Cluster Detection and Response Program Specialist

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: Cluster Detection and Response Program Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist II 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Epidemiology & Surveillance 
Posting Number: 13698 
Closing Date: 07/09/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Range: $3,793.41 - $4,857.33 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-18 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: 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: 201 W HOWARD LN STE 200 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under the general direction of the Focused Surveillance Group Manager and the HIV Cluster Detection and Response (CDR) Coordinator, the Program Specialist II oversees the reporting and collating of cluster detection and response data from local surveillance sites, health care providers, and laboratories for the DSHS HIV Cluster Detection and Response project. This includes providing consultative and technical work involving the use of data and collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), DSHS contractors, and local health authorities conducting surveillance and HIV prevention in Texas. Works to ensure that accurate and timely data and information are provided to epidemiologists, the HIV Prevention and Care Services staff, and participating local health authorities for use in planning and direction of HIV Prevention programs. Collaborates with the Molecular HIV Epidemiologist and Time/Space Cluster Epidemiologist to ensure adequate follow up of HIV clusters. Maintains the Texas CDR plan, website, fact sheets and CDC cluster report forms. Trains others in the use of CDC and DSHS databases and quality assurance activities. Uses initiative and makes independent judgment on data analysis and data quality assurance matters.  

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.  

Collects and maintains data related to HIV cluster detection and response activities. Participates and performs a key role in collaboration with local and regional health departments, providers, and community-based organizations. Provides training to central office staff and/or local and regional health department staff involved in CDR as needed. Assists with creating formalized training procedures for staff involved in cluster investigations. Coordinates/conducts data quality assurance (QA) and data management for CDR. Modifies SAS analytical and data cleaning programs as needed. Develops and implements data checks and conducts data cleaning. (30%)

Analyzes data and prepares administrative reports, fact sheets, presentations, and training materials related to CDR that meet the needs of the Section’s professional staff and community planning groups. (20%)

Maintains the Cluster and Outbreak Detection and Response plan edits, and the CDR page of the DSHS website. (15%)

Supports Core HIV surveillance needs by performing data entry, medical record abstraction, or quality assurance activities as directed by the HIV Epidemiology and Surveillance Group Manager. (10%)

Provides consultation in the planning, implementing, and monitoring of Cluster Detection and Response and core HIV Surveillance activities in Texas, including studies that are DSHS funded and those projects funded by other federal, state, or private agencies. (10%)

Participates in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site visits and trainings as appropriate. Prepares data and objectives for grant applications, annual progress reports, and interim progress reports. (5%)

Maintains CDC databases. Ensures that data are entered into databases to meet federal and state requirements. Coordinates/conducts data quality assurance (QA) and data management for CDR-related data entered into DSHS surveillance databases. Assists with import of data related to CDR tracking and data to care investigation outcomes in coordination with Molecular HIV Epidemiologist, Time/Space Epidemiologist, and Data to Care Epidemiologist. (5%)

Performs other duties as assigned, including but 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. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of the principles, practices, and concepts of HIV surveillance activities. 
Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control methods for databases. 
Skill in organization of program and disease reporting data. 
Knowledge of the concepts of public health practice. 
Knowledge of preventive health services and current social and economic problems, community inter-relationships and risk behavior associated with the transmission of HIV and STDs. 
Knowledge and ability to utilize SAS statistical software, Excel, and Microsoft Access for data management and analysis. 
General knowledge of HIV testing methods. 
Ability to prepare reports, fact-sheets, and presentations to support program planning and implementation of HIV Incidence Surveillance. 
Ability to train others regarding quality data collection and data entry. 
Ability to interpret surveillance guidance. 
Ability to work with local and state health agency personnel and allied groups. 
Ability to provide leadership and organizational advice to HIV surveillance sites throughout the State. 
Ability to gather, assemble, and analyze data. 
Ability to devise solutions to problems and to develop and evaluate policies and procedures. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None.

Initial Selection Criteria:

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in social sciences, public health, public administration, or related field. A minimum of 2 years’ experience providing services in HIV/STD, sexual health, or another Public Health program is required. Years of experience in applicable public health programs, such as chronic or infectious disease, may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis. 

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 HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

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