NEDSS Information Specialist

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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: NEDSS Information Specialist

Job Title: Information Specialist IV

Agency: Dept of State Health Services

Department: Ntnl Electrnc Disease Surv Stm

Posting Number: 21357

Closing Date: 03/12/2027

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Education Training and Library

Salary Range: $4,801.16 - $6,909.46

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22

Shift: Day

Additional Shift: Days (First)

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: 1100 W 49TH ST (RBB)

Other Locations:

MOS Codes: 4502,4503,4505,4511,4512,4591,8055,165X,35PX,3N0X6,46A,46S,46Z,INF,MC,PA,SEI13

Job Description:

Performs senior-level informational, communications, training coordination, and user support work for the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS) Base System (NBS) within the Infectious Disease Prevention Division (IDP), Public Health and Informatics Data (PHID) Section. This position will participate in a variety of initiatives encompassing communication strategy, web/intranet support, internal campaigns, writing, editing, creative thinking and implementation. Coordinates and supports the development, delivery, and evaluation of NEDSS training, user education, informational materials, and communications. Serves as a program liaison between PHID staff, NEDSS users, subject matter experts, and other stakeholders to facilitate the communication of system functionality, program updates, processes, and other information affecting NEDSS users. Develops and coordinates informational and training resources designed to increase user knowledge, promote consistent use of NEDSS, and improve the overall user experience. Assists with the development and distribution of electronic, web-based, and other informational content. Performs related work as assigned. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EFJ 1: (40%) Under the direction of the PHID Helpdesk/Training Manager, in the PHID section, this position coordinates and supports NEDSS training activities, including planning, developing, scheduling, and conducting training sessions, seminars, presentations, demonstrations, and other educational opportunities for NEDSS users. Develops and maintains training strategies, tools, job aids, user guides, presentations, reference materials, and other resources to support NEDSS users. Consults with PHID team leads, subject matter experts, and program staff to identify training needs and ensure training information accurately reflects current system functionality, program requirements, policies, procedures, and system updates. Assists with evaluating the effectiveness of training activities and user education resources through feedback, participation, identified knowledge gaps, and other available measures. Recommend changes and enhancements to improve training effectiveness, user understanding, and the NEDSS user experience. Provides information and assistance to NEDSS users regarding system functionality, processes, training resources, and other related matters. Coordinates with appropriate PHID staff and subject matter experts to address questions and provide accurate and timely information.

EFJ 2: (35%) Develops, prepares, reviews, edits, and coordinates the distribution of informational materials related to NEDSS and PHID programs. Materials may include newsletters, announcements, job aids, fact sheets, user communications, training notifications, presentations, informational releases, frequently asked questions, and other digital or print communications. Evaluates the effectiveness of news and information content produced for the NEDSS and the PHID program to ensure information is accurate, complete, timely, consistent, and appropriate for the intended audience. Consults with PHID team leads and subject matter experts regarding program and system updates and coordinates the incorporation and distribution of approved information. Coordinates the distribution of informational and training materials through appropriate communication channels. Assists with developing communication strategies and tools to effectively communicate system changes, enhancements, known issues, training opportunities, and other information to NEDSS users and stakeholders.

EFJ 3: (20%) Assists with web-based activities supporting NEDSS and PHID programs, including reviewing, preparing, updating, and coordinating web content and other electronic information. Assists with ensuring web-based information is accurate, current, accessible, and consistent with approved program information and established agency requirements. Assists with evaluating the usability and effectiveness of online information and recommends enhancements to improve the accessibility, clarity, and user experience of NEDSS-related web content. Assists with preparing and coordinating electronic content for publication and distribution. Works with appropriate staff to obtain, verify, and update information prior to publication. Assists with usability testing and other activities related to online content and resources.

EFJ 4: (5%) Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligation for disaster response and/or recovery of Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Participation may require an alternative shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of training principles, methods and practices.
• Knowledge of developing training materials, presentations and job aids.
• Knowledge of computer applications and web-based systems used to support training.
• Skilled in delivering training to individuals and groups.
• Skilled in communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Skilled in explaining complex information in a clear and easy to understand manner.
• Skilled developing and updating training materials and instructional resources.
• Skilled in organizing and prioritizing multiple assignments and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to learn and understand complex policies, procedures and systems.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subject matter experts, staff and stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to adapt training methods to meet the needs of different audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet established deadlines.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

• N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university preferred.
• Experience developing, delivering or supporting training, instructional materials, presentations or educational materials.
• Experience providing customer service, technical assistance, or guidance to internal or external users.
• Experience using computer applications and web-based systems to perform job duties, document information and assist users with system-related tasks.

Additional Information:

• Applicants selected for interviews will be required to complete a skills test.
• Information on the application must clearly state how the applicant meets the initial screening criteria.
• Full salary range may not be offered due to budget limitations.

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