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: Budget Specialist Job Title: Program Specialist V Agency: Dept of State Health Services Department: Hlth Emer Preparedness Respons Posting Number: 20928 Closing Date: 11/23/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $5,888.50 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework: Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 5% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (RBB) Other Locations: Austin MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS
Program Specialist V.
Works under the Resource Coordination Team Budget Manager in the Center for Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (CHEPR) and performs basic budget and administrative tasks. Supports the preparation and submission of federal grant and cooperative agreement applications, including assisting with internal review processes to ensure compliance with all federal and state requirements. Serves as a liaison between CHEPR staff and Procurement Contracting Services (PCS) and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) purchasing and provides technical assistance and guidance to staff. Resolves issues using multi-functional best practices while meeting critical deadlines. Processes and manages CHEPR requisitions and workflow approvals. Serves in a supporting role to meet CHEPR Continuity of Operations (COOP) during an emergency activation and/or as a staff member in the State Medical Operations Center or State Operations Center. Experience supporting the preparation, review, and submission of federal grant or cooperative agreement applications is preferred.
Essential Job Functions
(40%) Serves as a liaison between CHEPR staff and Procurement Contracting Services (PCS). Provides technical assistance and guidance on program procurements, resolves issues using multi-functional best practices while meeting critical deadlines. Processes and manages CHEPR requisitions and workflow approvals. Serves as a liaison between CHEPR and HHSC purchases to resolve procurement issues. Oversees invoice completion, payments, and approvals, and serves as a liaison to program and DSHS accounts payable. Monitors purchase order funds while recommending appropriate changes. Collaborates with program staff on invoice payments and approvals.
(20%) Develops administrative and technical reports, including resource utilization and program activity reports. Determines spending trends and resolves program operational issues. Assists in verifying availability of cooperative agreement funding in federal systems. Develops and implements strategies, action plans, and schedules to ensure the program and team meet goals, objectives, and deadlines. Participates in cross-functional workgroups within the Center and DSHS.
(20%) Serves as a member of the Resource Coordination Team. Works with other RCT members to evaluate the federal-directed grant guidance and ensure deliverables are completed on time. Works to ensure grant fiscal activities meet federal cooperative agreement and agency guidelines. Assists in preparing cooperative agreement proposals, funding re-direction requests, and funding carry-forward requests. Develops and implements timelines, action plans, and schedules to ensure the program meets goals, objectives, and deadlines.
(15%) Works with other team members to complete or direct the completion of day-to-day assignments related to Center Cooperative Agreements. Develops and maintains standard operating procedures for routine tasks such as requisition entry and invoice payments. Manages Center cellular phones, including procurement, assignments, and tracking
(5%) Serves in a supporting role to meet CHEPR Continuity of Operations (COOP) during an emergency activation and/or as a staff member in the State Medical Operations Center or State Operations Center.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of program development and management practices
Knowledge of agency rules and processes for procurement and purchasing
Knowledge of applicable agency and federal policies and procedures
Skill in developing policies and procedures
Skill in written and verbal communication
Skill in creative problem solving
Skill in word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software
Ability to develop and implement effective monitoring techniques
Ability to provide effective consultation and technical assistance
Ability to manage program activities
Ability to prioritize, plan, and coordinate assignments
Ability to work with a diverse group of people
Registration or Licensure Requirements
None
Initial Selection Criteria
One year of experience with state and federal purchasing requirements, including CAPPS Financials and Reporting
One year of experience processing requisition entry for purchase order requests
One year of experience managing multiple projects
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
