Public Health Program Specialist II

City of Austin•Austin, TX

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under general supervision, provide program-specific outreach and/or investigation activities of communicable diseases. This position will contact partners and provides case management on patients. Follows up with clients to ensure they are receiving proper care. Counsels' individuals on prevention of sexually transmitted infections. Works to create a plan of action for risk reduction techniques for patients. Trains and monitors new hires for the programs and provides quality assurance duties as assigned by supervision. This position supports Austin Public Health’s Mission and Core Purpose identified in the Austin Public Health Strategic Plan.

Requirements

Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university plus one (1) year of experience in public health outreach/ investigation or related field.
Related experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.
Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License at the time of hire and during employment, as required by position
Knowledge of general public health programs, specifically those related to communicable disease.
Knowledge of laws and regulations concerning communicable diseases prevention and control.
Knowledge of laws and regulations concerning communicable disease control.
Skill in prioritizing tasks and time management.
Skill in oral and written communications, especially interviewing techniques.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with City employees and the public.
Skill in recording data from interviews and investigations accurately.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in public health follows up and/or health outreach.
Knowledge of HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia including modes of transmission and prevention methods.
Phlebotomy trained/willing to be trained in phlebotomy.
Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams.
Experience working independently in the community environment.
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Access, Excel, Word, and Outlook).
Valid Texas driver license.

Responsibilities

Counsel individuals on prevention of communicable diseases e.g. HIV, STIs, TB, etc.
Conduct fact-finding or informational interviews.
Refer citizens to appropriate agency or program.
Answer citizen questions and provide assistance.
Conduct public health investigations as required by position and/or program.
Counsel physicians, laboratories, clinics, etc. about disease reporting requirements
Research information as requested or needed.
Compile data/information and prepare reports
Perform program-specific outreach activities such as TB, HIV, STI education, testing and counseling.
Perform phlebotomy and specimen collection
Coordinate activities with other agencies/personnel as needed.
Assist in training less experienced personnel.
Provide public health follow up and linkage to care activities as required by position.
Some positions may require employee to meet patients at home, work or elsewhere to perform testing or conducting interviews, as needed.
Contact partners and provides case management on patients.
Follows up with clients to ensure they are receiving proper care.
Counsels' individuals on prevention of sexually transmitted infections.
Works to create a plan of action for risk reduction techniques for patients.
Trains and monitors new hires for the programs and provides quality assurance duties as assigned by supervision.