Community Health Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Raymondville, TX

1d • $3,470 - $3,845 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Community Health Specialist I works under the direction of the nurse supervisor to support public health services throughout Region 11. This position supports immunization and surveillance activities by providing community outreach and education, maintaining vaccine inventory and cold chain standards, documenting services accurately, and coordinating care with other public health programs. This position may be held by a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), Medical Assistant (MA), or a grandfathered experienced worker. Duties related to vaccine administration are based on the employee’s license or certificate and applicable program requirements. Primary responsibilities include supporting immunization services to infants, children, adolescents, and adults; ensuring proper vaccine storage, handling, and inventory management; supporting surveillance and case follow-up activities; completing timely documentation and data entry; and assisting with public health education, program coordination, and clinic operations. Employees who hold an applicable license or certificate may perform vaccine administration duties consistent with their license or certificate and DSHS policies. The position may require travel throughout the region, occasional work outside normal business hours, and participation in disaster response, outbreak response, health fairs, screenings, and Continuity of Operations activities. Employee maintains an acceptable driving record that meets the standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and safely operates either a state-owned vehicle or reliable personal vehicle to conduct state business in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures, and Texas motor vehicle, traffic and driving licensing law. Employee must have a valid Class C Texas driver’s license. Employee actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. For emergency response purposes, team members may be required to provide their vaccine record, maintain their vaccine status, accept or decline recommended vaccines and pre/post-exposure prophylaxis. Team members are also expected to maintain an annual respirator (mask) fit test to ensure they can safely and effectively participate in work task and response activities. Maintains regular and reliable attendance in accordance with agency policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Experience in community health, immunization services, clinical support, outreach, or related public health work.
• Must obtain a Community Health Worker certificate within 18 months of hire.
• Must obtain Hearing/Vision certificate within 18 months of hire.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout Region 11.
• Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, or alternate schedules to support clinics, trainings, emergency response, or other program needs.
• This position may be filled by an LVN, MA, or other grandfathered experienced worker, with duties related to vaccine administration performed according to the employee’s license or certificate.
• Bilingual English/Spanish
• Knowledge of immunization practices and schedules for infants, children, adolescents, and adults.
• Knowledge of vaccine storage and handling requirements.
• Knowledge of immunization registry processes.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Knowledge of confidentiality requirements, including HIPAA.
• Knowledge of documentation standards.
• Knowledge of general office and administrative practices.
• Skills in using Microsoft Office applications and other computer systems for documentation, scheduling, communication, and reporting.
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and immunization guidance.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and data entry.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, families, staff, and community partners; provide presentations and public education in English & Spanish.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to exercise sound professional judgment.
• Ability to solve problems in routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to analyze information and prepare written reports.
• Ability to travel throughout the service area.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Must obtain a Community Health Worker certificate within 18 months of hire.
• Current BLS/CPR certification, or the ability to obtain certification within the required time frame.
• Valid Class C Texas driver’s license, or an equivalent driver’s license from another state.
• This position may be held by a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), Medical Assistant (MA), or another grandfathered experienced worker. Licenses and Certificates should be maintained active.
• Duties related to vaccine administration must be performed in accordance with the employee’s license or certificate and applicable law, rule, and policy.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in immunization services, vaccine administration, vaccine management, community outreach, or public health services.
• Familiarity with IMMTRAC2 or similar immunization registry systems.

Responsibilities

• Provides public health services to clients with simple to complex health needs across Region 11.
• Conducts and supports immunization clinics for under-immunized infants, children, adolescents, and adults, including services delivered in clinic settings and community-based locations.
• Performs screening activities, protects confidentiality, and completes accurate clinical documentation and electronic health record entries.
• Employees who hold an applicable license or certificate may administer vaccines and medications in accordance with DSHS guidelines, professional standards, and program eligibility requirements.
• Travels to coordinate and participate in community outreach and education activities that promote the importance, safety, and benefits of immunization.
• Communicates effectively with clients, families, and community partners in English and Spanish, as applicable.
• Provides Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) and reinforces client understanding of vaccine risks, benefits, and follow-up care instructions.
• Maintains compliance with vaccine management requirements, including proper storage, handling, transport, temperature monitoring, and inventory control.
• Responds appropriately to temperature excursions, including after-hours, weekends, and holiday notifications when assigned.
• Completes required documentation and maintains accurate records in applicable systems, including VAOS, IMMTRAC2, CMIS, and PIOS.
• Provides administrative and operational support for public health nursing program activities.
• Greets and assists clients; answers telephone inquiries; performs filing, faxing, copying, and other office support functions.
• Coordinates the receipt, storage, and shipment of vaccines in accordance with program requirements.
• Maintains stakeholder and partner contact lists and assists with communications and outreach efforts to promote community engagement in public health initiatives.
• Maintains and updates immunization registry information to support program goals and accurate client records.
• Promotes IMMTRAC2 participation among self, parents, guardians, and providers, and assists with reconciliation of questionable matches and other registry-related follow-up activities.
• Coordinates with TB, STD, and community health programs to support comprehensive services for clients and families.
• May assist with direct observation therapy, point-of-care testing/treatment, specimen collection, follow-up activities, and community education initiatives related to child injury prevention, water safety, bullying prevention, suicide prevention, and healthy living.
• Applies epidemiologic principles and program procedures to support the prevention, investigation, and control of vaccine-preventable diseases and related public health concerns.
• Assists with case investigations, adverse event follow-up, and reporting requirements in accordance with the DSHS Surveillance Manual and program guidance.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including supporting disaster response, outbreak response, recovery operations, and Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.
• These duties may require alternate schedules, after-hours work, or assignment to an alternate work location.

Benefits

• Insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed