Public Health & Prevention Specialist III

Texas Department of State Health Services; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Department of State Health Services in Austin is hiring for Public Health & Prevention Specialist III to support HIV/AIDS surveillance and data collection. The role requires in-office presence in Austin, TX, with a focus on entering data into THISIS and coordinating with the Epidemiology & Surveillance team.

The position emphasizes collecting case reports, pediatric exposure data, and maintaining accurate records under state guidelines.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in public health.

Responsibilities

• Collect reports of HIV/AIDS cases diagnosed and treated and ensure forms are accurate and entered timely.
• Conduct data collection and surveillance follow-up for rural Texas areas.
• Perform medical record abstractions and coordinate with local Health Follow Up teams.

Education

Public health degree

Job description

Date: Nov 3, 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.

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.

Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

Functional Title: Public Health & Prevention Specialist III

Job Title: Publ Hlth and Prevent Spcl III

Agency: Dept of State Health Services

Department: Epidemiology & Surveillance

Posting Number: 22978

Closing Date: 12/03/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science

Salary Range: $4,500.00 - $4,500.00

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-18

Shift: Day

Additional Shift Details

Telework: Not Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 5%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 201 W HOWARD LN STE 200

Other Locations: MOS Codes: 230X,43EX,43HX,4B0X1,4E0X1,60C,68S,68Z,HM,HS,MED,NAP11,SEI12

Brief Job Description

Under the direction of the HIV Cactus Surveillance Group Manager, responsible for the data collection, surveillance follow up and entry of data into The HIV and STD Integrated System (THISIS) for the rural areas of Texas. Collects reports of HIV/AIDS cases and perinatally exposed infants born to mothers living with HIV. Performs medical record abstractions and collaborates with the local Public Health Follow Up to manage workflows in THISIS.

Position requires full-time in-office presence in Austin, TX.

Essential Job Functions

• Collect reports of HIV and AIDS cases diagnosed and treated, which health care providers(e.g.,physicians, HIV service providers, etc.) are required to complete under TAC Title 25, Part 1, Chapter 97,Subchapter F, Rule 97.132. Ensure HIV/AIDS case report forms are accurate, complete and entered timely in accordance with guidance provided in the Texas HIV Surveillance Procedure Manual. (30%)
• Collect all required data elements to conduct HIV surveillance follow-up activities, including conducting medical record abstractions for all patients seen in designated Service Area, to properly report all HIV and AIDS cases diagnosed and/or treated within designated Service Area. Perform continuous epidemiologic follow-up on all cases missing key pieces of information. (20%)
• Collect reports of pediatric HIV and AIDS cases diagnosed and/or treated, infants born exposed to HIV, and pregnant women living with HIV diagnosed and/or treated, which health care providers(e.g.,physicians, HIV service providers, etc.) and laboratories are required to complete under TAC Title 25, Part 1, Chapter 97, Subchapter F, Rule 97.132. For each perinatal exposure investigated, complete a Pediatric Case Report Form (PCRF) along with an updated Adult Case Report Form(ACRF) for infant’s mother. (15%)
• Conduct Out of State Record searches and Routine Interstate Deduplication activities as outlined in Texas HIV Surveillance Procedure Manual. (15%)
• Manage THISIS workflows assigned to designated Service Area. Perform person and disease case deduplication. (10%)
• 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. (10%)

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of word processing, database software applications, and spreadsheet software applications.
• Knowledge of infectious disease control or disease surveillance.
• Knowledge of HIV control and/or reporting.
• Skill in preparing reports and delivering public health information in presentations.
• Skill in verbal and written communications.
• Ability to work with others to resolve complex issues.
• Ability to train others regarding quality data collection and data entry.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

None.

Initial Screening Criteria

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in public health.
• Experience in applicable public health programs such as chronic or infectious disease may substitute for education on a year-by-year basis.
• Experience collecting public health information from medical records or other data sources.
• Experience entering public health information into an electronic data collection system.
• Experience in coordinating with group members in the development or implementation of a project.

Additional Information

None.

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 [e-mail].

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

Nearest Major Market: Austin