Community 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:

Under the supervision of the Immunization Program Manager and overall guidance of the Communicable Disease Manager, this position is responsible for undertaking the immunization core functions to maintain and improve immunization performance guidelines in Kendall, Bandera, Kerr and Gillespie Counties. Will promote and maintain a working relationship with local public health agencies, public and private agencies and stakeholders in the areas of Texas Vaccines for Children operations, public and private information and education, outreach, assessment, ImmTrac and surveillance. During public health emergencies, including pandemic responses such as COVID-19, all PHR 8 employees are expected to provide related public health or emergency response services. This may include response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activities. Works evenings, holidays, and weekends. Must be able to drive and travel throughout Texas independently and out-of-state to complete essential job functions.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

TEXAS VACCINES FOR CHILDREN (TVFC) Program:  Recruits and retains providers for the Texas Vaccines for Children Program.  Serves as a resource and offers technical assistance to TVFC providers on VFC program requirements, vaccine ordering and receiving, vaccine storage and handling, and vaccine inventory. Conducts TVFC site monitoring follow-up visits in private clinics in the counties served to assure that deficiencies are corrected, TVFC program requirements are being met and that clinics are making progress in improving service delivery. (35%)

HEALTH PROMOTION: Communicates and presents public health and immunization issues to community officials, service organizations, other state agencies, public and private providers, schools, child care facilities and the general public. Informs and educates the public on vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases. Serves as a resource and provides immunization information to public health and private health care providers about vaccines, vaccine-preventable diseases, immunization services and immunization recommendations and requirements. Promotes the statewide immunization registry, ImmTrac, to public and private sector providers, schools and child care facilities. Provides education and training on the proper use of ImmTrac to providers. (20%)

COMMUNITY RELATIONS: Develops, coordinates and implements outreach programs in connection with other agencies and groups to promote age-appropriate immunizations. Develops and maintains partnerships with agencies, private health agencies and other public and private groups involved in the community. Serves as a resource to ensure individuals are linked to health care providers. Assess the need, and coordinate immunization clinics with Public Health Region 8 staff and community stakeholders in communities where additional immunization services are needed and works closely with Community Health Improvement staff in planning and implementing activities to improve immunization rates and decrease rates of conscientious exemptions. (15%)

ASSESSMENTS:  Determines immunization coverage levels of the community in both the public and private sectors, utilizing assigned methodologies. Conducts childcare facility and school assessments, audits and validation surveys to determine immunization levels and compliance.  Offers technical assistance and resources (assessment software, reminder-recall systems) to improve immunization coverage levels. (15%)

CLINIC SERVICES:  Assists in providing clinic services.    Screens clients for eligibility for agency services and schedules appointments in the Electronic Health Record system. Follows up on missed appointments. Assures patient confidentiality and adheres to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  Maintains and reports vaccine inventory and doses administered by established deadlines and follows vaccine storage and handling guidelines and requirements. (10%)

OTHER DUTIES:  Greets clients and answers the phone. Actively participates or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. This can require an alternate shift or location. Safe operation of a state-owned, rental, or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business, and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS policy. Complies with the Department of State Health Services Immunization Policy. Performs other duties as assigned. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of social, economic and public health issues

Knowledge of public health and prevention practices and procedures

Knowledge of community resources

Knowledge of basic teaching, learning, and behavior change theories

Knowledge of immunization recommendations and requirements.

Knowledge of the Texas Vaccines for Children program

Knowledge of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Skill in developing and providing individual and group education or training

Skill in the use of a personal computer including data entry, word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail and the Internet

Skill in public speaking and effective oral and written communication

Skill in conducting site reviews to determine compliance with policies and procedures

Skill in building and maintaining community partnerships

Skill in time management and managing multiple projects or tasks

Ability to manage time and multiple projects or tasks

Ability to interpret public health laws, procedures, and regulations

Ability to solve problems, prioritize, plan, and execute work

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, preferably in English and Spanish

Ability to initiate and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with the public, local officials, health care professionals, and local agency personnel

Ability to work as a team member.

Ability to travel

Ability to meet employee immunization requirements

Ability to maintain Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification

Ability to meet the physical demands of the job functions

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Class C Texas Driver’s License or equivalent from another state.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Minimum high school diploma or equivalent GED

Experience working with health care providers, community groups, schools
Experience providing education and training to various groups
Ability to speak a foreign language present in a local community population, for example Spanish, is preferred.

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