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Under limited supervision, lead program specific, outreach and/or investigation activities of communicable diseases.

 

Job Description:

Public Health Program Specialist III

Purpose:

Under limited supervision, lead 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.

• Investigate, locate, interview, and link out of care HIV positive individuals to appropriate medical care and other services.

• Coordinate aspects of investigations with other agencies/personnel.

• Train and monitor less experienced personnel in the conducting of an investigation.

• Counsel individuals on prevention of sexually transmitted diseases e.g. venereal diseases, AIDS, etc.

• Follow-up with clients to insure they are receiving proper care.

• Refer citizens to appropriate agency or program.

• Answer citizen questions & provide assistance.

• Conduct investigations on the origin, nature, etc. of epidemiological diseases.

• Perform phlebotomy and specimen collection.

• Counsel physicians, laboratories, clinics, etc. about disease reporting requirements.

• Research/compile data/information and submit written reports.

• Assist in statistical and data analysis to identify health inequities and disparities.

• Provide quality assurance (QA) duties as assigned by supervisor, and as needed.

• 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:

• Provides leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.  May substitute in supervisor’s absence.

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 the principles of communicable disease spread and prevention.

• Knowledge of laws and regulations concerning communicable disease control.

• Skill in prioritizing tasks.

• 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 bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university plus two (2) years of experience in public health outreach/investigation or related field, one (1) year of which must have been working directly as an HIV/STD Disease Intervention Specialist.

• Related experience may substitute for required education with a maximum substitution of four (4) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License at time of hire and maintain during employment, as required by position

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in HIV/STD investigation as a Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS).

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

• Previous experience in working with diverse populations such as LGBTQI, MSM, unhoused, etc.

 

Notes to Candidate:

Austin Public Health

This position supports Austin Public Health’s Mission and Core Purpose identified in the Austin Public Health Strategic Plan. Departmental Competencies related to the position can be found on Austin Public Health’s website.

Important Posting Information:

• This job posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the Job Posting Close Date listed.

• This posting is only required to stay open for 7 days and may close any time thereafter.

• We recommend saving or printing a copy of the job posting for your records. Closed posting cannot be viewed in Workday.

Application Submission:

• A complete City of Austin employment application is required to apply. Please provide dates (month and year) for each job history entry. While a resume may be required, it will not substitute for a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• An assessment(s) may be administered as part of the interview process.

Electronic Notification to Applications:

Applicants will be notified via e-mail of important information regarding application status. Please ensure your email address and contact information is current and correct.

Salary and Benefits: (Does not apply to Temporary Positions)

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. This position comes with a comprehensive benefits package consisting of medical and dental coverage, paid sick, vacation, and personal time, and a retirement plan.

Grant Funded Position: 

This position is grant-funded, meaning its financial support comes from allocated funds that may be modified, reduced, or canceled at the discretion of the City of Austin or the grant provider.

Immunization Requirement:

Austin Public Health employees must comply with the department’s immunization policy.

Travel:
This position may require travel to multiple work 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 orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's 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 (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.