TB Contact Investigator

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: TB Contact Investigator 
Job Title: Publ Hlth and Prevent Spcl II 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Region 2/3 
Posting Number: 10728 
Closing Date: 11/12/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-16 
Salary Range: $3,409.83 - $4,252.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 45% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: ARLINGTON 
Job Location Address: 1301 S BOWEN RD STE 200 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 230X,43EX,43HX,4B0X1,4E0X1,60C,68S,68Z,HM,HS,MED,NAP11,SEI12 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Under the general supervision of the DSHS Public Health Region 2/3 Tuberculosis Program Manager, the Public Health and Prevention Specialist II, also known as the Contact Investigator (CI), conducts comprehensive tuberculosis prevention, intervention, and surveillance activities according to established Texas laws, rules and regulations with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Maintains client confidentiality in all aspects of duties. Conducts interviews and investigations following CI performance standards. Enters data into the program's management information system (The National Electronic Disease Surveillance System, NEDSS). Completes epidemiological and non-epidemiological paperwork. Performs venipuncture. Establishes and maintains relationships with local health care agencies, health care providers, laboratories, correctional facilities and other organizations to facilitate tuberculosis  screening, diagnosis/treatment and reporting in the region. Promotes the agency and maintains a good working relationship with internal and external stakeholders. Other duties as assigned include member of the Incident Command Structure in response to public health emergencies. Must comply with HHS, DSHS, Texas Department of Public Safety applicable policies/procedures/standards. When not traveling in the field, this in an in-office position based out of the Arlington, Tx office, 8 AM- 5 PM.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

CONTACT INVESTIGATION AND CASE MANAGEMENT: Conducts interviews, re-interviews, and cluster interviews of tuberculosis (TB) patients following Department of State Health Services (DSHS) performance standards. Performs partner and cluster elicitation. Identifies screening opportunities. Interprets and follows all laws, requirements, and guidelines regarding the Tuberculosis Program's procedures. Conducts TB contact investigations, target screenings and surveillance activities. Performs testing including but not limited to blood, sputum,and urine, patient education, Direct Observation Therapy (DOT) and other appropriate TB disease intervention activities to support regional investigations and case/contact management. Conducts case management activities and completes needed documentation accurately and within established time frames while maintaining client confidentiality. Accurately enters cases into the Tuberculosis management information system (NEDSS) following established standards. Identifies, pursues, collects, and analyzes information needs of each case. Documents case management activities. Completion of these EJF's requires independent travel throughout the state of Texas. (35%)

FIELD ACTIVITIES: Conducts field investigation activities following DSHS tuberculosis  performance standards. Conducts contact notification. Consults with local agencies, private physicians, and individuals to ensure rapid and confidential examination, treatment, and services for clients. Educates labs, hospitals, correctional facilities, and other institutions regarding tuberculosis reporting requirements. Provides education regarding laws and rules that protect public health and ensures safety in the region. Performs venipuncture in the field as outlined in the Texas Department of State Health Services, PHR 2/3 Standing Delegation Orders for Tuberculosis Blood Specimen Collection Services Provided by Authorized Staff. Documents field investigation activities according to established processes. Completion of these EJF's requires independent travel throughout the state of Texas. (30%)

SURVEILLANCE ACTIVITIES: Conducts TB related surveillance activities, in collaboration with the TB Case Registry Coordinator. Conducts follow-up with health care providers, laboratories, and health care agencies to identify cases, ensure timely treatment/diagnosis and reporting, and performs data entry into NEDSS. Establishes and maintains professional relationships with partners to promote tuberculosis reporting and education. (30%)

REGIONAL SUPPORT AND DISASTER RESPONSE/RECOVERY: Participates in regional assignments/duties/special initiatives. May be required to work other than normal business hours in order to respond to public health emergencies. Actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response/recovery/Continuity of Operations activation- requires completion of at least Incident Command System 100, 200, 700 and 800 courses. Maintains compliance with DSHS Policy, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and Standards, and a current valid Texas Driver's License. Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of: fundamental knowledge of tuberculosis (TB) disease and treatment; fundamentals of public health intervention principals and processes, reporting policies, guidelines, and laws; basic time management techiques; basic word processing and spreadsheet management; basic understanding of collaborative interview techniques and processes.

Skill in: communicating effectively both orally and in writing with a variety of audiences (with both clients and community partners); working as part of a multidisciplinary team; building relationships with clients and local public health partners; overcoming cultural and educational barriers to communicate with clients and community members to promote health; using word processing, spreadsheets and other applications to organize and present data; time management.

Ability to: understand, interpret and follow policies, processes and regulations; work in close collaboration with others both within the team and across teams to accomplish goals; exercise sound judgment; become trained and proficient in venipuncture and obtain certification; use time management strategies to maximize work productivity and meet deadlines; learn new databases and computer applications as needed, and to become proficient in new computer applications as needed; travel throughout the state of Texas to complete essential job functions.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Phlebotomy certification must be obtained within six months of employment (required).

Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License or equivalent license from another state (required)

Certified as a Community Health Education Specialist, Certificate in Public Health, or Community Health Worker (preferred)

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. At least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited collect or university with major course work in a medical or public health related field (required)
2. Documented in application willing to travel at least 45% (required)
3. At least one year of experience working or internship in an educational, medical or public health related field (required)

Additional Information:

N/A

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