HIV/STD Team Lead

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.

Job Description:

PLEASE NOTE: The posted salary range is the full range for this position. Agency salary policy, budget and candidate’s qualifications will dictate final salary offer. Typically, salary offers are at or near the midpoint of the range, depending on qualifications or other factors.

Under the supervision of the HIV/STD Program Manager, the HIV/STD Team Lead coordinates and ensures that comprehensive STD and HIV prevention, intervention and surveillance activities are conducted in accordance with DSHS program operating procedures and standards. Serves as the team leader for Public Health Technicians/Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) and provides mentoring/coaching to achieve HIV/STD program goals. Conducts disease intervention activities in accordance with DSHS performance standards. Provides complex consultative and technical support to local health departments, TDH contractors, hospitals, laboratories, physicians, community organizations, state, local, and federal governmental agencies, and the public. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Maintains confidentiality in all aspects of 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 (COOP) activation.

Essential Job Functions:

(50%) TEAM LEAD - Serves as the team leader to Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) using participatory management style (coach/mentor) and fostering teamwork in day-to-day operations. Coordinates daily activities of DIS staff to ensure effective management of HIV/STD intervention/prevention activities in the region. Communicates assignments to staff and monitors progress of staff in completing assigned work in accordance with DIS performance standards. Promotes achievement of program goals and objectives. Provides on-the-job training to

new and experienced staff and collaborates in staff development. Conducts disease intervention activities, interviews, and field investigations in accordance with DSHS DIS performance standards. Enters data into THISIS or other appropriate electronic systems. Provides technical assistance to DIS staff to bring investigations and cases to closure. Identifies staff training needs and makes recommendations to Program Manager. Conducts staff meetings regularly.

(25%) MONITOR PERFORMANCE AND CONDUCT QA - Monitors DIS staff performance and conducts quality assurance activities. Performs pouch, field,

interview and case management audits to monitor the performance of DIS. Generates worker activity reports in THISIS or other appropriate electronic systems to measure individual and program progress towards achievement of program goals and objectives. Assesses the work and workload of DIS by generating reports in THISIS or other appropriate electronic systems. Tracks DIS case submission and conducts case reviews in accordance with established standards. Notifies the HIV/STD Program Manager when a DIS fails to attain targeted objectives.

(10%) ACTIVE SURVEILLANCE - Performs active surveillance by routinely visiting with public and private health care providers and laboratories to verify reported and elicit new STD and HIV case reports. Conducts site visits at hospitals, laboratories, and other health care providers to ensure compliance with reporting guidelines. Monitors disease morbidity trends and reports significant and emerging trends to the HIV/STD Program Manager. Collaborates with contractors and private health care providers to perform and coordinate screening programs in the field to

reach high-risk clients.

(10%) TASKS IN ACCORDANCE WITH GUIDELINES AND POLICIES - Performs administrative tasks and follows guidelines and policies. Consults with the HIV/STD Program Manager regarding activities and problems. Attends program related meetings. Maintains current technical and computer skills. Participates in employee selection. Promotes communication, cooperation, and facilitates a team approach to problem solving. Promotes customer relations. Collaborates with others to write reports, policies, protocols, guidelines, and budgets.

(5%) OTHER DUTIES – Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include 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. Willingness to work after or before regular hours of Monday-Friday 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of STD and HIV disease intervention techniques and performance standards.

Knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases (causes, signs and symptoms, incubation periods, and prevention methods).

Knowledge of current treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Centers for Disease Control prevention guidelines.

Knowledge of Public Health Principles, practices, communicable disease surveillance, epidemiology, disease prevention, and health promotion.

Knowledge of infection control practices to prevent the spread of disease.

Knowledge of Department of State Health Services HIV/STD Program standards of operation, policies, and procedures

Knowledge and ability to use personal computers, network hardware, and operating systems including printers, copiers, fax machines, and Microsoft Office.

Skill in coaching and mentoring others.

Skill in communicating effectively with others (internal/external) both orally and in writing in establish positive rapport.

Skill in monitoring and evaluating employee performance.

Skill in building and maintaining professional relations.

Skill in preparing written reports.

Skill in using a computer and applicable software programs (Microsoft Office and Adobe).

Ability to interact and maintain effective working relationships and collaboration with public, local officials, physicians, and local agency personnel.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with the coworkers, public and medical community using tact and diplomacy.

Ability to assign and or monitor the work of others.

Ability to collect, analyze and evaluate data.

Ability to model STD interviews and investigations.

Ability to comprehend program goals, policies, and procedures.

Ability to monitor achievement of program goals and measure outcomes.

Ability to prepare effective written correspondence and reports.

Ability to prioritize and demonstrate leadership.

Ability to apply time management principles to tasks.

Ability to multitask and organized.

Ability to maintain confidentiality with Department of State Health Services guidelines.

Ability to be cross trained.

Ability to work well and effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Ability to travel.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Valid Texas Driver's License.

Initial Selection Criteria:

1. Education: A Bachelor’s degree in public health, health sciences, social sciences, or a closely related field is required. A Master’s degree in a relevant field is strongly preferred.
2. Relevant Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of directly related public health experience is required. In lieu of a degree, candidates must have at least six (6) years of relevant work experience that clearly aligns with the responsibilities of the position. Experience must be specific to public health and demonstrate increasing levels of responsibility.
3. Supervisory Experience: Supervisory experience is required. Candidates must have verifiable experience overseeing staff, managing performance, and supporting program operations in a public health or clinical setting.
4. Public Health Focus: Experience must include work in HIV/STD prevention, public health follow-up (PHFU), or other public health programming, with a focus on planning, implementation, and service delivery.

Additional Information:

Must follow all agency policies, including immunizations. Must provide transportation, driver’s records verified.

Flexibility in work hours may be required by DSHS for this position. Candidates must be able to travel independently and adhere to agency travel policies. Travel required from main work location in Beaumont across the 16 counties in Public Health Region 6/5S and to other locations, as necessary, in the State of Texas, including the DSHS main campus in Austin. Travel is usually scheduled in advance to allow for advance planning.

See also the information about the DSHS HIV/STD Program at Texas Department of State Health Services (dshs.texas.gov) as well as federal HIV and STD information at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov).

In addition to rewarding, meaningful work, DSHS offers a variety of benefits, which can be found at https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance, and generous leave based on years of service. A list of State of Texas holidays is available at: http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Holidays.

Note: Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.  

MOS Code:  70F, 68S, HM, 4E0X1

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