Clinical 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. Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs. Functional Title: Clinical Program Specialist Job Title: Program Specialist V Agency: Dept of State Health Services Department: Injury Prevention Posting Number: 18715 Closing Date: 07/21/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Community and Social Services Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $5,888.50 Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group: TEXAS-B-21 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Telework: Not Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 30% 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 The Program Specialist (PS V) Coordinator works under the direction of the Injury Prevention Unit / Texas Overdose Data to Action (TODA) manager. This position performs advanced (senior level) consultative services, technical assistance, analysis activities, and oversight of multiple operational aspects of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Overdose Data to Action in States grant. This work includes knowledge of rules and rule making processes, regulations, planning, and development. The PS V will support programs that reach out to hospitals, Emergency Rooms (ERs), primary care facilities, and other health care settings to facilitate substance use prevention programming and recovery. The PS V supports coordination and implementation of TODA initiatives including oversight of risk reduction, fatality prevention, clinical education facilitation, clinical-settings based programming, strategic program plan development, and ongoing TODA initiatives. The PS V performs a variety of technical, training, research, planning, policy, program assessment, and administrative activities related to TODA. This position includes building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders, with an emphasis on state public health programs, hospital and other direct health care partners, academic partners, and local health departments across Texas. This position markets TODA program to community and professional groups to encourage and/or improve interest in the program. The PS V serves as a liaison to staff, government agencies, community organizations, or the general public to assist in explaining program specifics and requirements. This position may represent TODA on agency-wide committees. The PS V will coordinate with the Injury Prevention Unit and the Community Health Improvement Division on TODA activities and progress. The PS V provides support to and collaborates in the planning, development, implementation, analysis, and documentation of an agency program. This position will prepare reports, presentations, briefings, and other documents for the Unit, Section, Medical Director, and/or the Community Health Improvement Deputy Commissioner. The PS V will serve as a team coordinator on TODA projects and/or initiatives as well as on other quality improvement initiatives to improve program operations. The PS V will support data collection and program evaluation to support the TODA program in meeting federal grant requirements and internal goals. This position monitors and reviews compliance with requirements, laws, regulations, policies, and procedures for assigned program. This position works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position performs related work as assigned. To perform these job duties, this position may require working extra hours needed to meet defined deadlines and support the agency’s mission critical reporting requirements. Essential Job Functions: Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

• 30%) Represents and acts on behalf of the TODA manager to provide guidance on policy, planning, and administrative operations of the grant. Facilitates and coordinates the flow of program / administrative assignments and composes responses. Works closely with TODA and Unit staff to coordinate assignments both internally and with external partners. Maintains continuous communication and coordination with TODA, contracted partners, and HHSC staff. Consults with public and private agencies involved in the programs to resolve problems, identify training needs, and discuss program effectiveness. Drafts short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals and objectives, policies, procedures, and standards for TODA. Works closely with the TODA manager to meet grant responsibilities and submit reports in a timely, accurate manner. Makes data and information available to decision makers to assist them with policy decisions and resource allocations. Analyzes the application of and variations within programs to develop action plans for improving or initiating new programs.
• 25%) Facilitates alignment and coordination of TODA activities toward strategic goals and objectives, develops priorities for achieving goals, and participates in evaluation activities. Develops program policies, procedures, standards, and manuals in accordance with program objectives and goals. Facilitates appropriate TODA involvement with inter- and intra-agency activities related to grant priorities. Analyzes legislation to develop recommendations for policy in programmatic issues relating to the implementation, improvement, and/or expansion or reduction of program funding. Identifies opportunities for the program to further strategic goals. Analyzes performance data to help ensure compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules; and recommend corrective action(s) as needed. Presents TODA programming, successes, and opportunities to partner at conferences and other public meetings.
• 20%) Coordinates TODA activities related to tracking and activities. Communicates with program staff, unit staff, stakeholders, advocates, and others on TODA activities. Participates in activities related to program issues, possible rulemaking with key legislation, interim studies or project work teams, and activities designed to improve the TODA deliverables.
• 20%) Conducts research and analysis of unintentional and undetermined drug poisoning related topics; examines proposed regulations or policies that impact or potentially impact TODA or the agency. Consults with public stakeholders, interest groups (both state and national level), and HHS enterprise staff as directed by the TODA manager. Supports program and staff needs based on emerging national and state level activities. Guides staff to initiate, sponsor, manage, or participate in projects to maximize the success of TODA and participates in planning and convening meetings or conferences. Prepares reports, presentations, briefings, and other documents for the Unit, Section, Medical Director, and/or the Division Deputy Commissioner.
• 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. To perform these job duties, this position may require working extra hours needed to meet defined deadlines and support the agency’s mission critical reporting requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to performance in this position: Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the program area; public administration techniques; training and marketing techniques; and program management processes and techniques. Knowledge of management techniques; statistical analysis processes; budget processes; and research techniques. Knowledge of the principles and practices of public health administration and management. Knowledge of governmental budgeting processes and procedures. Knowledge of the service needs of persons who experience drug poisoning. Knowledge of the array of planning and evaluation methods used in state government. Knowledge of grants, report writing, research, and budgeting processes. Knowledge of concepts and applications for continuous quality improvement. Knowledge of the major functions of public health, health care reform initiatives, and health care policy development. Knowledge of clinical operations and evidence-based, data driven clinical best practices for substance use prevention and treatment. Knowledge of state and federal programs, laws, policies, rules, and procedures impacting the implementation of substance use and behavioral health treatment and resources. Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance and in the use of a computer and applicable software Skill in conducting planning activities including developing goals and objectives for strategic planning and evaluation. Skill in organizing and presenting complex information to a variety of diverse stakeholders. Skill in managing and prioritizing multiple and competing work activities. Skill in quality improvement implementation for program evaluation. Skill in meeting facilitation. Skill in using a public health prevention framework and ensuring it is incorporated and evaluated in program activities and initiatives. Skill in developing and evaluating administrative policies, procedures, and protocols. Skill in facilitating training sessions and programming in clinical settings. Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems; to market programs; to prepare reports; to develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures; and to communicate effectively. Ability to provide guidance to others. Ability to serve as a lead worker providing direction to others. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to speak and write effectively, clearly, and concisely on a variety of complex subjects related to the program. Ability to plan, organize and complete multiple activities in a timely fashion. Ability to handle a wide range of tasks in an effective manner along with planning, organizing, and completing multiple tasks and activities in a timely fashion. Ability to interpret guidelines, policies, procedures, and regulations on a state and/or national level. Certifications: NA Initial Screening Criteria: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in a relevant field. Master’s degree preferred. Experience working in public health, drug poisoning prevention, health care administration, injury prevention, and/or health care policy. Experience working in healthcare administration or a clinical setting preferred. Experience in contract or grant support, management, or monitoring. Experience in project reporting, presentation, or developing educational or training materials. Experience in public speaking. Additional Information: “IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION PRIOR TO SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION: Information on the application and resume must clearly state how the applicant meets initial selection criteria in the Summary of Experience section in order to be interviewed. 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. Applicants selected for an interview will be required to complete an in-basket exercise. Agency salary policy, budget and candidate’s qualifications will dictate final salary offer. This position is not eligible for full-time telework within the state of Texas. This position is required to be in office at the Austin campus on a hybrid schedule. 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 click.appcast.io or via email at View email address on click.appcast.io. 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