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.
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Functional Title: Operational Readiness Coordinator
Job Title: Program Specialist IV
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: Region 7
Posting Number: 17261
Closing Date: 06/15/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services
Salary Range: $5,000.00 - $5,525.00
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 40%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: TEMPLE
Job Location Address: 1010 OLD WACO RD
Other Locations: Temple
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS
Job Description:
Combine your interests in public health and emergency management as the Operational Readiness Coordinator on the Public Health Region 7 Preparedness Team. This position coordinates regional operational readiness activities, including development and maintenance of response documents, identification of public health responder safety and health risks, and participation in partner meetings. The Operational Readiness Coordinator assesses and enhances regional capacity to respond to disasters including those requiring medical countermeasures and provides input throughout the preparedness and response cycle. This position assumes an active role in the regional incident command structure during public health emergencies and participates in after-hours on-call rotation. Works under limited supervision with extensive latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment.
Public Health Region 7 is comprised of 30 counties in central Texas, is situated along the I-35 corridor between Hillsboro and San Marcos, and stretches from San Saba in the west to Madison County in the east. It is home to the capital of Texas, major universities, teaching hospitals, and numerous state parks and other outdoor adventure opportunities.
Essential Job Functions (EJF):
Operational Readiness Activities Coordination: Assesses regional capacity to respond to disasters including those requiring medical countermeasure (MCM) deployment. Develops and maintains standard operating guidelines, processes and tactical documents relating to public health response operations including vaccination clinics and management of MCM such as the strategic national stockpile and CHEMPACK.
Preparedness and Response Coordination: Works closely with team members and partners to develop and maintain public health preparedness response plans, to exercise health and medical capabilities, and to strengthen community resilience across PHR 7. Builds relationships and provides technical assistance on public health planning, exercising, and response to county officials in assigned counties.
Public Health Responder Safety and Health: Identifies and documents public health responder safety and health risks and hazards. Provides insight and input as needed to ensure safety is considered and addressed during planning and response activities. Coordinates with colleagues and partners to arrange and implement training initiatives for public health responders that account for physical safety, mental health, use of personal protective equipment, and other topics based on identified needs. Performs respiratory fit testing for public health responders.
Public Health Preparedness: Participates in public health preparedness projects, planning, activities, meetings, and documentation in accordance with the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative Agreement. Contributes to the development, writing, interpretation, and implementation of public health preparedness guidelines, processes, and plans. Develops and maintains knowledge and skills in public health preparedness. Appropriately documents activities supporting public health preparedness and response.
Public Health Emergency Monitoring and Response: Participates in the on-call rotation providing 24/7/365 phone coverage for the reporting of infectious diseases and public health emergencies. Assumes an active role in the regional incident command structure during public health emergencies and/or exercises. Coordinates with emergency management personnel, and city, county, state and federal officials during an event or incident.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of public health and public health preparedness and response.
Knowledge of emergency management.
Knowledge of the concepts of planning, training, and exercising principles and methodologies.
Knowledge of state and federal health and medical resources available to communities during emergencies and disasters.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regualtions, and practices related to public health preparedness and emergency management.
Knowledge of bioterrorism and medical countermeasures, including the Strategic National Stockpile.
Knowledge of hazards and risks that may affect public health responders’ physical safety and mental health.
Knowledge of hierarchical controls, including personal protective equipment.
Skill in developing and implementing complex plans, procedures, and processes.
Skill in problem identification, analysis, and resolution.
Skill in conducting hazards/ needs assessments.
Skill in public health responder safety practices, including fit testing.
Skill in managing and tracking multiple projects at different stages of development.
Skill in planning, implementing, and evaluating preparedness plans.
Skill in using computer software including word processing and spreadsheet software.
Skill in providing technical assistance and training to a variety of stakeholders.
Ability to plan and conduct effective meetings and trainings.
Ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines.
Ability to write processes and guidance documents.
Ability to interact effectively and professionally with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds.
Ability to participate as a proactive team member within regional and community work groups.
Ability to effectively build relationships with team members and stakeholders in both in-person and virtual work environments.
Ability to work effectively with managers, co-workers, members of the public and professional groups.
Ability to make public presentations and provide training.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, including preparation of detailed reports.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.Ability to write processes and guidance documents.
Ability to interact effectively and professionally with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds.
Ability to participate as a proactive team member within regional and community work groups.
Ability to effectively build relationships with team members and stakeholders in both in-person and virtual work environments.
Ability to work effectively with managers, co-workers, members of the public and professional groups.
Ability to make public presentations and provide training.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, including preparation of detailed reports.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver's license or equivalent from another state.
Initial Screening Criteria:
Experience working in public health, preparedness, or emergency management – minimum 2 years
Graduate degree in public health, emergency management, or related field may be considered in lieu of experience (preferred)
Preferred - Experience developing and implementing processes or standard operating guidelines (SOGs)
Preferred - Completion of ICS 300, ICS 400, ICS Safety Officer course, ICS Operations Chief course
Preferred - Experience in public health emergency or other disaster response
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:
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The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
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Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
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DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 form
