Public Health Follow-Up Consultant

Date: May 5, 2026Location:AUSTIN, TXDSHS 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 BenefitsDSHS 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 Follow-Up ConsultantJob Title: Program Specialist IVAgency: Dept of State Health ServicesDepartment: STD Public Health Follow-upPosting Number: 16670Closing Date: 08/03/2026Posting Audience: Internal and ExternalOccupational Category: Healthcare SupportSalary Range: $4,263.16 - $5,521.16Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group: TEXAS-B-20Shift: DayAdditional ShiftTelework: Eligible for TeleworkTravel: Up to 30%Regular/Temporary: RegularFull Time/Part Time: Full timeFLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: NonexemptFacility Location: Job Location City: AUSTINJob Location Address: 201 W HOWARD LN STE 200Other Locations: MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNSThe Program Specialist IV is responsible for ensuring organizations that enter into a written agreement with the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to provide HIV, STD and HCV programs deliver services that are consistent with the needs of the population to be served and are in accordance with State and Federal mandates and program requirements. Ensure compliance with these requirements through formal site reviews, technical assistance visits and desktop reviews. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent initiative, judgment and action.Essential Job Functions (EJFs)Evaluates and assesses regional and local health departments’ HIV/STD and DSHS programs that conduct STD disease intervention and HIV prevention activities. Develops and implements effective techniques for evaluating programs. Schedules, plans and conducts the on-site desktop and formal program evaluations and technical assistance visits according to procedures. Reviews relevant documentation and observes programmatic activities as they relate to the delivery of effective and efficient services. Works with program staff at all levels to adequately assess quality service delivery. Assists programs in identifying trends, barriers to program implementation and achievement of program objectives. Provides technical assistance for addressing programmatic barriers. Assures that evaluations and relevant documents are completed. Submits reports to agencies according to procedure within required time frame. Performs follow-up site visits to ensure that recommendations are implemented in accordance with program review findings. Implements DSHS Sanction Policy when needed. Analyzes the program corrective action plans to determine if required program improvements have been implemented and result in improved service delivery. (35%)Plans, develops, coordinates, implements, delivers and evaluates training programs and technical assistance for DSHS employees, contractors, and public and private health care professionals. Delivers customized courses in response to needs identified. Assists in developing and evaluating trainings statewide through direct observation, co-training, constructive feedback and support. Analyzes program performance by reviewing program reports and data and making recommendations for program improvement. Guides, directs and provides technical assistance to HIV/STD programs by telephone, on-site, or in writing. Communications may include interpreting DSHS and funders’ program standards, administrative and program requirements, policies and guidelines. When on-site, the consultant may demonstrate services delivery techniques to program staff in traditional and non-traditional settings. Observes program staff delivering services and provides feedback to staff. Consults with program supervisors when staff improvement is necessary. Promotes program staff development by identifying training needs. Reviews program reports and provides information to program managers about performance and reporting issues. (20%)Initiates and assists in program development process. Reviews budgets, objectives and work plans submitted by programs. Works with Contract Management Unit to determine appropriateness of equipment requests. Prepares for and assists the Contract Management Section with the contract development process. Communicates with the Procurement and Contracting Section to assure that all documentation is approved and processed correctly. Initiates, reviews and processes budget amendments and Institutional Prior Approval requests. Tracks program expenditures to assure that program funds do not lapse or are overspent. (20%)Works as a member of cross-team workgroups on projects. Develops and revises program policies and procedures. Creates and updates evaluation tools, budget screen tools, and program report forms. Responsible for the technical writing of manuals, guidance, and standards for all scopes of work. Reviews and analyzes HIV/STD prevention/partner services program data and makes appropriate recommendations to providers. Assures that all required documentation is filed appropriately for access by Unit staff. Serves as liaison with local health departments, community-based organizations, and other contractors and DSHS workgroups. Prepares written responses to inquiries, complaints and grievances. Works on special projects as assigned. (15%)Participates in state-level, regional and national professional development, planning and policy development activities. Serves as liaison or in a capacity with other internal/external public, private and community local, state and national partners, and others, who share common objectives or benchmarks directed towards improving PHFU outcomes and advancing common policies and resources. (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. (5%)Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)[List the key KSAs, grouped by type.]Knowledge OfDisease investigation and partner services processes.HIV, STD and HCV prevention programming Local, state, and federal laws relating to HIV/STD/HCVPrinciples of public health and program planningPublic health policies, structure and functions of public health organizationsGrant application and review processProgram evaluation and strategic planningCustomer service philosophyCultural competency issues and methodologiesResearch methods used in developing assessment tools, curricula and program evaluationAdult education principlesAudio, visual hardware and software needed to produce and deliver curriculaQuality assurance and improvement techniquesSkills InConducting program oversight and evaluationDeveloping and maintaining effective working relationships across organizational linesClear and effective communication with culturally and professionally diverse audiencesOrganizing and writing reports using business English grammar and writing styleUsing internet, MS Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and other computer applicationsProblem solvingMonitoring and evaluating programs and interventionsAbility ToWork effectively in a team and with interdisciplinary staffBe resourceful and apply initiative to assigned tasks with limited supervisionPrioritize workload and manage multiple tasksTake initiative in becoming involved with various workgroupsExercise independent judgment in evaluating situations and making recommendationsDevelop and maintain effective working relationshipsProvide constructive and critical feedback and guidance to programsAssist in developing, implementing and evaluating policies and proceduresIdentify problems and formulate solutionsAnalyze and interpret data Effectively set up training room i.e. move tables, chairs, boxes of training materials, and audio visual equipment.Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or CertificationsNot ApplicableInitial Screening CriteriaAt least three years of experience with HIV/STD prevention, or PHFU services programming, planning, and administration.Experience with program monitoring, compliance, and program evaluation.Additional InformationThis position is eligible for hybrid telework.Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, And VeteransMilitary 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 AccommodationsIn 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 EligibilityThe 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 formNearest Major Market: Austin