PHPS III

About the role

Under the direction of the Community Health Improvement Manager, the Public Health and Prevention Specialist III performs complex (journey-level) public health services and program support work. The position is responsible for planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating public health initiatives across assigned counties in Public Health Region 4/5 North. Work primarily focuses on three major community health improvement pillars: Maternal and Child Health (MCH) (including safe sleep and infant mortality reduction), Injury Prevention (including child passenger safety and injury education), and Tobacco Prevention, Cessation, and Control. The specialist provides critical training and technical assistance to community stakeholders, schools, local health departments, non-profits, and regional coalitions. The PHPS III may be called upon to meet agency obligations for disaster response, recovery, or continuity of operations, which may require an alternate work schedule and location. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Responsibilities

• Program Implementation & Planning (35%): Coordinates and implements population-based health promotion interventions for maternal-child health, injury prevention, and tobacco/vaping cessation across Region 4/5N. Assists in setting program goals and objectives tailored to rural and urban communities in East Texas.
• Community Coalition & Partnership Building (25%): Serves as a regional liaison to mobilize community groups, health advisory boards, schools, and medical providers. Represents DSHS on regional child fatality review teams and tobacco control coalitions.
• Training, Education & Capacity Building (20%): Develops, schedules, and conducts educational presentations and training sessions. Delivers DSHS-certified training (such as Community Health Worker CEUs), child passenger safety seat inspections, and tobacco cessation resource navigation to the public.
• Data, Tracking & Evaluation (15%): Collects, monitors, and evaluates program outcome data to identify regional gaps in resources. Compiles information for regional reports, audits, and health assessments to optimize regional health outcomes.
• Disaster Response/Other Duties (5%): Actively participates or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response, emergency management, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. (May require alternative shifts or travel).

Qualifications

Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in public health, community health, social/human services, or a related field. (Experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.)

Skills

• Knowledge of: Public health principles, community health promotion, and socio-ecological factors influencing maternal child health, injury risks, and tobacco dependency in Texas.
• Skill in: Public speaking, creating and conducting educational presentations, writing clear technical reports, and operating standard computer software (e.g., MS Office Suite).
• Ability to: Build robust partnerships with community stakeholders, analyze program delivery trends, interpret state health public guidelines, and manage multiple health initiatives simultaneously under tight deadlines. Ability to day travel up to 40% of the time in various geographical areas in the region. Work with vulnerable and special populations.

Pay

Salary Range: $3,793.41 - $4,857.33 per month (Salary Group TEXAS-B-18).

Schedule

Full time, Day shift (First). Travel up to 40%. Regular/Temporary: Regular. FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt.