Publ Hlth and Prevent Spcl II - Lubbock, United States - Texas Health & Human Services Commission

Description

Under the supervision of the Preparedness and Response Manager, the Public Health and Prevention Specialist II provides highly responsible program support to the Epidemiology Response Team (ERT).

This position conducts disease surveillance activities which includes, but not limited to:

The collection, documentation and distribution of communicable disease reports in Public Health Region 1.

Coordination and assurance of timely, accurate notifiable condition reporting in the region.

Reporting notifiable conditions within expected time frames to DSHS Austin via the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS).

Assisting in response to verbal and written requests for epidemiologic data.

Maintaining of all ERT logs and databases and files.

Maintaining access and availability of surveillance and case investigations forms.

Assisting with the development and maintenance of fact sheets and brochures regarding notifiable conditions and public health emergency preparedness and epidemiology response

Assisting in regional preparedness planning, training, and exercises.

Serves as a member of the ERT and may respond to a bioterrorism event or large disease outbreak anywhere in the state.

Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Must comply with DSHS Immunization Policy.

(60%) Notifiable Condition Reporting. Responsible for receiving, logging, assigning, filing of all notifiable condition reports from jurisdictions within Public Health Region 1. Reviews incoming disease reports to ensure accuracy and completeness and contacts submitters to obtain missing information. Works with local health departments and healthcare professionals to ensure accurate and timely reporting. Maintains all ERT files and submits pertinent surveillance forms to DSHS Austin. Enters notifiable condition case investigations into the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS). Responds to written and verbal requests for epidemiological data and/or reports. Responds to written and verbal requests for disease reporting and programmatic response information. Maintains epidemiology response contact database for region. Serves as subject matter expert for record retention and destruction.

(15%) Influenza Surveillance - Coordinates Influenza Surveillance in PHR 1's jurisdiction. Recruits/corresponds with health care facilities serving as sentinel influenza surveillance sites. Receives weekly sentinel site reports. Enters, aggregates, and reports influenza surveillance data. Generates and submits weekly PHR 1 influenza surveillance report to DSHS, Austin. Orders/maintains influenza specimen collection supplies for Laboratory Influenza Surveillance. Assists the LRN/DSHS laboratories in recruiting clinical laboratories in the region to participate in laboratory influenza surveillance. Assists DSHS Austin in identifying healthcare clinics to participate in the CDC's outpatient influenza-like-illness (ILI) reporting System, ILINet.

(10%) Serves as a member of the Epidemiological Response Team (ERT) and may respond to a natural or manmade disaster/event or large disease outbreak anywhere in the state. As a component of disease investigations, may be required to package/ship clinical specimens. May assist with disease investigations to include interviewing patients, reviewing medical, laboratory and other records from hospitals and physicians. Obtaining patient consent and arranging for specimen collection and submission when needed. Assists in developing effective relationships and networks of communication to promote teamwork and collaboration in implementing programmatic response activities

10%) Assists with disease surveillance and public health preparedness training. Prepares presentations and creates fact sheets and/or brochures utilizing PowerPoint, Microsoft Publisher, and/or other appropriate programs. Utilizes the internet for research and information and email for distribution of training information.

(5%)

Marginal Functions - Duties may include but are not limited to:
Assisting with development/distribution of a ERT program newsletter.

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 assignment and/or location.


Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Skill in using Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Publisher, Outlook

Skill in accurate data entry and maintaining databases

Skill in maintaining/filing patient records

Skill in creating/ editing/proofreading documents

Skill in using computer software to create, manage, or analyze databases

Skill in communicating effectively verbally and in writing

Skill in problem solving

Skill in maintaining paper and electronic filing systems

Knowledge of state/federal regulations regarding patient confidentiality

Knowledge of basic medical terminology

Ability to organize and prioritize workload and meet deadlines while working on multiple projects at the same time

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with managers, co-workers, the public and professional groups


Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver's license, or equivalent license from another state.


Initial Selection Criteria:
Experience in using Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Required.

Experience using Access and Publisher. Preferred.

Experience in accurate data entry and maintaining databases. Required.

Experience in maintaining/filing records. Required.

Experience in maintaining/filing patient records. Preferred.

Experience in following state/federal regulations regarding patient confidentiality. Preferred.

Experience in use of basic medical terminology. Preferred.

Experience in creating/editing/proofreading documents. Preferred.


Additional Information:
Req.# 423883

Applicants must complete the Employment History (official record of employment)on the Application for Employment form to be considered for employment.

Headquarters to be in the Lubbock office. This position requires work on-site at location. Hybrid on-site/telework, and/or telework may occur in accordance to DSHS policy.

Only applicants who are interviewed will receive written notification of selection results.

Applicants must list Employer Posting Number on State of Texas application to be considered for this posting.

Applications and attachments may be submitted as follows: 1)

Online at , 2) mail application to acessHR Service Center Attn:
Recruiting, PO Box 6629, Round Rock, TX , or 3) fax application to

Employee must provide transportation to/from headquarters.

If an employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in performance of their official duties, the employee must possess a current valid Texas driver's license for the appropriate type of vehicle.

This position requires that an employee's driving record be verified with law enforcement to ensure compliance with DSHS's driving policy.

Employee/Applicants are responsible for providing a certified copy of their driving record and a copy of their driver's license prior to beginning employment.

Employee must comply with the DSHS Employee Immunizations Policy which requires employees to have immunizations that are necessary to maintain immunity or show immunity to specific diseases to which they may be exposed during their official duties


MOS Code:
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability.

If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

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