Public Health and Prevention Specialist I

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Austin, TX

3d • $3,095 - $3,750 • Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Newborn Screening Manager, the Public Health and Prevention Specialist I performs routine public health work in the Newborn Screening Unit, with a primary focus on identifying and following up with infants and children who have one or more screened conditions. The role involves consulting with physicians, hospital staff, nurses, social workers, consumers, and local and regional health agencies about follow-up for infants with abnormal screens to help reduce morbidity and mortality.

The specialist disseminates educational materials, enters and updates case information in databases, and maintains both electronic and hard-copy program files. The position requires extensive use of complex computer systems and database management. The employee must pass a fingerprint criminal background check and provide transportation. If operating a personal or state vehicle for official duties, the employee must have a current, valid Texas driver's license appropriate for that vehicle.

Requirements

• Pass a fingerprint criminal background check.
• Provide transportation.
• Possess a current, valid Texas driver's license of the appropriate type if operating a personal or state motor vehicle in official duties.
• 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 the Internet.
• Skill in problem solving and working independently.
• Skill in accurate data entry and maintaining files, records, and databases.
• Ability to understand and follow applicable laws and rules concerning 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 work well with others.

Nice To Haves

• Experience communicating public health regulations, policies, and procedures by telephone.
• Experience using computer systems and programs, including Word, Excel, databases, and the Internet.

Responsibilities

• Attend work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and perform other assigned duties.
• Follow established protocols to initiate appropriate follow-up for newly identified abnormal newborn screening cases.
• Communicate with health care providers by letter, fax, and telephone; explain diagnoses, follow-up steps, and protocols for appropriate health care; and request second screens, laboratory results, diagnoses, and other information.
• Perform complex and confidential data entry in the case management system; maintain accurate electronic health case records and data integrity for pending and closed cases; and document case actions and status.
• Disseminate educational literature, guidelines, protocols, and other program and screened-disorder information.
• Facilitate appropriate short- and/or long-term care coordination, including database use, case closure, and additional contact with health care providers.
• Link health files, enter database information, and serve as a public resource for the program.
• Assist with collecting data to plan and evaluate the effectiveness of the Newborn Screening Program.
• Assist with surveys of health care facilities and providers regarding compliance with newborn screening laws and rules.
• Assist in developing and generating forms, memorandums, and correspondence using Microsoft Word and Excel, as assigned by the Nurse Team Lead or Manager.
• Participate in or support agency disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activation; participation may require an alternate shift pattern or 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