Lead Poisoning Prevention Specialist - Health

Sedgwick County•Wichita, KS

About The Position

The Lead Poisoning Prevention Specialist prevents disease and protects the public from health threats by reducing lead poisoning among Sedgwick County residents, particularly children. The position conducts elevated blood lead (EBL) home assessments and disease investigations, obtains blood specimens from clients for lead testing, monitors and reports EBL data, and works with health partners to prevent EBL. The employee may encounter hostile or emotionally charged individuals and sensitive or potentially disturbing content related to serious health concerns. The employee may deploy to the field as a responder or in a leadership position during public health emergencies.

Requirements

Six months of phlebotomy (venipuncture) experience.
In addition to the phlebotomy requirement, meet one of the following: completion of a Medical Assistant certificate program and two years of work experience assessing patients in a medical clinic or hospital; an associate’s degree in a science or health-related field and one year of work experience performing patient assessments or providing health education; or three years of work experience performing environmental or home inspections or environmental remediation.
An associate’s degree in a science, health, or environmental-related field plus one year of work experience performing environmental or home inspections or environmental remediation may be substituted for the specified environmental-inspection experience.
One year of experience using Microsoft Office Suite or similar systems.
A valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and current proof of automobile insurance.
Complete all requirements to become a certified Elevated Blood Lead Inspector within one year of employment.
Complete FEMA IS 100, 200, and 700 courses within 30 days of employment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in public health, biology, chemistry, environmental science, medical technology/clinical laboratory science, or a related field.
One year of experience performing venipuncture on children.
At least two years of experience or training in public health or in a hospital or health clinic.
One year of experience with data management or data analysis.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Phlebotomy, Medical Assistant, or other medical certification or licensure.
Elevated Blood Lead Inspector or similar certification.

Responsibilities

Conduct EBL home assessments and disease investigations according to established state and local guidelines and protocols.
Promptly investigate individual EBL reports through phone outreach and home or business visits.
Document assessment and investigation activities accurately.
Drive to client homes and other locations as needed to conduct lead exposure assessments.
Assist with EBL investigation data analysis.
Prepare reports on investigation activities and findings for review by a supervisor and Epidemiologist.
Assist with projects to monitor, prevent, and control EBL.
Maintain relationships with internal and external partners.
Collaborate with the Health Department’s WIC program on lead screening, including blood specimen collection.
Provide technical assistance to public, private, nonprofit, state, and local health-related organizations, using current research and regulations to improve reporting and prevent EBL.
Develop health-literate educational materials for partners and the public using research and literature reviews.
Participate in assigned boards, committees, coalitions, and similar groups.
Maintain expertise through workshops, trainings, exercises, and conferences.
Obtain blood specimens from clients for lead testing.
Deploy to the field as a responder or in a leadership position during public health emergencies, as needed.