Vulnerable Populations Specialist

Overview

Date:
Jan 26, 2026

Location:

HOUSTON, TX

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:

Vulnerable Populations Specialist
Job Title: Social Worker II
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: Region 6/5
Posting Number: 12934
Closing Date: 02/09/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19
Salary Range: $4,020.33 - $6,335.66
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 25%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility

Location:

Job Location City: HOUSTON
Job Location Address: 5425 POLK ST
Other Locations: MOS Codes: ,230X,42SX,4C0X1,68X,73A,HM

General Description

Under the direction of the Preparedness and Response Manager, the Vulnerable Populations Specialist (VPS) performs highly advanced social service public health emergency preparedness work. Using the whole community approach, the VPS is responsible for planning for the access and functional needs of vulnerable populations in the event of a public health emergency, as well as developing strong vulnerable population participation in disaster planning and response activities.

The VPS performs this work using the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Public Health Preparedness Capabilities:
National Standards for State and Local Planning framework. The VPS will define, locate, and reach vulnerable populations. Conducts analyses, assesses needs, identifies gaps, and formulates strategies. In coordination with regional planners, provides input into existing plans and provides insight to develop new plans to serve vulnerable populations. Develops and facilities opportunities for inclusive planning with vulnerable populations. In coordination with regional training and exercise specialists, provides input on the inclusion of vulnerable populations in exercises and drills.

Builds relationships with self-advocates and vulnerable population partners who can act as subject matter experts and provide feedback on regional plans, as well as participate in exercises. Provides presentations and trainings to external partners and DSHS staff. Actively participates in regional collaborative work groups, such as Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coalition (PHEP-C), Mass Care Coalition, Houston UASI Disaster Access and Functional Needs Committee, and Texas Gulf Coast Regional Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (TGCRVOAD).

Actively leads work groups, such as the DSHS-TEPHI Vulnerable Populations Working Group. Documents all community work in agency software, such as Qualtrics. Completes required preparedness documentation to support federal and state grant deliverables. Coordinates with preparedness staff and external partners, such as county emergency management coordinators, local health department preparedness programs, and organizations serving vulnerable populations. Works in partnership with the Specialized Health and Social Services (SHSS) VPS on projects to mitigate the increased threats and risks which vulnerable populations face during disasters, with an emphasis on public health and emergency management policy, planning and inclusiveness.

When staff are activated to respond to public health emergencies, the VPS is required to be available to deploy in a range of Incident Command System roles and provides subject matter expertise on public health, mass care, and sheltering topics. Primary focus on seven counties in which DSHS provides…