Public Health and Prevention Specialist I

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.

Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

General Description:
Under the supervision of the Newborn Screening Metabolic Manager, performs routine public health work in theNewborn Screening Unit. Major focus is on the identification and follow-up of infants and children with one or moreof the screened conditions. Work involves consulting with physicians, hospital staff, nurses, social workers,consumers and local and regional health agencies on the follow-up of infants with abnormal screens in order toreduce morbidity and mortality. Disseminates educational literature. Enters case information into databases andupdates databases with additional information. Requires extensive use of complex computer systems, database management,spreadsheets, and word processing documents. Maintains hard copies as well as electronic files for the program. All applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check.

Essential Job Functions:
40% Follows established protocols to initiate appropriate follow-up of newly identified abnormal cases forscreened conditions. Communicates directly with health care providers through letters, faxes, and telephone calls.Explains diagnoses, follow-up, and protocols for appropriate follow-up health care. Requests information fromhealth care providers, including second screens, laboratory results, and diagnoses. Performs complex and confidential data entry on client files in case management computer system. Maintains and updates electronichealth case records with accurate data and maintains data integrity of all pending and closed cases anddocuments actions and status of theses cases.
35% Disseminates educational literature, guidelines, protocols, and other information about the program and thescreened disorders. Follows established protocols to facilitate appropriate short-and/or long-term carecoordination, including use of a computer database, closure of cases, and further contact with health careproviders. Links health files and enters data into the database. Serves as a public resource for the program.
10% Assists with collection of data for planning and evaluating the effectiveness of the Newborn ScreeningProgram. Assists in surveying health care facilities and health care providers for compliance with laws and rulesrelated to newborn screening.
10% Assists in developing and generating forms, memorandums, and correspondence using
spreadsheets, wordprocessing documents, and databases as assigned by the Nurse Team Lead or Manager.
5% Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting roleto 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.

Licensure, Certification or Registration (Required):
None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Required):

Knowledge of current social, economic, and public health issues relating to newborn screening.
Knowledge of public health laws and regulations. Knowledge of medical terminology.
Knowledge of business grammar, punctuation, proofreading and spelling.
Skill in using computer systems and programs including
spreadsheets, word processing documents, anddatabases.
Skill in problem solving and working independently.
Skill in data entry, maintaining files, records and databases accurately.
Ability to understand and adhere to applicable laws and rules regarding confidential information.
Ability to use customer service skills to communicate relevant rules, regulations, policies and procedures bytelephone and in person.
Ability to operate telephone, calculator, computer, printer, duplication and facsimile equipment. Ability to plan andcoordinate several projects simultaneously, organize, set priorities, and to work well with others.
Initial Screening Criteria:
1. Preferred experience in communicating public health regulations, policies, and procedures via the telephone.
2. Experience in using computer systems and programs spreadsheets, word processing documents, and databases.

Additional Information:
Employee must provide transportation. If employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in any of theirofficial duties, the employee must possess a current valid Texas driver’s license for the appropriate type ofvehicle. Employees/Applicants are responsible for providing a copy of their driver’s license prior toemployment.
Information on the application must clearly state how the applicant meets initial selection criteria in theSummary of Experience section in order to be interviewed.
Agency salary policy, budget, and candidate’s qualifications will dictate final salary offer.
All applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check.

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