Public Health Program Specialist III-Quality Assurance (APH)

City of Austin•Austin, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under limited supervision, lead program specific, outreach and/or investigation activities of communicable diseases. This position will conduct quality assurance reviews of public health investigations, interviews, documentation, and case management activities to ensure compliance with program, local, and DSHS guidelines. Develop, coordinate, and deliver training for new and existing staff in clinic operations, office procedures, field investigations, documentation standards, and program protocols. Conduct routine audits of interviews, field records, documentation, and case closures to ensure compliance with local and state requirements. Support provider outreach and education efforts regarding DSHS reporting requirements, treatment guidelines, and public health follow-up processes. Conduct field activities and investigations as needed to support program operations, address complex cases, and maintain proficiency in field-based public health practices. Provide support and guidance to staff conducting re-linkage and engagement to medical care activities for those living with HIV. Track and report on program performance measures, identifying opportunities for improvement and collaborating with leadership to implement corrective actions. Provide coaching and constructive feedback to staff based on quality assurance findings, performance trends, and observed field or office activities. Maintain required certifications and training, including phlebotomy, HIPAA compliance, CPR/First Aid, defensive driving, monthly security training, and PHEP and FEMA training requirements.

Requirements

Knowledge of general public health programs, specifically those related to communicable disease.
Knowledge of the principles of communicable disease spread and prevention.
Knowledge of laws and regulations concerning communicable disease control.
Skill in prioritizing tasks.
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 two (2) years of experience in public health outreach/investigation or related field, one (1) year of which must have been working directly as an HIV/STD Disease Intervention Specialist.
Related experience may substitute for required education with a maximum substitution of four (4) years.
Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License at time of hire and maintain during employment, as required by position.

Nice To Haves

Experience in HIV/STD investigation as a Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS).
Previous experience in working with diverse populations such as LGBTQI, MSM, unhoused, etc
Experience in conducting quality assurance activities.

Responsibilities

Investigate, locate, interview, and link out of care HIV positive individuals to appropriate medical care and other services.
Coordinate aspects of investigations with other agencies/personnel.
Train and monitor less experienced personnel in the conducting of an investigation.
Counsel individuals on prevention of sexually transmitted diseases e.g. venereal diseases, AIDS, etc.
Follow-up with clients to insure they are receiving proper care.
Refer citizens to appropriate agency or program.
Answer citizen questions & provide assistance.
Conduct investigations on the origin, nature, etc. of epidemiological diseases.
Perform phlebotomy and specimen collection
Counsel physicians, laboratories, clinics, etc. about disease reporting requirements.
Research/compile data/information and submit written reports.
Assist in statistical and data analysis to identify health inequities and disparities.
Provide quality assurance (QA) duties as assigned by supervisor, and as needed.
Some positions may require employee to meet patients at home, work or elsewhere to perform testing or conducting interviews, as needed.
Provides leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.
May substitute in supervisor’s absence.