Antimicrobial Stewardship and Resistance Program Specialist V

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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: Antimicrobial Stewardship and Resistance Program Specialist V Job Title: Program Specialist V Agency: Dept of State Health Services Department: HAI Quality Assurance Posting Number: 22985 Closing Date: 05/03/2027 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $5,888.50 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 Shift: Day

Additional Shift:

Telework:

Travel: Up to 10% 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 (DHT)

Other Locations:

MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS

Under direction of the Data and Training Group Manager at the Healthcare Safety Unit (HSU), the Program Specialist V (PS V) performs advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work for the daily operations of HSU. Work involves planning, developing, and implementing major agency program(s) and providing consultative services and technical assistance to program staff, government agencies, community organizations, or the general public. May serve as a lead worker providing direction to others. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment to facilitate the integration and streamlining of processes and activities across HSU.

The Program Specialist V position leads the completion of federal grant milestones. Serves as a Healthcare Safety program liaison and a subject matter expert for Antimicrobial Stewardship projects for staff, government agencies, community organizations, or the general public to explain and provide technical assistance on program specifics and requirements. The PS V will recruit and enroll healthcare facilities from designated cities/counties to participate in grant milestones related projects. Will develop and designate educational and communication materials for prescribers, staff, residents, and families. The PS V will publish up-to-date best-practice guidelines and tools to be utilized in healthcare facilities across Texas. The PS V will lead grant milestones to help identify and engage antibiotic stewards, clinicians, facilities, or health systems that need additional support to improve implementation of CDCs antibiotic stewardship Core Elements in different healthcare settings.

Essential Job Functions:

(35%) Serves as the lead on implementation and ongoing management of complex Antimicrobial Stewardship program initiatives. Develops and oversees coordination of Antimicrobial Stewardship projects related to grant milestones. Serves as a Healthcare Safety program liaison and a subject matter expert for Antimicrobial Stewardship projects for staff, government agencies, community organizations, or the general public to explain and provide technical assistance on program specifics and requirements. Coordinates the development and monitoring of federal grant applications for new and ongoing programs, monitor assigned contracts, and implement new legislation for the HSU.

(30%) Represents and acts on behalf of HSU to provide guidance on budget (including federal grant budgets), policy, planning, legislation, and administrative operations. Prepares and evaluates program budget requests and participates in submission of grant applications including composition, review, evaluation, and reporting on grant deliverables and milestones. Makes data and information available to executive staff to assist in policy decisions. Works with other Healthcare Safety Unit staff to complete program projects including creation and maintenance of the Healthcare Safety web page. Evaluates compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules. Speaks to community and professional groups to coordinate, improve, and stimulate interest in the program(s) and to secure support for program(s).

(30%) Coordinates and communicates with department staff and stakeholders on grant milestones projects. Communicates with department staff, stakeholders, legislative liaisons, advocates, and others on legislation affecting the unit. Participates directly in activities related to Antimicrobial Stewardship projects’ work and outreach activities. Completes and monitors required administrative and performance reports, studies, and specialized projects; and recommends appropriate changes to programs. Oversees and collaborates with team on response to requests for program information, specialized research projects/studies, and other administrative/legislative reports. Provides high-level advice and counsel by interpreting policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and standards related to the program.

(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.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

• Certification in Infection Control (CIC) strongly preferred.
• If not CIC-certified, must obtain the associate - Infection and Control (a-IPC) certification within 6 months of hire, and CIC certification within 15 months of hire.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Must be able to work well with internal and external stakeholders and be skilled at developing collaborations with public health-related colleagues. Must have attention to detail. Knowledge associated with budgets and state finances. Knowledge of measuring, implementing, and assessing grant deliverables and milestones Knowledge of public health, epidemiology, HAI, PAE, and/or infectious diseases. Knowledge of implementation of policies and procedures and state and federal laws and regulations Ability to plan and direct programs and to communicate effectively. Ability to collect and analyze statistical/epidemiologic data and make recommendations based on findings. Ability to present statistical and technical data in a clear and concise format. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Ability to work effectively as a team member with state, regional and local health department personnel, and private sector health care professionals. Ability to communicate with the media and the public. Ability to use computers to organize and maintain complex records and files. Ability to establish measurable and well-defined goals and objectives. Ability to think creatively and support creative thinking in others. Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with team members and work through conflict. Ability to lead teams, train others, and delegate effectively. Ability to manage time effectively, prioritize assignments, and manage the time-sensitive and high visibility workload of the position. Ability to interpret data, develop effective operating procedures, and presentations. Ability to organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to evaluate reports comprehensively and accurately. Skills in using Word, Excel to analyze data, and PowerPoint. May serve as a lead worker providing direction to others. Skill in implementing health care quality improvement and management. Collects, organizes, analyzes, and/or prepares materials in response to requests for program information and reports. Performs related work as assigned.

Initial Screening Criteria:

At least 2 years relevant healthcare/public health experience plus a relevant bachelor’s degree (public health, science, or health promotion may apply) and Infectious disease professional experience (per application). OR- At least 1-year relevant healthcare/public health experience and a relevant master’s degree (public health, science, or health promotion may apply) and Infectious disease professional experience (per application).

Additional Information:

This position is required to work in-person at the 1100 W. 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756 office. It is a hybrid schedule that could consist of working:

• Three days in the office and two days from home one week, and
• Two days in the office and three days from home the following week (referred to as the three-two, two-three 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 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