TB Public Health Specialist

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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Brief Job Description:

Community Health Specialist/Public Health and Prevention Specialist I –

TB Public Health Specialist 

Under the direct supervision of the Tuberculosis (TB) Program Manager, and the leadership of the field (TB) nurse, clinical nurse consultant and field office coordinator, performs clinical and office support TB activities to assist in the treatment and prevention of TB in Region 11. Travel required throughout nine counties, primarily in the coastal bend area. Duties include

providing directly observed therapy (DOT) to TB patients, performing administrative duties such as data entry, filing, word processing, maintaining pharmacy, chest X-ray and lab result logs, and word processing, assisting the nurse with TB clinical operations, and assisting with contact investigations and entering data into the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS), and the electronic health record system. Works closely with team members in providing comprehensive TB services.

Employee maintains an acceptable driving record that meets the standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and safely operates either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle to conduct state business in accordance with DSHS Policy 05·3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures, and Texas motor vehicle, traffic and driving licensing law. Employee must have a valid Class C Texas driver's license, or equivalent license from another state. Employee actively participates and/or serves 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.

Essential Job Functions:

30%)Clinical/Office support: Assist the TB nurse with scheduling TB patient appointments in the clinic and field; track and follow-up missed appointments and send certified letters.

Assist nurse with preparing patients charts in the electronic health system and uploading and organizing electronic chart documentation. Maintain filing system in accordance with state retention schedule. Prepare letters, forms, logs, and update spreadsheets and databases. Assist with entering data into the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS) and the state electronic health record. Coordinate with the regional office coordinator, case registrar, and jail liaison/contact investigator regarding documentation and data entry. Assist with organizing and cleaning clinical and work areas, tracking inventory and ensuring that clinical supplies are stocked and not expired. Assist with TB medication ordering and inventory. Answers telephone calls and greet clients in-person.

(30%) Direct Patient Care: Assist with collecting patient demographic and medical information. In close coordination with the clinical nurse, provide directly observed therapy/electronic directly observed therapy (DOT/EDOT) to patients with tuberculosis. Ask toxicity questions prior to administration and communicate closely with clinical nurse. Assist with EDOT teaching, training and documentation. Assist with toxicity screening to include, height, weight, vital signs, vision and other screenings. Assist with TB testing and phlebotomy. May drive long distances to provide DOT in the field. Assist with packaging and shipping clinical specimens. Enter patient information into the electronic health record according to state standards.

(25 %) Contact Investigations: Assist with contact investigations. Coordinate closely with the clinic nurse, case registrar, and jail liaison/contact investigator to complete contact investigations and documentation, TB testing, form completion and entering data into NEDSS and the state electronic health record. Assist with TB infection testing.

(10%) Communicating with stakeholders: Assist the correctional liaison with providing TB testing supplies to the jails, and with collecting jail reports. Communicate with employees from correctional facilities, local hospitals, and private providers.

(5%) Other Duties: 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 activation (COOP). Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. 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 06-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Complies with the Department of State Health Services Immunization Policy. Support other PHR 11 programs (Epidemiology, HIV/STD, Immunizations, and Zoonosis Control) as needed.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of medical terminology

Knowledge of community resources

Knowledge of computer software to include Microsoft office programs, especially Word, Excel, email, and TEAMS.

Skill in using office equipment

Skills in using personal computer and performing data entry

Ability to prepare and maintain detailed records, files and reports, electronically and in paper form.

Ability to document on medical charts, concisely, accurately and legibly. Ability to use an electronic medical record.

Ability to provide direct patient care to patients with infectious disease, including obtaining histories, vital signs, screening, directly observed patient therapy, phlebotomy, sputum collection, preparing, packaging and shipping patient specimens

Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally

Ability to communicate effectively in English and Spanish (bilingual).

Ability to maintain client confidentiality

Ability to manage time effectively

Ability to maintain effective working relationship with the public and health community.

Ability to communicate patient needs or concerns to professional staff

Ability to work effectively with people from various economic, cultural and social backgrounds

Ability to promptly communicate issues such as adverse drug reactions or non-adherence to licensed medical professionals

Ability to work effectively in a team

Ability to attend work on a regular and predicable schedule. May be required to work nights, weekends and/or holidays.

Ability to travel 50% and must have reliable transportation.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Valid Driver's License and Commercial License

Licensed Medical Assistant or phlebotomist preferred.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

Initial Selection Criteria:

1. Graduation from an accredited high school or GED program

2. 12 months work experience in a clinical/health care or public health clinical setting.  Specialized training or education may substitute for months of training if applicable.

3. Willingness to travel

4. Experience using computer software to include Microsoft office programs such as Word, Excel, Email and TEAMS

Additional Information:

Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

CPR certification preferred

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