Community Health Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS

2d

About The Position

Community Health Specialist under the direct supervision of a Public Health Nurse III and the day-to-day direction of a Public Health Nurse I, provides supportive services which enhance the operation of the clinic. This includes medical assistance work, clerical work requiring varied methods and procedures, and promotion of the utilization of public health services. Work involves planning and developing public health education program activities and providing assistance to program staff, governmental agencies, and community organizations. Work requires a knowledge of Public Health Program policy, procedure, forms, and eligibility requirements. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Must be able to complete complicated forms with a high degree of accuracy, including mathematical calculations.
• Must be able to effectively communicate, both in writing and orally.
• Must have minimum interviewing skill.
• Working knowledge of English, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure and grammar usage.
• Typing with a high degree of accuracy.
• Filing and knowledge of filing systems.
• Using computers, especially data entry and word processing.
• Knowledge of the kinds of community resources available to the disadvantaged.
• Ability to maintain patient Confidentiality.
• Ability to recognize scope of responsibility for self and co-workers.
• Ability to collect and/or handle laboratory specimens and to perform screening tests and measurements.
• Ability to function as a member of a professional health care team.
• Willing to travel in neighborhoods and geographic areas where clients live who are to be served.
• Willingness to work outside of normal business hours as needed.
• Requires a valid Texas driver's license
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Clerical skills including communication skills as determined by the completeness and conciseness of the written application.
• Experience with computer programs such as, but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Excel Spreadsheet, Adobe Acrobat, and Outlook.
• Must meet or be willing to meet immunization requirements for this position--MMR (2 doses or evidence of immunity), Varicella (2 doses, history of disease, or evidence of immunity), Influenza (annually), Hepatitis B (3 doses or evidence of immunity).
• Willing to work hours other than 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
• Must provide own transportation and willing to travel to geographical areas where our patients reside.
• If an employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in performance of their official duties they must hold a current valid Texas drivers license for the appropriate type vehicle.
• Employee/applicant is responsible for providing a copy of their drivers license prior to beginning employment.

Responsibilities

• Clinic Operation a. Clinic preparation, set-up, and clean-up.
• Performs screening tests and measurements, e.g., weight, height, and blood pressure, as assigned by the nurse, may include laboratory services such as phlebotomy.
• Assists the physician or nurse in the exam room
• Maintains & operates equipment required during clinics, i.e. centrifuge, etc
• In conjunction with the nurse, checks & maintains an inventory of supplies needed for clinics.
• Handles and prepares biological specimens for shipping.
• May observe patient(s) take medication as indicated.
• Obtains and/or maintains Basic Life Support certification.
• Maintains case files and records, including setting up records, initiating and completing forms, scheduling appointments, routine correspondence, minimum interviewing skills, filing, reminder system.
• Prepares & audits monthly administrative and program reports.
• Accurate and timely data entry.
• Supply maintenance and ordering.
• Serves as public health nursing office receptionist.
• Performs other office management duties, as assigned.
• Assists and trains in other clinics and programs, as assigned.
• Confers with local health agencies, private physicians, individuals, and community action groups on the treatment, control, or prevention of communicable and chronic diseases, trending topics, injury prevention activities.
• Participates in planning and conducting public health training courses.
• Serves as a resource in creating awareness of public health problems and public health education programs.
• Collects data for use in planning and evaluating the effectiveness of public health education programs. Assists in distributing information on public health education programs.
• Assists in formulating definitions, standards, and policies for the effective and efficient rendering of public health services and the enforcement of public health laws and regulations.
• May assist in collecting and preparing materials in response to public health information requests.
• Performs related work as assigned.
• Other duties, as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

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).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED