Surveillance Clerk

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.

Brief Job Description: 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs): 

(40%) Data Entry 
Enters all incoming disease and treatment reports into the THISIS data base within the required timeframes with 95% required accuracy. 
 
(15%) Data Management /Analysis 
Conducts moderately complex data analysis, which results in the necessary public health follow up activities. Performs special investigation functions, reviews data and prepares special reports regarding investigation activities. Compiles HIV/AIDS and STD data for special projects by gathering and analyzing data via review of medical charts and submitted reports. 
 
(15%) Manages Electronic Laboratory Reporting (ELR), Globalspace, and THISIS (TB, HIV, STD Integrated System) in PHR-9/10, by receiving, processing, and disseminating laboratory reactor reports for the purpose of public health follow-up. Maintains confidential medical information and electronically transports regional morbidity to the DSHS HIV/STD Surveillance Program. Performs quality assurance reviews of STD morbidity via THISIS, identifies reporting lapses, accuracy and compliance with reporting regulations, develops and implements a corrective action plan 
 
(15%) Surveillance 
Provides extensive technical assistance to local health departments, physicians, and infection control practitioners regarding HIV/STD and AIDS reporting laws, definitions, form completion and reporting procedures. Monitors surveillance activities through monthly contact with reporting sources. Contacts providers/physicians to verify disease diagnosis and/or treatment. Conducts and/or coordinates health care provider visits and training. Develop, implement and evaluate systems to track/improve Laboratory Reporting efficacy and efficiency. 
 
 
(15%) Marginal Functions 
As directed by Regional HIV/STD Manager and First Line Supervisor, may perform other duties as assigned, which may include: Dictation and transcription, administrative assistance for the program as requested, ordering supplies, may be required to work flexible hours to respond to a public health emergency (ie: disease outbreak), perform monthly switchboard duties as scheduled. Participates in various program and regional trainings, events, special work groups, etc. 
   

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): 

Knowledge of: 

Ability to gain knowledge and skills of: 
 
Knowledge of medical terminology. 
Knowledge of HIV/STDs, modes of transmission, prevention and disease intervention principles. 
Knowledge of agency rules, regulations, policies and procedures and the ability to interpret. 
 
 

Skill in: 

Skills in effective oral and written communications. 
Skills in organization and prioritization. 
Skills in critical and analytical thinking using available resources. 
Skills in the use of electronic software, word processing and internet. 
Skills with data collection and retrieval methods, database management. 
Skills in dealing with healthcare providers and individuals and communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing. 
Skills in working effectively within a fast paced, team environment. 

Ability to: 

Ability to deal tactfully with professional personnel, as well as the public. 
Ability to work under stringent timelines for work completion. Ability to learn THISIS and work proficiently within the program to conduct routine maintenance, imports, exports, report management, and analyze data. 
Ability to assist creatively in developing policies, procedures, and educational materials. 
Ability to work under limited supervision, exercise initiative, discipline and independent judgment. Ability to work with confidential records and information. 
Ability to develop, implement and evaluate systems and procedures for efficacy and efficiency. 
Ability to travel away from assigned headquarters and function effectively from other locations as necessary. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: 

Valid Texas Driver's License.    

Initial Screening Criteria: 

Initial Screening Criteria:

Minimum of 2 years’ experience in customer service. 
Basic knowledge of HIV and STD’s. (Preferred) 
Experience using computers and standard software applications. 
Bilingual preferred; read, write, and speak Spanish. (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