Public Health Program Specialist II-Austin Public Health (TB)

City of Austin

11d • $24 - $27 • Hybrid

About The Position

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives. Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits. Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System. Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure. Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support. Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities. Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration. By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country. Under general supervision, provide program-specific outreach and/or investigation activities of communicable diseasesDuties, Functions and Responsibilities: Job Description: Purpose: Under general supervision, provide program-specific outreach and/or investigation activities of communicable diseases Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. 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. Position Overview: The purpose of contact investigation is to prevent disease by finding persons exposed to TB and assuring proper medical evaluation and treatment. Duties for the Public Health Program Specialist II include but are not limited to: conducting interviews educating patients and their contacts phlebotomy (TB blood test) travel throughout Travis County to conduct on-site assessments of TB patient’s homes, work, and leisure locations.

Requirements

• Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
• 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.
• 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

Nice To Haves

• Experience in TB Contact Investigations
• Experience in public health or healthcare environment
• Bilingual English/Spanish
• Data entry experience
• Phlebotomy experience

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.
• conducting interviews educating patients and their contacts
• phlebotomy (TB blood test)
• travel throughout Travis County to conduct on-site assessments of TB patient’s homes, work, and leisure locations.

Benefits

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level