Public Health Program Specialist II-Austin Public Health (TB)

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By joining us you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Job Description:

Purpose: Under general supervision provide program-specific outreach and/or investigation activities of communicable diseases

Duties Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Counsel individuals on prevention of communicable diseases e.g. HIV STIs TB etc.

• Conduct fact-finding or informational interviews.

• Refer citizens to appropriate agency or program.

• Answer citizen questions and provide assistance.

• Conduct public health investigations as required by position and/or program.

• Counsel physicians laboratories clinics etc. about disease reporting requirements

• Research information as requested or needed.

• Compile data/information and prepare reports

• Perform program-specific outreach activities such as TB HIV STI education testing and counseling.

• Perform phlebotomy and specimen collection

• Coordinate activities with other agencies/personnel as needed.

• Assist in training less experienced personnel.

• Provide public health follow up and linkage to care activities as required by position.

• Some positions may require employee to meet patients at home work or elsewhere to perform testing or conducting interviews as needed.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• None.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge skills abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate with or without reasonable accommodations that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of general public health programs specifically those related to communicable disease.

• Knowledge of laws and regulations concerning communicable diseases prevention and control.

• Knowledge of laws and regulations concerning communicable disease control.

• Skill in prioritizing tasks and time management.

• Skill in oral and written communications especially interviewing techniques.

• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with City employees and the public.

• Skill in recording data from interviews and investigations accurately.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university plus one (1) year of experience in public health outreach/ investigation or related field.

• Related experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Valid Texas Class C Drivers License at the time of hire and during employment as required by position

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in TB Contact Investigations

• Experience in public health or healthcare environment

• Bilingual English/Spanish

• Data entry experience

• Phlebotomy experience

Notes to Candidate:

Position Overview:

The purpose of contact investigation is to prevent disease by finding persons exposed to TB and assuring proper medical evaluation and treatment. Duties for the Public Health Program Specialist II include but are not limited to:

• conducting interviews
• educating patients and their contacts
• phlebotomy (TB blood test)
• travel throughout Travis County to conduct on-site assessments of TB patients homes work and leisure locations.

Salary:

$23.76 - 27.32 (Commensurate with experience)

Location:

RBJ Center- RBJ Health Center 15 Waller Street Austin Texas 78702

Hours:

Monday - Friday- 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

**Hours may vary due to operational needs. An alternative schedule and remote work/telework options are available but this position requires a minimum of 40% per week in-office standard following a 6-month probationary period. Subject to change.

APHInformation:

• This position supports Austin Public Healths Mission and Core Purpose identified in theAustin Public Health Strategic Plan.

• Departmental Competencies related to the position can be found onAustin Public Healths website.

Be a part of Austin Public Health Requirement:

• Due to high-risk areas Austin Public Health employees must comply with the departments immunization policy.

Regarding your application:

• Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• Qualifying education experience knowledge skills and abilities must be clearly stated on your application. Resumes are welcome but we do not use any information provided on your resume to qualify and refer you to the hiring department.

• Work experience listed must include a month year and a verifiable Supervisor or Human Resources phone number.

• Each individual who submits an Application as provided in the Municipal Civil Service Rules and meets the Minimum Qualifications for a Competitive Position shall be considered a Candidate for that Position. Employees in Good Standing who are candidates within the Department or division that the Position resides in and who meet the Minimum and Preferred Qualifications (if any) of the Position will be included in the initial interview.

Additional Information:

• When public health responds to an emergency you may be assigned activities that are outside your regular job description. This may involve responding at any time including nights and weekends with possible deployment to locations other than Austin Public Health.

• This position is eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSF) Program. This federal program is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer.

If you are selected to interview:

• Military/Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214 at the time of the initial interview to receive military/veteran interview preference

• This position will require a pre-employment Criminal Background Investigation (CBI).

• If you are identified as a top candidate verification of your education which may include High School graduation orGED undergraduate and/or graduate degrees will be required.

Electronic Notification to Applications:

• Applicants will be notified via e-mail to communicate important information related to the status of their application as part of an ongoing effort to increase operational efficiency promote a green environment and minimize delays and costs.

• Please ensure that the email address and contact information you provide are current secure and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our e-mails or fail to check your inbox in a timely manner.

• Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. Please note that the Department may close the job posting at any time after 7 days

• When public health responds to an emergency you may be assigned activities outside your job description. This may involve responding anytime including nights and weekends with possible deployment to locations other than the Austin Public Health.

• This position is eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSF) Program. This federal program is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans.

Travel:

If you are selected for this position and meet theDriver Safety Standardsin the City of AustinDriver Safety Programyou may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Tobacco-free Workplace:

The City of Austin is a tobacco-free workplace. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any City of Austin worksite- including construction sites parking lots garages or in personal vehicles parked on the premises

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race creed color national origin sex gender identity age religion veteran status disability or sexual addition the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individuals AIDS AIDS Related Complex or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function please call or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.