CHW Program Specialist II

Texas Department of State Health Services; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance benefits

Telework eligible

Job summary

Texas Department of State Health Services in Austin seeks a Program Specialist II (CHW Program) to support certification processes for Community Health Workers and instructors. The role involves data entry, records management, and coordinating communications with applicants and stakeholders.

Under supervision, you will review applications, ensure compliance with program standards, prepare correspondence, and maintain tracking systems in Versa Regulation and other agency tools.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of CHW program requirements and statutes.
• Experience with records management and reporting.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Reviews, evaluates, processes, and approves initial and renewal CHW certification applications based on CHW Program requirements.
• Develops, updates, and maintains tracking tools and reports for certification activity and workload.
• Prepares and distributes certification-related correspondence and materials.
• Serves as a liaison to stakeholders and provides technical assistance on CHW program processes.
• Other duties supporting disaster response or COOP activation as needed.

Skills

Certification review

Data entry

Customer support

Spanish bilingual

Policy compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

Date: Aug 12, 2026

Location: AUSTIN, TX

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.

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.

Functional Title: CHW Program Specialist II

Job Title: Program Specialist II

Agency: Dept of State Health Services

Department: Community & School Health

Posting Number: 20064

Closing Date: 08/26/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Office and Administrative Support

Salary Range: $3,793.41 - $4,857.33

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-18

Shift: Day

Telework: Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 5%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (RDM)

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

Brief Job Description: Under the general supervision of the Manager, Community Health Worker (CHW) and School Health Branch, performs moderately complex consultative services and technical assistance work for the Promotores or CHW Training and Certification Program (CHW Program). Reviews, coordinates, monitors, and supports certification and renewal processes, application tracking, data entry, reporting, stakeholder communication, and certification-related correspondence in accordance with CHW Program requirements. Conducts comprehensive reviews of applicable statutes, rules, policies, and procedures to determine compliance with program standards, identify deficiencies, support accurate certification decisions, and provide technical assistance to applicants, program staff, and stakeholders.

Essential Job Functions

• Reviews, evaluates, processes, and approves initial and renewal Community Health Worker (CHW) certification applications based on training and experience in accordance with CHW Program requirements. Performs comprehensive reviews of applicable statutes, rules, policies, and procedures to determine compliance with program standards. Identifies deficiencies, documents required corrections, and communicates follow-up requirements to applicants. Enters initial and renewal CHW certification application information in the Versa Regulation (VR) automated database and other agency systems. Provides consultative services and technical assistance to applicants, employers, governmental agencies, community-based organizations, program staff, and other stakeholders regarding certification requirements, application procedures, program standards, and related processes. Exercises limited independent judgment in applying program requirements to routine and moderately complex application scenarios and elevates unusual or complex issues to leadership for guidance. 40%
• Study and analyze recurring application problems and program needs, prepares reports of findings and recommendations for the CHW Program Team Lead. Monitors, maintains, and updates application processing tracking systems for CHW, instructor, and training program initial and renewal certification applications. Coordinates accurate and timely data entry, record maintenance, and documentation in the Versa Regulation (VR) automated database, agency data systems, and program tracking tools. Develops, updates, and maintains spreadsheets, logs, monthly and quarterly reports, and other tracking mechanisms used to monitor application status, certification activity, workload, and reporting needs. Reviews records for completeness and consistency, identifies data discrepancies, makes corrections, and recommends process improvements to support accurate reporting and program compliance. Maintains electronic and hard-copy records in accordance with program procedures and responds to open records requests by researching, organizing, and preparing responsive information for review. 30%
• Prepares, verifies, and distributes certification-related correspondence and materials, including approval emails, hard-copy certification packets, renewal reminders, expiration letters, replacement certificates, scanned photos, and identification badges for CHWs and instructors. Reviews applicant and certification data before issuing correspondence to ensure information is accurate and consistent with program records. Maintains and updates records for certified CHWs, CHW instructors, and training programs to support accurate certification status, renewal tracking, and program communication. Coordinates mailing, scanning, documentation, and certification material activities to support timely delivery of certification materials and continuity of program services. 15%
• Serves as a liaison to professional and public stakeholders by providing information and technical assistance regarding the CHW Training and Certification Program’s processes, requirements, standards, and objectives. Responds to inquiries received by mail, email, telephone, and website submissions from program staff, applicants, employers, governmental agencies, community organizations, and the general public. Interprets and explains established program policies, procedures, and certification requirements using audience-appropriate oral and written communication. Utilizes automated applications and programs for information retrieval, data review, communication, and assistance. Prepares and contributes to reports, special projects, assignments, and program activities that support the goals of the CHW Program and the Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Section. 10%
• Other duties as assigned including 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. To perform these job duties, this position may require working the extra hours needed to meet defined deadlines and support the agency’s mission critical reporting requirements. 5%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of issues pertaining to primary and preventive health care and public health programs serving women, children, and adolescents.
• Knowledge of community health worker standards of practice, competencies and roles.
• Knowledge of program development, planning, implementation, and evaluation/continuous quality improvement.
• Knowledge of multi-cultural issues pertaining to cultural competency and diversity.
• Knowledge about collaboration, relationship building, and partnerships between government and community-based organizations.
• Knowledge of and experience in providing technical assistance.
• Skill in communicating effectively in both a verbal and written format, and in interpersonal communications both in English and Spanish.
• Skill in developing and evaluating policies and procedures.
• Skill in working as a member of a team, as well as independently.
• Skill in demonstrating initiative in projects and activities.
• Skill in the use of computer software and various applications, to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet, etc.
• Ability to identify improvements needed and suggest methods to implement them.
• Ability to prepare accurate and concise written and oral reports.
• Ability to effectively and efficiently plan, organize, and prioritize work and to coordinate multiple projects.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative in approaching new and challenging assignments.
• Ability to respond to customers in a courteous, professional manner.
• Ability to work effectively with groups of people and coordinate diverse program activities.
• Ability to conduct reviews to determine compliance with certification requirements, laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications: N/A

Initial Screening Criteria: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a field relevant to the assignment is generally preferred. Experience may be substituted for four-year degree.

This position is eligible for part-time telework. Staff must be able to work in-person in Austin 2–3 days per week.

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/.

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 [e-mail].

• 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

Nearest Major Market: Austin