Tobacco Prevention and Control Coordinator

Texas Department of State Health Services; Harlingen (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

The Texas Department of State Health Services in Harlingen, TX seeks a Tobacco Prevention and Control Coordinator (Program Specialist III) to lead regional tobacco prevention efforts within Public Health Region 11. You will work under the Community Health Improvement Manager to develop plans, deliver trainings, and coordinate federal grant deliverables with TPCP Central Office.

Responsibilities include monitoring work plans, reporting, building partnerships with local health departments,

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university required; degree relevant to public health preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish required.

Responsibilities

• Develops and monitors work plans and performance measures for federal grant deliverables.
• Provides guidance and technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders on tobacco prevention and control best practices.
• Develops strategic partnerships with local health departments, healthcare organizations, schools, and community groups.
• Maintains knowledge of tobacco prevention and control best practices and ensures compliance with agency policies.

Skills

Public health

Program planning

Stakeholder engagement

Public speaking

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in public health or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

PowerPoint

Teams

Job description

Date: Nov 3, 2026

Location: HARLINGEN, 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: Tobacco Prevention and Control Coordinator

Job Title: Program Specialist III

Agency: Dept of State Health Services

Department: Region 11

Posting Number: 22799

Closing Date: 05/04/2027

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Community and Social Services

Salary Range: $4,020.33 - $4,381.25

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19

Shift: Day

Additional Shift:

Telework: Not Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 50%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City: HARLINGEN

Job Location Address: 601 W SESAME DR

Other Locations:

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

Brief Job Description:

Under the general supervision of the Community Health Improvement Manager in the Maternal and Child Health department, the Tobacco Control Regional Coordinator implements Texas Tobacco Prevention and Control Program (TPCP) efforts within Public Health Region 11. This position works closely with and receives programmatic direction from TPCP Central Office. This position performs complex consultative and technical assistance work, including planning, development, and implementation of TPCP regional activities. Responsible for federal grant deliverables and activities related to TPCP Regional Coordinators, including developing and monitoring work plans, performance reporting, drafting progress reports, and other deliverables assigned by TPCP Central Office. Provides guidance and technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders on tobacco prevention and control best practices. Develops and maintains strategic partnerships to achieve mutual goals with partners and advance TPCP efforts. Responsible for knowledge and understanding of tobacco prevention and control subject matter and best practices as well as staying current on subject matter and best practices. Develops work plans, performance measures, program reports, presentations, and other documents. This position works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Due to the work of the TPCP, the person filling this position must not use tobacco products (combustible or non-combustible), including e-cigarettes/electronic nicotine delivery devices.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• (30%) Works closely with and receives programmatic direction from TPCP Central Office. Responsible for federal grant deliverables and activities related to TPCP Regional Coordinators, including developing and monitoring work plans, performance reporting, drafting progress reports, and other deliverables assigned by TPCP Central Office. Ensures regional efforts are aligned with TPCP Central Office’s state work plan and tobacco prevention and control best practices. Responsible for attending and participating in routine TPCP Central Office and TPCP Regional Coordinator meetings and trainings. Ensures all deliverables are met and submitted by established deadlines.
• (30%) Provides guidance and technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders on tobacco prevention and control best practices. Develops and maintains strategic partnerships to achieve mutual goals with partners and advance TPCP efforts. In collaboration with TPCP Central Office, implements work plan activities by providing education and outreach to; conducting partnership engagement and collaboration with; and providing training and technical assistance to various community stakeholders and partners. This includes but is not limited to local health departments, healthcare organizations, health systems, schools and school districts, colleges and universities, local businesses, faith-based organizations, and nonprofit organizations.
• (20%) Responsible for knowledge and understanding of tobacco prevention and control subject matter and best practices, including for youth and young adults, secondhand smoke, smokefree policies, cessation, health systems, healthcare providers, and partnerships. Responsible for staying current on tobacco prevention and control subject matter and best practices.
• (15%) Develops work plans, performance measures, program reports, presentations, and other documents and ensures compliance with TPCP Central Office standards and agency policy. Ensures compliance with program and agency policies and procedures, state statutes, and rules.
• (5%) Other duties as assigned including 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 And Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of public health practices at the local, state, and national levels.
• Knowledge of program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Knowledge of tobacco prevention and control best practices and evidence-based interventions.
• Knowledge of health promotion and chronic disease prevention.
• Knowledge of substance use and addiction.
• Knowledge of stakeholder engagement and program coordination.
• Skill in working with different groups comprised of internal and external stakeholders.
• Skill in partnership building and maintenance.
• Skills in developing and delivering presentations to both lay and professional groups.
• Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office computer software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams.
• Skilled in the use of general office equipment.
• Skilled in public speaking, facilitating meetings, and communicating verbally and in writing.
• Ability to create spreadsheets, prepare reports, and track and analyze program data.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team and with external groups.
• Ability to work independently and within a team setting depending on the project.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders based on shared priorities.

Additional Information:

Information on the application must clearly state how the applicant meets initial selection criteria to be interviewed. An in-basket activity will be required at time of interview.

Agency salary policy, budget, and candidate’s qualifications will dictate final salary offer. Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. without employer’s sponsorship.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications:

Must possess a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and a reliable personal vehicle for daily travel between service sites.

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Initial Selection Criteria: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university required, with degree relevant to public health, health education, or a closely related field preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish required.
• At least one year of experience working in tobacco control, chronic disease, health education, public health, or other related field preferred.
• Experience in public health preferred.
• Experience with stakeholder or community engagement preferred.
• Experience with educating or training different groups or people preferred.

Additional Information:

N/A

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: Brownsville