Security Specialist

Texas Department of State Health Services; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

The Texas Department of State Health Services seeks a Program Specialist V to lead the Vital Statistics Security Program. This role will implement security priorities for internal and external stakeholders, ensure data protection, and drive continuous improvements across VSS facilities and systems.

Candidates should have a four-year degree and 2+ years in security controls with risk analysis experience, plus strong customer-service skills for government interactions.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with related field (computer info systems, MIS, public health, criminal justice).
• Two-year minimum experience designing and implementing security controls.
• Two-year minimum experience in formal risk analysis and risk mitigation strategies.
• Minimum three years of customer service experience or working with government clients and stakeholders.
• Up to two years of education and experience may be substituted for one another.

Responsibilities

• Implement VSS security program priorities for internal and external stakeholders.
• Disseminate and interpret security processes to safeguard the statewide system.
• Plan, develop, coordinate, implement, and report on VSS system performance.
• Lead projects delivering measurable security improvements and audits.
• Travel up to 5% as needed.

Skills

Security strategies

Risk analysis

Stakeholder management

Written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Date: Sep 2, 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: Security Specialist

Job Title: Program Specialist V

Agency: Dept of State Health Services

Department: Vital Statistics

Posting Number: 20856

Closing Date: 10/02/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations

Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $5,283.33

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21

Shift: Day

Additional Shift: Days (First)

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: 1100 W 49TH ST (DHR)

Other Locations:

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

Brief Job Description

The Program Specialist V reports to the Security Specialist Manager within the Administration and Business Operations and is responsible for implementing VSS Security Program priorities affecting both internal and external Vital Statistics Section (VSS) stakeholders and employees. Consults with outside stakeholders to ensure that program goals and deliverables are met. Develop plans to take immediate steps to increase security, data quality and capacity in The Vital Statistics Section. Prepares and submits required reports and conducts security audits of all VSS facilities and systems. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Work involves the planning, developing and implementing of VSS security policies, procedures, and safeguards that fulfill the mission and vision of the Vital Statistics Section.

Essential Job Functions

The Program Specialist V reports to the Security Specialist Manager within the Administration and Business Operations and is responsible for implementing VSS Security Program priorities affecting both internal and external Vital Statistics Section (VSS) stakeholders and employees. The position is responsible for disseminating and interpreting security processes and policies used to safeguard the statewide system of vital event registration and issuance. Involves planning, developing, coordinating, implementing, and reporting on the performance of VSS systems, operating processes, and policies. Develops and conducts projects resulting in measurable security improvements. Initiates programs involving a variety of technical, training, research, planning, policy, program assessment, and administrative activities related to ensuring that VSS is capable of mitigating risks resulting from the ongoing growth and development of the section. (30%)

Involves planning, developing, coordinating, implementing, and reporting on the performance of outside stakeholder engaged in the use of VSS system; also, on the performance of stakeholder compliance with VSS program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules according to the requirements of security audits Delivers consultative services and technical assistance to contracted service providers. Prepares and submits required reports and conducts audits of internal security process. Organizes and prepares materials in response to requests for program information and reports related to VSS facilities and security measures that improve the quality and security of data collection. (25%)

May act as a liaison with internal and external stakeholders. Explains program and agency statutory requirements. Monitors required performance reports and recommends appropriate changes. Analyzes operations and problems and the preparation of reports of findings and recommendations. May consult with public and private agencies involved to resolve problems, identify training needs, and discuss effectiveness. May work with and speak to stakeholder security projects that improve and secure data collection across VSS systems. (20%)

Involves planning, developing, coordinating, implementing, and overseeing studies and analyses of operations and problems and the preparation of reports of findings and recommendations, VSS System surveys and reviews to determine compliance with certification requirements, laws, regulations, policies, and related procedures. (15%)

Ability to travel to present information to diverse stakeholder groups or assess system compliance with security processes and procedures. (5%)

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. Performs related work as assigned. (5%)

Knowledge Of

Vital Statistics, Identity Documents, and/or associated security frameworks.

Knowledge Skills Abilities

Security strategies including policies, procedures, functions and organizational structures

Principles, practices and administrative procedures used to identify system vulnerabilities.

The use of a personal computer and related software, including Microsoft Office or equivalent word processing, spreadsheet, database or presentation programs used to analyze and present security strategies and plans.

Skill In

Accomplishing portions of more than one task out of sequence and changing priorities under pressure of immediate deadlines.

Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing with individuals and groups to handle high level administrative and operational issues and to assign work to others.

Using initiative and independent judgment and managing time effectively to establish priorities, organize tasks, and assign and direct the work of others.

Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships, including the ability to work with people under pressure, negotiating with multiple parties and resolving conflicts.

Reading, interpreting and understanding material to prepare concise reports or appropriate responses for the review and/or signature of section managers and/or directors.

Developing and providing individual and/or group training.

Gathering, organizing and analyzing facts, recommending solutions and resolving work-related problems.

Maintaining statistical and accounting records and producing data summaries.

Ability To

Handle confidential and sensitive issues appropriately.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in computer information systems, management information systems, public health, criminal justice or a related field (degree preferred).

Two-year minimum experience designing and implementing security controls.

Two-year minimum experience in formal risk analysis and risk mitigation strategies.

Minimum three (3) years of customer service experience or working with government clients and stakeholders resolving complex issues.

Up to two years of education and experience may be substituted for one another.

Additional Information

This position is required to be on-site and to ensure business continuity, daily attendance is key. This position is required to occassionally work hours outside of normal business hours; this includes possible evenings and weekends on rotation with team.

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