Retail Program Specialist

Texas Department of State Health Services; Austin (TX); Remote; USD 48,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

Up to 5% travel

Job summary

Texas Department of State Health Services in Austin seeks a Program Specialist IV for Retail Operations. You will oversee inspections, contractual performance, and vendor coordination, ensuring compliance and efficient workflow across the Retail Operations Branch.

Responsibilities include data integrity in regulatory systems, liaison with contracted agencies, and providing training and technical support. This full-time, nonexempt role offers telework options and a 4,263–6,779 USD monthly salary

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years experience working in Public Health or Program Operations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders and contractors.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with program staff, stakeholders, and agencies to assign complaints and inspections.
• Monitor contract invoices, reports, and performance metrics for accuracy.
• Advise on policy revisions and contract adjustments while ensuring cost coverage.
• Provide daily technical assistance to contracted field staff and train vendors.
• Respond to open records requests and maintain documentation workflows.
• Track and analyze trends in inspections and contractual agreements to drive improvements.

Skills

Communication skills

Organization

Problem solving

Written and verbal communication

Tools

RAS (Regulatory Automated System)

VERSA

MS Word

Excel

Job description

Date: Oct 1, 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.

Job Details

• Functional Title: Retail Program Specialist
• Job Title: Program Specialist IV
• Agency: Dept of State Health Services
• Department: Food & Drug
• Posting Number: 21910
• Closing Date: 10/15/2026
• Posting Audience: Internal and External
• Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science
• Salary Range: $4,263.16 - $6,779.25
• Pay Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20
• 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: Austin
• MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS

Brief Job Description

Working under the limited supervision of the Retail Operations Branch manager, with moderate autonomy for the use of personal initiative and independent professional judgment. Monitors inspection assignments, operational and compliance reports, contractual partner performance reports, and contract invoices for accurate billing and recommend policy revisions and contract adjustments to the manager for approval. Evaluates annual contract renewals and make recommendations to the manager to ensure cost coverage of estimated yearly inspection and operation expenses. Communicates independently with contracted agencies, Consumer Protection Division food and drug programs, external stakeholders, DSHS Finance, and DSHS Contract Management when discrepancies or issues arise. Coordinates inspection assignments between Retail Operations, Retail Inspections, and contracted agencies, and customer service responses for Retail Operations to public stakeholders. Coordinates with Manufactured & Retail Food Unit inspection branches, external stakeholders and contracted agencies to assign complaints and inspection assignments independently and track retail and mobile food complaints. Develops a moderate working knowledge of the required program documentation and the corresponding contracts as well as the workflow of the program's functions and the databases utilized for record retention and reporting. Provides daily technical assistance and support to contracted agency field staff and assists in the retail and mobile food vendor training programs. Provide advice and counsel to Retail Operations manager to ensure new and amended rules are approved and disseminated to the Division, the public, and the retail and mobile food vendor industries. Monitor and review compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules for the Retail Operations Branch. Perform routine quality control of data entry work utilizing the Regulatory Automated System (RAS) and VERSA for recording compliance, inspection, and regulatory activities under the authority of Retail Operations Branch. Coordinates programming and network modifications with IT and RAS staff to maintain data entry systems. Provide information to customers and stakeholders, including responding to open records requests. Coordinates with the administrative program staff for communications, data entry, filing, and supplies requests. Analyzes and streamline processes for improved workflow. Collaborate with retail program staff in determining trends in inspections and contractual agreements and implement improvements to resolve technical and logistical problems for DSHS and collaborative agreement partners. Reviews retail program area functions and operations, identify areas needing change or revision, and develop plans to improve retail program operations or to address areas of concern. Recommends and coordinates activities, trainings, and resources, to produce a more effective retail and mobile food program operation.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Coordinate with Manufactured & Retail Food Unit inspection branches, external stakeholders and contracted agencies to assign complaints and inspection assignments. Monitor and track assignments, contract invoices, operational and compliance reports, contractual partner performance reports, and required statutory inspection and complaint time frames. Collaborates with retail program staff in determining trends in inspections and contractual agreements and implements improvements to resolve technical and logistical problems for DSHS and collaborative agreement partners. Monitor and review compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules for the Retail and Mobile Food Vendor Programs. (30%)
• Perform routine quality control of data entry work utilizing the Regulatory Automated System (RAS) and VERSA for recording compliance, inspection, and regulatory activities under the authority of Retail Operations Branch. Assist program staff and contracted agency field staff in resolving technical problems in field. Provides daily technical assistance and support to contracted agency fields staff and assists in the retail and mobile food vendor training programs. Reviews retail program area functions and operations, identify areas needing change or revision, and develop plans to improve retail program operations or to address areas of concern. (30%)
• Coordinate between program staff, stakeholders, and agency staff to track, evaluate and approve expenses as outlined in contractual agreements. Maintain the required program documentation and the corresponding contracts as well as the workflow of the program's functions and the databases utilized for record retention and reporting. Recommend policy revisions and contract adjustments to the manager for approval. Analyzes and streamline processes for improved workflow. Recommends and coordinates activities, trainings, and resources, to produce a more effective retail and mobile food program operation. (15%)
• Communicates independently with contracted agencies, Consumer Protection Division food and drug programs, external stakeholders, DSHS Finance, and DSHS Contract Management when discrepancies or issues arise. Develops a moderate working knowledge of the required program documentation and the workflow of the program's functions and the databases utilized for record retention and reporting. (10%)
• Provide information to customers and stakeholders, including responding to open records requests. (5%)
• Coordinate with the administrative program staff for communications, data entry, filing, and supplies requests. Coordinates programming and network modifications with IT and RAS staff to maintain data entry systems. (5%)
• Tracks retail and mobile food complaints. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge of modern office practices and administrative procedures. Knowledge of business English, grammar, spelling, punctuation and arithmetic. Knowledge of the general construct of rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Knowledge of automated data processing equipment, electronic data and personal computer-related procedures and software packages including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. Skill in the use of standard office equipment. Skill in the use of electronic data and/or personal computer-related equipment and software. Skill in both written and verbal communication of technical material and Consumer Protection requirements. Skill in solving problems. Ability to design, format, and print database reports. Ability to comprehend technical reference material or guidelines; and to train others. Ability to prepare and proofread documents with correct spelling and grammar. Ability to deal effectively with the public. Ability to organize work and complex files (public documents). Ability to work with other units and branches within the unit on an emergency basis to meet urgent operational requirements. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to compose effective correspondence, memorandums and other documents. Ability to work effectively with supervisors and co-workers.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements, Or Certifications

Possess a valid Texas driver’s license, or equivalent license from another state.

Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 67C, HM, 8056, 4E0X1. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

Initial Screening Criteria

Minimum of three years experience working in Public Health or Program Operations.

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