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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.
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Functional Title: Community Health Specialist
Job Title: Community Health Specialist
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: Region 11
Posting Number: 18051
Closing Date: 12/28/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Salary Range: $3,470.12 - $3,844.91
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-14
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework: Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 35%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: RAYMONDVILLE
Job Location Address: 174 S 13TH ST
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 230X,43EX,43HX,4B0X1,4E0X1,60C,68S,68Z,HM,HS,MED,NAP11,SEI12
Brief Job Description:
The Community Health Specialist I works under the direction of the nurse supervisor to support public health services throughout Region 11. This position supports immunization and surveillance activities by providing community outreach and education, maintaining vaccine inventory and cold chain standards, documenting services accurately, and coordinating care with other public health programs. This position may be held by a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), Medical Assistant (MA), or a grandfathered experienced worker. Duties related to vaccine administration are based on the employee’s license or certificate and applicable program requirements.
Primary responsibilities include supporting immunization services to infants, children, adolescents, and adults; ensuring proper vaccine storage, handling, and inventory management; supporting surveillance and case follow-up activities; completing timely documentation and data entry; and assisting with public health education, program coordination, and clinic operations. Employees who hold an applicable license or certificate may perform vaccine administration duties consistent with their license or certificate and DSHS policies. The position may require travel throughout the region, occasional work outside normal business hours, and participation in disaster response, outbreak response, health fairs, screenings, and Continuity of Operations activities.
Employee maintains an acceptable driving record that meets the standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and safely operates either a state-owned vehicle or reliable personal vehicle to conduct state business in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures, and Texas motor vehicle, traffic and driving licensing law. Employee must have a valid Class C Texas driver’s license. Employee actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. For emergency response purposes, team members may be required to provide their vaccine record, maintain their vaccine status, accept or decline recommended vaccines and pre/post-exposure prophylaxis. Team members are also expected to maintain an annual respirator (mask) fit test to ensure they can safely and effectively participate in work task and response activities.
Maintains regular and reliable attendance in accordance with agency policy and performs other duties as assigned.
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: 68B, 46NX. 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.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs):
(30%) Client Services - Provides public health services to clients with simple to complex health needs across Region 11. Conducts and supports immunization clinics for under-immunized infants, children, adolescents, and adults, including services delivered in clinic settings and community-based locations. Performs screening activities, protects confidentiality, and completes accurate clinical documentation and electronic health record entries. Employees who hold an applicable license or certificate may administer vaccines and medications in accordance with DSHS guidelines, professional standards, and program eligibility requirements.
(15%) Community Education and Consumer Information - Travels to coordinate and participate in community outreach and education activities that promote the importance, safety, and benefits of immunization. Communicates effectively with clients, families, and community partners in English and Spanish, as applicable. Provides Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) and reinforces client understanding of vaccine risks, benefits, and follow-up care instructions.
(15%) Vaccine Management - Maintains compliance with vaccine management requirements, including proper storage, handling, transport, temperature monitoring, and inventory control. Responds appropriately to temperature excursions, including after-hours, weekends, and holiday notifications when assigned. Completes required documentation and maintains accurate records in applicable systems, including VAOS, IMMTRAC2, CMIS, and PIOS.
(10%) Program Management - Provides administrative and operational support for public health nursing program activities. Greets and assists clients; answers telephone inquiries; performs filing, faxing, copying, and other office support functions. Coordinates the receipt, storage, and shipment of vaccines in accordance with program requirements. Maintains stakeholder and partner contact lists and assists with communications and outreach efforts to promote community engagement in public health initiatives.
(10%) Immunization Registry - Maintains and updates immunization registry information to support program goals and accurate client records. Promotes IMMTRAC2 participation among self, parents, guardians, and providers, and assists with reconciliation of questionable matches and other registry-related follow-up activities.
(10%) Coordination of Services - Coordinates with TB, STD, and community health programs to support comprehensive services for clients and families. May assist with direct observation therapy, point-of-care testing/treatment, specimen collection, follow-up activities, and community education initiatives related to child injury prevention, water safety, bullying prevention, suicide prevention, and healthy living.
(5%) Surveillance - Applies epidemiologic principles and program procedures to support the prevention, investigation, and control of vaccine-preventable diseases and related public health concerns. Assists with case investigations, adverse event follow-up, and reporting requirements in accordance with the DSHS Surveillance Manual and program guidance.
(5%) Other Duties - Performs other duties as assigned, including supporting disaster response, outbreak response, recovery operations, and Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. These duties may require alternate schedules, after-hours work, or assignment to an alternate work location.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of:
- immunization practices and schedules for infants, children, adolescents, and adults;
- vaccine storage and handling requirements;
- immunization registry processes;
- medical terminology;
- confidentiality requirements, including HIPAA;
- documentation standards;
- and general office and administrative practices.
Skills in:
- using Microsoft Office applications and other computer systems for documentation, scheduling, communication, and reporting.
Ability to:
- interpret policies, procedures, and immunization guidance;
- maintain accurate records and data entry;
- communicate effectively with clients, families, staff, and community partners; provide presentations and public education in English & Spanish;
- work independently and collaboratively;
- exercise sound professional judgment;
- solve problems in routine and emergency situations;
- analyze information and prepare written reports;
- travel throughout the service area;
- and maintain regular and reliable attendance.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Must obtain a Community Health Worker certificate within 18 months of hire.
- Current BLS/CPR certification, or the ability to obtain certification within the required time frame.
- Valid Class C Texas driver’s license, or an equivalent driver’s license from another state.
- This position may be held by a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), Medical Assistant (MA), or another grandfathered experienced worker. Licenses and Certificates should be maintained active. Duties related to vaccine administration must be performed in accordance with the employee’s license or certificate and applicable law, rule, and policy.
Initial Screening Criteria:
- Experience in community health, immunization services, clinical support, outreach, or related public health work.
- Must obtain a Community Health Worker certificate within 18 months of hire.
- Must obtain Hearing/Vision certificate within 18 months of hire.
- Willingness and ability to travel throughout Region 11.
- Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, or alternate schedules to support clinics, trainings, emergency response, or other program needs.
- This position may be filled by an LVN, MA, or other grandfathered experienced worker, with duties related to vaccine administration performed according to the employee’s license or certificate.
- Bilingual English/Spanish
Preferred Qualifications: Experience in immunization services, vaccine administration, vaccine management, community outreach, or public health services; and familiarity with IMMTRAC2 or similar immunization registry systems.
Additional Information:
This is a clinical position, which requires mostly face-to-face contact with clients, therefore the maximum allotted time for teleworking is one day per week, following a six-month probation period.
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 http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.
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 [email protected].
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
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 [email protected].
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
