Dept of State Health Services
Program Specialist III
Dept of State Health Services, Harlingen, Texas, United States, 78552
Job Description:Under the supervision of the Community Health Improvement Manager, serves as the Regional Tobacco Prevention and Control Coordinator. Work involves planning, developing, and implementing major tobacco prevention/control work plan which focuses on providing technical assistance to program staff, government agencies, non-profit organizations serving disparate populations, universities/community colleges, federal funded clinics, hospitals, mental health/substance abuse, and the general public. Provides guidance to staff in the development and integration of new methods and procedures for tobacco prevention and control. Prioritizes in the development and evaluation of tobacco prevention strategies and adapts their implementation to the local level. Consults with health care providers to assess tobacco cessation practices, and institute program systems change, and sustainability to include patient counseling, education on nicotine replacement therapy, and/or adding electronic tobacco protocol to their electronic medical records. Provides training on utilizing the Texas Tobacco Quitline online, via fax referral or telephone application. Trains, leads, and assists with major initiatives developed from grassroots. Performs administrative duties by overseeing program budget, monthly reports, annual presentations of initiatives, and accountability for keeping track of expenditures of program needs. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 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.
Essential Job Functions:30% Plans and administers a comprehensive tobacco prevention regional work plan. Provides technical assistance to local health departments, community and business leaders, coalitions, public and private agencies, health care professionals, worksites, and educators in the development of policies, procedures, and strategies to reduce tobacco use and to prevent minors' access to tobacco. Identifies, recruits, and supports community partners and coalitions assisting in identifying needs, resources, advising on cultural issues related to the prevention, use, and control of tobacco products. Uses facilitation, individual and group presentation, and relationship building skills.
30% Develops and provides extensive training workshops for health and educational professionals, and educational presentations and events for worksites, civic organizations, community groups, and coalitions to stimulate interest in and increase knowledge of tobacco prevention issues, as well as effective tobacco prevention strategies. Utilizes a variety of presentation methods that include written materials, flip charts, videos, computer presentation software and activities appropriate for the audience. Uses a desktop and laptop computer to prepare program reports, administrative reports, correspondence, and to develop and maintain a database of regional contact persons (local health departments, health care professionals, local coalitions, schools, media, youth organizations, minority organizations, etc.) Performs Internet searches to locate tobacco- related resources. Uses electronic mail for communication with customers and networking with other professionals.
15% Uses a desktop and laptop computer to prepare program reports, administrative reports, correspondence, and to develop and maintain a database of regional contact persons (local health departments, health care professionals, local coalitions, schools, media, youth organizations, minority organizations, etc.) Performs Internet searches to locate tobacco- related resources. Uses electronic mail for communication with customers and networking with other professionals.
15% Responds to information requests from the public. Maintains and organizes program literature, kits, and audio-visual materials for use in educational activities and which can also be provided to community organizations on a loaner basis. Provides leadership in development, distribution, and evaluation of tobacco education materials for use at the regional level. Responds to requests from media sources such as newspapers, radio, and television. Follows DSHS procedures and policies in responding to media inquiries.
10% Works effectively with program and regional staff. Duties include timely and accurate completion of required administrative and program reports. Attends required program and regional administrative meetings. Coordinates data collection that can assist policymakers and decision makers in developing tobacco prevention and intervention strategies. Performs administrative duties by evaluating program budget, and independently track all expenditures of program materials. Prepares administrative monthly reports and performs specialized research projects. 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.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:Knowledge of•Texas state tobacco laws•best practices of tobacco prevention•program planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and management•principles and practices of community health education, community development, and public relations•community organizations, service organizations, and resources•current health, social and economic problems associated with tobacco use
Skill in•use of computer software applications such as Windows, word processing, databases, spreadsheets, presentations, and electronic mail
Ability to•function independently without close supervision and use initiative to solve work problems and perform duties•maintain confidentiality•prioritize work and manage time effectively•work and communicate effectively with people from various backgrounds and cultures•provide leadership and organizational advice in coalition building and program development•work effectively in public health programs dealing with professionals and members of the general public•abide by the Department of State Health Services Guiding Principles, Universal Expectations, Standards of Conduct & Employee Ethics and Policies and Procedures•speak and write effectively in English and Spanish, expressing ideas concisely and articulately
Registration or Licensure Requirements:N/A
Initial Selection Criteria:Applicants must clearly state how they meet the initial screening criteria on their State of Texas application.
1. Bilingual (English/Spanish)2. Experience with public and health professionals3. Experience working with community groups, coalitions and/or providing technical assistance4. Experience educating/training groups and/or individuals5. Experience communicating effectively, orally and in writing6. Bachelor's degree in public health or related field preferred or may be substituted with experience in public health or related field
Additional Information:Salary Note: The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
Applicants must complete the required assessment associated with this job posting to be considered for this position.
Applicants invited to an interview will be required to complete a skills test/in-basket exercise.
This position may require travel up to 50% of the time.
This position may require hours outside of the normal 8:00am to 5:00pm work schedule.
MOS Code:There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the responsibilities of this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if they meet the initial selection criteria for this position.
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS
Essential Job Functions:30% Plans and administers a comprehensive tobacco prevention regional work plan. Provides technical assistance to local health departments, community and business leaders, coalitions, public and private agencies, health care professionals, worksites, and educators in the development of policies, procedures, and strategies to reduce tobacco use and to prevent minors' access to tobacco. Identifies, recruits, and supports community partners and coalitions assisting in identifying needs, resources, advising on cultural issues related to the prevention, use, and control of tobacco products. Uses facilitation, individual and group presentation, and relationship building skills.
30% Develops and provides extensive training workshops for health and educational professionals, and educational presentations and events for worksites, civic organizations, community groups, and coalitions to stimulate interest in and increase knowledge of tobacco prevention issues, as well as effective tobacco prevention strategies. Utilizes a variety of presentation methods that include written materials, flip charts, videos, computer presentation software and activities appropriate for the audience. Uses a desktop and laptop computer to prepare program reports, administrative reports, correspondence, and to develop and maintain a database of regional contact persons (local health departments, health care professionals, local coalitions, schools, media, youth organizations, minority organizations, etc.) Performs Internet searches to locate tobacco- related resources. Uses electronic mail for communication with customers and networking with other professionals.
15% Uses a desktop and laptop computer to prepare program reports, administrative reports, correspondence, and to develop and maintain a database of regional contact persons (local health departments, health care professionals, local coalitions, schools, media, youth organizations, minority organizations, etc.) Performs Internet searches to locate tobacco- related resources. Uses electronic mail for communication with customers and networking with other professionals.
15% Responds to information requests from the public. Maintains and organizes program literature, kits, and audio-visual materials for use in educational activities and which can also be provided to community organizations on a loaner basis. Provides leadership in development, distribution, and evaluation of tobacco education materials for use at the regional level. Responds to requests from media sources such as newspapers, radio, and television. Follows DSHS procedures and policies in responding to media inquiries.
10% Works effectively with program and regional staff. Duties include timely and accurate completion of required administrative and program reports. Attends required program and regional administrative meetings. Coordinates data collection that can assist policymakers and decision makers in developing tobacco prevention and intervention strategies. Performs administrative duties by evaluating program budget, and independently track all expenditures of program materials. Prepares administrative monthly reports and performs specialized research projects. 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.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:Knowledge of•Texas state tobacco laws•best practices of tobacco prevention•program planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and management•principles and practices of community health education, community development, and public relations•community organizations, service organizations, and resources•current health, social and economic problems associated with tobacco use
Skill in•use of computer software applications such as Windows, word processing, databases, spreadsheets, presentations, and electronic mail
Ability to•function independently without close supervision and use initiative to solve work problems and perform duties•maintain confidentiality•prioritize work and manage time effectively•work and communicate effectively with people from various backgrounds and cultures•provide leadership and organizational advice in coalition building and program development•work effectively in public health programs dealing with professionals and members of the general public•abide by the Department of State Health Services Guiding Principles, Universal Expectations, Standards of Conduct & Employee Ethics and Policies and Procedures•speak and write effectively in English and Spanish, expressing ideas concisely and articulately
Registration or Licensure Requirements:N/A
Initial Selection Criteria:Applicants must clearly state how they meet the initial screening criteria on their State of Texas application.
1. Bilingual (English/Spanish)2. Experience with public and health professionals3. Experience working with community groups, coalitions and/or providing technical assistance4. Experience educating/training groups and/or individuals5. Experience communicating effectively, orally and in writing6. Bachelor's degree in public health or related field preferred or may be substituted with experience in public health or related field
Additional Information:Salary Note: The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
Applicants must complete the required assessment associated with this job posting to be considered for this position.
Applicants invited to an interview will be required to complete a skills test/in-basket exercise.
This position may require travel up to 50% of the time.
This position may require hours outside of the normal 8:00am to 5:00pm work schedule.
MOS Code:There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the responsibilities of this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if they meet the initial selection criteria for this position.
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS