Linkage Coordinator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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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: Data to Care Coordinator Job Title: Program Specialist V Agency: Dept of State Health Services Department: STD Public Health Follow-up Posting Number: 16764 Closing Date: 08/11/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science Salary Range: $4,523.16- $5,888.50 Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group: TEXAS-B-21 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Days (First) Telework: Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 20% 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:
Performs advanced consultative work requiring specialized knowledge in planning, implementation, and evaluation for the application of HIV/STD surveillance data and HIV/STD public health follow-up techniques to improve linkage and retention medical care for HIV in accordance with the National HIV/AIDS Strategies and Texas DSHS objectives. Work involves providing leadership, guidance, and oversight in the implementation of programs throughout the state. Position will serve as co-coordinator on the HIV cluster and detection response team. A liaison with state and local HIV/STD surveillance programs, local HIV/STD disease investigation programs, medical care providers, support services providers, and people living with HIV. Develops and oversees the implementation of protocols for using disease investigation techniques and programs to link and return people living with HIV to medical care. Develops an ongoing evaluation framework, measures, and tools for HIV cluster detection response activities. Coordinate evaluation analysis and feedback to program participants, stakeholders, and DSHS management. Work involves establishing program goals and objectives; developing program guidelines, reports, procedures, and policies; developing schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving program goals; evaluating program activities; developing and evaluating budget requests; and coordinating program activities. Collaborates with other DSHS programs and with local, state, and federal agencies. Works under the general direction of the Public Health Follow Up Manager with extensive latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment
Essential Job Functions (EJFs):
EJF 1: (50%) Provides high-level administrative, consultative, and advisory duties in planning, directing, and managing local, regional, linkage, and retention efforts. Develops, monitors, and evaluates linkage to HIV medical care and retention programs across the state. Provides regular technical assistance and training to local programs through own efforts and by coordinating others'. Coordinates, monitors, and evaluates the implementation of response activities, including linkage to medical care for HIV cluster response efforts. Serves as liaison with state and local HIV/STD surveillance programs, local HIV/STD disease investigation programs, and HIV medical care and support services providers to ensure maximum effectiveness of linkage and retention efforts. Provides information, technical assistance, and special support services that facilitate linkage and retention efforts. Works with health departments, community agencies, and individuals to identify resources, establish links, and build coalitions.
EJF 2: (25%) Coordinates evaluation activities for cluster detection response activities and innovative HIV linkage and retention projects. Leads team in developing logic models, identifying critical outcome and process measures, and needed measurement methodologies. Oversees and conducts key informant interviews and focus groups with a broad range of stakeholders, including state and local health department personnel, HIV medical care and social support providers, and people living with HIV. Analyzes trends to identify areas of concern and need for HIV linkage to care. Based on findings, provides verbal and written feedback, including recommendations to local and state officials.
EJF 3: (15%) Maintains and monitors the project budget and other fiscal matters, and makes recommendations on expenditures. Establishes and ensures policies and procedures are implemented in accordance with program guidelines and recommends changes in program policy regarding the project. Develops, reviews, and revises contract language for program scopes of work. Participates in programmatic reviews and provides a written response to findings in a formal report. Develops program reports for a variety of audiences, including portions of the DSHS application and reports to the CDC. Tracks program expenditures to ensure funds are used appropriately. Lead the development, revision, and implementation of work product tools, including policies, procedures, quarterly reports, site visits, and budget review tools. Leads in the implementation of various HIV/STD prevention initiatives and participates in related work groups.
EJF 4: (10%) 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 and/or a different location. Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of:
• Local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program areas and of the principles and practices of public administration and management
• The natural history, epidemiology, and management of HIV
• Considerable knowledge of the scope of HIV and STD problems in Texas
• Extensive knowledge of programming designed to prevent HIV and STDs
• Understanding of HIV/STD surveillance and disease investigation processes.

• Program evaluation and monitoring

• Working knowledge of the budgeting process, grant application writing and reviewing, and administrative oversight of grant-funded programs.
Skills in:
• Project planning, development, implementation, and evaluation
• Developing, integrating, implementing, and evaluating data collection methods
• Leading and facilitating diverse workgroups
• Identifying problems in systems, programs, developing and implementing successful resolutions
• Establishing priorities, solving problems, and meeting deadlines
• Establishing goals and objectives
• Gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts
• Develop and evaluate policies and procedures
Ability to:
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing
• Conduct interviews and focus groups and facilitate meetings.
• Review, analyze, and interpret morbidity and program performance data
• Work effectively with others and deal tactfully with professional personnel as well as with the public
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups, including public health executives, peers, customers, and clients
• Develop and measure achievement of established goals
• Analyze and solve work problems
• Prepare effective correspondence and reports
• Make independent judgments and provide guidance to section staff.
• Create work systems which support increased productivity, quality improvement, and reduction in re-work
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Not Applicable
Initial Screening Criteria:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in public health, health sciences,
healthcare administration, or a related field. Four years of relevant professional experience can be substituted for
the educational requirements.
At least (4) four years of experience in the field of HIV/STD Prevention, HIV Care services, or public health.
Preferred successful completion of Passport to Partner Service and trained in current data collection systems
(preferred).
Additional Information:
In addition to the interview, there is a written exercise.
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