Child and Adolescent Health Program 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: Child and Adolescent Health Program Specialist
Job Title: Program Specialist III
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: CSHCN Systems Development
Posting Number: 17008
Closing Date: 09/18/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services
Salary Range: $4,020.33- $5,178.00
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Eligible for 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,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS

Brief Job Description:

Under the supervision of the Child and Adolescent Health Group Manager, the Program Specialist III performs complex public health work with the Child Health Coordinator, Adolescent Health Coordinator, and Help Me Grow Coordinator. Work includes, but is not limited to, coordination of strategic planning, project implementation, reporting requirements, and evaluation of programmatic efforts. Increases collaboration and expands program reach of Title V child and adolescent health initiatives through consultation with internal and external partners, including Maternal and Child Health Unit and other Department of State Health Services (DSHS) staff, other governmental agencies, community organizations, and families. Responsible for monitoring contractors’ scopes of work, providing technical assistance, and monitoring contractor performance. Works with DSHS staff, contractors, and other stakeholders to review and evaluate program impacts and gaps. Creates reports, briefings, fact sheets, summaries, presentations, and other deliverables as requested. The position requires tact, diplomacy, and planning to accomplish assignments independently. Works under general supervision of the group manager with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and perform other duties as assigned.

Assists with the programmatic work of the Help Me Grow Texas Coordinator, Child Health Coordinator, Adolescent Health Coordinator to support the planning, development, implementation, and strategic direction of program activities related to Title V Block Grant’s Child and Adolescent domains, including coordination of daily and long-term activities, implementation of program activities, meeting all reporting requirements, and evaluation of programmatic activities and impacts. Participates in ongoing Title V activities, such as completing sections of the Block Grant Application and the five-year needs assessment related to children and adolescents. Responds to legislative and ad-hoc requests for information. (45%)

Maintains effective relationships with program contractors, coordinating external partner activities, conveying accurate agency and programmatic information, and providing technical assistance. Monitors contractors’ performance and invoice submission. Leads contractor check-ins and participates in regular meetings with assigned DSHS contract manager(s). Completes all required reports, continuation applications, and other funding requirements for contractors or grants. Coordinates with other Unit areas to develop and implement standardized contract monitoring policies and procedures. Conducts and disseminates contractor trend analysis. Assists in the development of request for proposals/applications and/or grant applications for program initiatives. (35%)

Creates reports, briefings, fact sheets, summaries, presentations, and other information sources as requested. Determines training needs and develops resource materials for contractors, staff and other stakeholders. Develops responses to requests for information or assistance from the public, stakeholders, and contractors. (15%)

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, Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation, and/or serving on the State Medical Operations Center (SMOC) team. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of program planning, implementation, evaluation, monitoring, and management;

Knowledge of evidence-based practices and strategies related to child and adolescent health;

Knowledge of partnership development and coalition-building strategies;

Knowledge of health disparities;

Knowledge of clinical operations and quality improvement performance measures;

Knowledge of contract development and management;

Knowledge of community needs assessment process; and

Knowledge of child and adolescent development.

Skill in programmatic assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation;

Skill in gathering and analyzing data for program decisions and writing reports;

Skill in contract development, monitoring, and oversight;

Skill in the preparation of grant applications; and

Skill in group processes and facilitation.

Ability to lead and work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team and with outside groups;

Ability to work independently without close supervision;

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing;

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts and devise solutions to operational problems;

Ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders based on shared priorities in relation to child and adolescent health;

Ability to facilitate groups with divergent opinions;

Ability to solve problems, coordinate activities, and set priorities; and

Ability to plan and conduct productive meetings.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

Required: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in a relevant field preferred.

Required: Experience working in public health, maternal and child health, and/or health care policy.

Required: Experience in developing, monitoring, and managing contracts or grants.

Required: Experience in developing educational and training materials and presentations.

Additional Information:

This position is eligible for telework, which will be determined by agency and division telework policies. The employee will be required to come into the office, as directed, to fulfill essential job functions. DSHS will provide computer, related equipment, and basic office supplies. Selected applicants must have a home office location free from distraction, the ability to provide personal home internet service, and the ability to ensure confidentiality in the workplace.

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

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 View phone number on aiapply.co or via email at View email address on aiapply.co.

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