Data and Systems Modernization Liaison

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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 and Systems Modernization Liaison 
Job Title: Program Specialist VI 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Env Epid & Disease Registries 
Posting Number: 21022 
Closing Date: 09/22/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Computer and Mathematical 
Salary Range: $5,098.66 - $6,701.75 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel:  
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DHT) 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Reports to the Director of the Environmental Epidemiology and Disease Registries Section (Section), with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs highly advanced consultative, technical assistance, project management, data modernization, and research support work across Section programs.

Provides leadership and coordination for electronic case reporting (eCR), data modernization, data integration, and other cross-program initiatives to improve surveillance, case ascertainment, data quality, timeliness, interoperability, and program operations. Works with program staff, epidemiologists, informatics staff, contractors, project managers, and agency IT to identify business and data needs, improve workflows, develop requirements, and implement new or enhanced systems and data processes.

Provides technical review and consultation for research and epidemiologic activities, including study protocols, IRB submissions and amendments, data-use activities, and related documentation. Supports cross-program research, evaluation, and data initiatives by identifying methodological, operational, and data considerations.

Manages and supports complex Section projects, including development of project scope, requirements, work plans, implementation schedules, testing, issue resolution, and progress monitoring. Serves as a liaison between Section programs, agency IT, project management, contractors, budget, and other partners. Prepares recommendations, project documentation, and briefings for Section leadership and performs other duties and special projects as assigned.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

(35%) Electronic Case Reporting, Data Modernization, Research, and IRB Support

Provides leadership and advanced technical assistance for Section-wide electronic case reporting (eCR), data modernization, data integration, and research activities. Coordinates with Section programs to identify opportunities to implement, expand, and improve eCR and other electronic case-finding, reporting, and data-exchange processes. Assists with development of workflows, business requirements, implementation plans, data-quality processes, testing and validation activities, and evaluation of new or existing reporting processes.

Supports modernization and integration of surveillance, administrative, clinical, vital records, and other data sources to improve case ascertainment, timeliness, completeness, interoperability, accessibility, and operational efficiency across Section programs. Identifies opportunities to automate manual processes, improve data exchange, and expand the use of modern data systems and technologies.

Provides consultation and technical review for epidemiologic and research activities conducted by Section programs. Reviews research proposals, study protocols, Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions and amendments, data-use activities, research documentation, and related materials. Works with investigators and program staff to identify methodological, operational, data, privacy, and regulatory considerations and assists with development and implementation of cross-program research, evaluation, and data initiatives.

(25%) Process Improvement and Project Management

Analyzes Section business processes, data workflows, and program operations to identify opportunities and develop strategies for improvement. Provides leadership and coordination for complex technology, surveillance, data, and program improvement projects across the Section.

Works with managers, epidemiologists, project sponsors, program staff, contractors, informatics personnel, and information technology development teams to identify and analyze business and system requirements; define project scope and deliverables; develop project schedules and implementation plans; identify dependencies and risks; resolve issues; and coordinate testing, validation, and implementation of modifications to new and existing systems and processes.

Maintains project documentation, issue and resolution logs, work plans, and related materials. Records and communicates project status, issues, risks, and resolutions and escalates significant issues or decisions to Section leadership as necessary.

(20%) Technical Consultation, Systems Development, and Program Improvement

Serves as a senior technical consultant to Section programs in identifying operational, technical, data, and system issues and opportunities and facilitates appropriate action. Provides highly advanced technical assistance to managers and program staff in planning, implementing, evaluating, and monitoring programs, projects, information systems, and services.

Provides guidance regarding development and integration of new or revised methods, procedures, workflows, and technologies to improve program operations. Advises and interprets agency information technology governance processes, policies, procedures, rules, business practices, and standards.

Works with Section programs to develop technical and functional specifications, business cases, requirements, testing strategies, and implementation approaches. Spearheads quality-improvement efforts and special projects and develops recommendations to improve program efficiency, data quality, and operational effectiveness.

(10%) IT Governance, Procurement, and Agency Coordination

Serves as liaison to agency Information Technology Project Management, Application Development, IT Operations, IT Planning, budget, procurement, and other administrative and technical areas on matters affecting Section programs.

Coordinates information technology procurement activities, capital authority requests, project work plans, business cases, and related documentation. Works with program managers, agency IT staff, contractors, and budget personnel to ensure that project requests accurately describe program needs, technical requirements, anticipated benefits, timelines, and resource requirements.

Communicates complex technical and programmatic information to internal and external partners, responds to inquiries, resolves problems, and coordinates Section responses to agency assignments involving information technology, data systems, and related initiatives.

(10%) Section Technology Coordination, Workgroups, and Special Projects

Participates on relevant agency information technology, data modernization, informatics, research, and project-management teams and workgroups. Represents Section interests and coordinates follow-up activities resulting from agency initiatives and decisions.

Tracks and assists with obtaining and renewing software licenses, subscriptions, and other technology resources needed by Section programs. Coordinates Section website and SharePoint activities as appropriate. Provides technical assistance and consultation on special assignments, emerging priorities, and cross-program initiatives.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of public health surveillance, epidemiologic research, and data modernization principles.
• Knowledge of electronic case reporting, data exchange, interoperability, and automated data systems.
• Knowledge of project management, business process improvement, and systems development principles.
• Knowledge of research governance, including IRB processes, data-use requirements, privacy, and applicable agency policies.
• Knowledge of program planning, implementation, evaluation, and quality improvement methods.
• Knowledge of agency IT governance, procurement, and information security requirements.
• Skill in analyzing business processes, data workflows, and program operations and developing practical solutions.
• Skill in coordinating complex, cross-program projects involving program staff, epidemiologists, IT staff, contractors, and other partners.
• Skill in reviewing research protocols, IRB documentation, project proposals, and technical materials for completeness and consistency.
• Skill in developing business requirements, workflows, project plans, implementation strategies, and technical documentation.
• Skill in communicating complex technical, research, and programmatic information to technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, facilitating decisions, and implementing solutions.
• Ability to gather, analyze, synthesize, and interpret complex programmatic, technical, and research information.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, manage, and monitor multiple complex projects and competing deadlines.
• Ability to provide technical consultation and guidance across multiple program areas.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with staff at all organizational levels and with external partners.
• Ability to develop, evaluate, and improve policies, procedures, workflows, and business processes.
• Ability to exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: NA

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Experience coordinating or managing complex projects involving multiple programs, stakeholders, or functional areas.
• Experience with public health, healthcare, research, data systems, informatics, or a closely related field.
• Experience analyzing business processes, data workflows, systems requirements, or program operations and recommending improvements.
• Experience preparing or reviewing technical, research, project, policy, or program documentation.
• Masters or Doctoral degree in public health or related discipline.

Additional Information: This position is eligible to telework per agency policies. 

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