Public Health and Prevention Specialist 1

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

17d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Newborn Screening Manager, performs routine public health work in the Newborn Screening Unit. Major focus is on the identification and follow-up of infants and children with one or more of the screened conditions. Work involves consulting with physicians, hospital staff, nurses, social workers, consumers and local and regional health agencies on the follow-up of infants with abnormal screens in order to reduce morbidity and mortality. Disseminates educational literature. Enters case information into databases and updates databases with additional information. Requires extensive use of complex computer systems and database management. Maintains hard copies as well as electronic files for the program. All applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check.

Requirements

• Knowledge of current social, economic, and public health issues relating to newborn screening.
• Knowledge of public health laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Knowledge of business grammar, punctuation, proofreading and spelling.
• Skill in using computer systems and programs including Word, Excel, Access and Internet.
• Skill in problem solving and working independently.
• Skill in data entry, maintaining files, records and databases accurately.
• Ability to understand and adhere to applicable laws and rules regarding confidential information.
• Ability to use customer service skills to communicate relevant rules, regulations, policies and procedures by telephone and in person.
• Ability to operate telephone, calculator, computer, printer, duplication and facsimile equipment.
• Ability to plan and coordinate several projects simultaneously, organize, set priorities, and to work well with others.

Nice To Haves

• Experiance in communicating public health regulations, policies, and procedures via the telephone.
• Experience in using computer systems and programs including Spreadsheets, Word Processing Documents, and Databases.

Responsibilities

• Follows established protocols to initiate appropriate follow-up of newly identified abnormal cases for screened conditions. Communicates directly with health care providers through letters, faxes, and telephone calls. Explains diagnoses, follow-up, and protocols for appropriate follow-up health care. Requests information from health care providers, including second screens, laboratory results, and diagnoses. Performs complex and confidential data entry on client files in case management computer system. Maintains and updates electronic health case records with accurate data and maintains data integrity of all pending and closed cases and documents actions and status of theses cases.
• Disseminates educational literature, guidelines, protocols, and other information about the program and the screened disorders. Follows established protocols to facilitate appropriate short-and/or long-term care coordination, including use of a computer database, closure of cases, and further contact with health care providers. Links health files and enters data into the database. Serves as a public resource for the program.
• Assists with collection of data for planning and evaluating the effectiveness of the Newborn Screening Program. Assists in surveying health care facilities and health care providers for compliance with laws and rules related to newborn screening.
• Assists in developing and generating forms, memorandums, and correspondence using Microsoft Word and Excel as assigned by the Nurse Team Lead or Manager.
• 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.

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: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees