Community Health Specialist I

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Columbus, TX

50d•Onsite

About The Position

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. Participates as a member of the Public Health Region 6/5S Community Health Services program and reports directly to the Nurse Supervisor for Community Health Services Program. Works closely with team members. Performs routine public health work. Work involves conferring with local agencies, private physicians, individuals, local stakeholders and community action groups on the control and prevention of diseases and injuries. Travel required throughout seven county region as routinely assigned to work in a variety of locations. Position will primarily focus on Colorado and Wharton counties. Serves as a public resource in creating awareness of health problems and programs. Duties include completing activities on the Title V maternal and child health annual work plan, participating in community needs assessments, collecting data, serving on coalitions, training, providing health education and outreach activities, disseminating information on health, agency programs, community resources and assisting individuals / families to access needed services. Assists with the preparation of reports and performs data entry. Assists the nurses in scheduling and seeing clients, maintaining client records and clinic supplies to assure immunization, STD/HIV, and tuberculosis services are provided effectively and efficiently. This position works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

Knowledge of social, economic, and public health issues; of public health laws and regulations; and of
Knowledge of public health issues, disease prevention and health promotion strategies.
Knowledge of basic teaching/learning theories.
Knowledge of cultural, social, and economic forces in families and communities.
Knowledge of community resources.
Skills in developing and providing individual and group education/training.
Skills in computer use including, data input, word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail and internet.
Ability to interpret public health laws and regulations.
Ability to train others.
Ability to problem solve, prioritize, plan, and execute work utilizing supervisor and consultative resources as needed.
Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal formats.
Ability to initiate and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with the public, local officials, various levels of health care professionals and local agency personnel.
Ability to travel.
Ability to meet employee immunization requirements.
Ability to obtain Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification
Ability to meet physical demands of job functions.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements.
Graduated from an accredited high school or GED program.
Experience providing assistance to customers via direct contact, email or telephone.
Experience in using computer, computer programs and entering data.

Nice To Haves

Community Health Worker Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Contributes to the work of the county-specific and regional Title V work plan. Work plan includes actively participating in county Child Fatality Review Team, Community Resource Coordination Group and School Health Advisory Councils. Works to assure integrated activities that are consistent with approved work plans. Implements approved evidence-based interventions in assigned county(ies). Assists with the preparation of reports and performs data entry including (but not limited to) Title V monthly reporting and car seat distribution data. Works collaboratively, with direction from the team members, Team Lead and Manager. Reports progress on Title V objectives as required by Team Lead.
Participates in community needs assessments, collects data, serves on coalitions, provides health education and outreach activities, disseminates information on health, agency programs, community resources and assisting individuals / families to access needed services. Confers with local agencies, private physicians, individuals, local stakeholders and community action groups on the control and prevention of diseases and injuries in multiple counties of the region without local health departments, with a focus on Colorado and Wharton counties. Serves as a community resource in creating awareness of public health problems and public health education programs. Use of appropriate interpretation services for Spanish speaking clients/audiences with limited English proficiency.
Assists in the delivery of direct clinical services both at clinic and selected community satellite sites. Performs technical skills as delegated by the RN, including but not limited to, measuring heights, weights, temperatures, blood pressures, providing vision and hearing screening exams, providing DOT/DOPT, and prepares specimens (blood and sputum, urine), including centrifuging blood for mailing. Monitors cold chain for immunization storage. May make home visits for the purpose of gathering information to report back to the nurse and/or to provide education. Performs duties to assure effective and efficient immunization services. Includes maintaining supplies and equipment, completing reports and performing data entry.
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. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Required to travel throughout the region as routinely assigned to work in other locations. Safe operation of either a state owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with agency policy. Compliance with DSHS Immunization Policy required: serologic evidence of immunity to, or documented evidence of vaccination against hepatitis B.

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).

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