provide information and follow up as requested and/or needed by stakeholders. Shares best practices, information and strategies used throughout the state with agency staff and leadership. Serves as a subject matter expert regarding public health emergency preparedness and activities, critical tasks and outcome measures.
(15%) Serves as point of contact for agency and external stakeholders regarding the PHEP and other CDC Public Health Crisis Cooperative Agreements (CoAg). Prepares and leads federal PHEP reporting efforts as well as federal site visits and oversees follow-up activities in a timely manner. Provides overall direction to the preparedness partners to resolve problems, identify needs and enhance program effectiveness. Professionally collaborate with the CDC Project Officer on the Cooperative Agreements.
(10%) Other duties as assigned. Serves as a backup to the Hospital Preparedness Program Team. Reviews legislative items related to preparedness and response as assigned and assists the Grants Manager III, PMU in preparing, developing, reviewing, and revising DSHS impact statements, including internal processes. Represents the agency upon request at PHEP quarterly meetings, regional preparedness meetings, and other partner planning meetings such as Texas Disaster Medical Systems and the Governor’s Emergency Management Services Trauma Advisory Council meetings. Serves as a leader in CHEPR and PMU. Participates in cross functional, multi-disciplinary teams within CHEPR, Division for Regional and Local Health Operations, and DSHS. Actively participates and/or serves 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 Abilities
- Knowledge of public health emergency preparedness programs and associated cooperative agreements
- Knowledge of applicable agency and federal policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of state and federal public health preparedness and response laws.
- Knowledge of Texas contract development and management.
- Skill in verbal and written communication.
- Skill in coordination with stakeholders.
- Skill in project management.
- Skill in supervising a team.
- Ability to prioritize, plan, and coordinate assignments.
- Ability to prepare concise reports.
- Ability to analyze issues and think critically.
- Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
- Ability to evaluate a program.
Have a current CTCM or be able to obtain in within 12 months of hire.
Initial Selection Criteria
At least one year experience leading a work team or directing/supervising the work of others.
At least four years experience in public health or a bachelor’s degree in public health, public policy, or related field.
At least two years experience writing procedures, guidelines, or reports.
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
Salary : $5,099 - $6,702
