Website and Communications Specialist

Website and Communications Specialist –
Program Specialist IV

Agency

Texas Department of State Health Services – Newborn Screening Department

Location

Austin, TX – 1100 W 49th St (RDM)

Posting Details

• Posting Number: 12170
• Closing Date: January 2, 2026
• Posting Audience: Internal and External
• Occupational Category: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, Media
• Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20
• Salary Range: $4,300.00 – $5,700.00 per month
• Pay Frequency: Monthly
• Shift: Day (First)
• Telework: Eligible
• Travel: Up to 10%
• Employment Type: Full‑time, Regular, Non‑exempt

Employee Benefits

Benefits are provided through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). For more information, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

Brief

Job Description

Under the supervision of the Newborn Screening Special Projects Manager, this position provides complex website and communications consultation and technical assistance for the Newborn Screening Unit. Responsibilities include maintaining, monitoring, and updating the unit’s web presence, coordinating educational material distribution, collecting website usage data, and ensuring accessibility and consistency across all communications.

Essential Job Functions

• EJF 1 (25%): Maintain and monitor all NBS website activities in partnership with the agency Webmaster. Prepare management reports and tracking systems related to user experience and accessibility.
• EJF 2 (25%): Create and update documents, printed materials, and forms in collaboration with stakeholders and the Office of Communications.
• EJF 3 (15%): Oversee inventory of printed materials, provide technical assistance on form completion, respond to inquiries via the NBS toll‑free number and website, and distribute program updates to subscribers.
• EJF 4 (20%): Provide support for conferences, meetings, contract activities, performance‑measure reports, grant preparation, and program evaluation.
• EJF 5 (15%): Ensure compliance with accessibility, plain language, style, and branding standards. Coordinate annual and ad hoc reviews of NBS educational materials.
• EJF 6 (5%): Perform other duties as assigned, including disaster response and continuity of operations support.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Desktop publishing software.
• Content management systems and web applications.
• Writing concise reports, brochures, newsletters, and other educational documents.
• Website design, maintenance, and updates.
• Use of Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office, and database applications.
• Quality assurance activities.
• Reporting of performance measures for a public or private health program.
• Effective written communication.
• Compliance with ADA accessibility requirements.
• Organization and monitoring of educational materials inventory.
• Analysis and interpretation of data for clear reporting.
• Stakeholder communication and relationship management.
• Adherence to branding and writing style guidelines.
• Maintenance of large mailing lists and execution of mass mailings.
• Follow detailed instructions and guidelines.

Initial Screening Criteria

• Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university.
• Experience with website/web page design and maintenance.
• Experience with desktop publishing software/applications.

Application Instructions

Applicants must describe how they meet the initial selection criteria in the summary of experience section of the online application. Resumes will not be accepted. Selected candidates will be required to submit a work sample prior to the interview and complete a writing exercise immediately after the interview.

Military Eligibility

Active‑duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified. For information, see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk.

ADA Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations will be provided during the hiring process as required by the ADA. If assistance is needed with the application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center.

Pre‑Employment Checks and Eligibility

• Salary will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines and is contingent on budgeted funds.
• Applicants may be required to pass background and due‑diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E‑Verify; I‑9 documentation must be provided on the first day.

Seniority Level

Entry level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing

Industry

Government Administration

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