Brief Job Description:
Under the supervision of the HIV/STD Supervisor, performs moderately complex, comprehensive STD and HIV prevention, intervention and surveillance activities. Performs technical and professional STD and HIV control and prevention activities to include, surveillance, complex interviewing and contact tracing, partner notification and case management of recalcitrant/recurring infections. Maintains extensive records, and collects data from all providers in area of responsibility. Provides technical support to other DIS staff assigned to local health departments. Completes and manages all assigned paperwork. Works under general supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.
Safe operation of either a state owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. If an employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in performance of their official duties, the employee must possess a current valid Texas driver’s license for the appropriate type of vehicle. This position requires that an employee's driving record be verified with law enforcement to ensure compliance with DSHS's driving policy. Employee/Applicants are responsible for providing a certified copy of their driving record and a copy of their driver's license prior to beginning employment.

At Region 1 we choose to be a person-centered, grace-centered public health organization. That means that we not only want technically skilled staff but staff that can commit to being graceful in our actions with our customers and one another. We choose teammates who listen and work to understand others well. We choose teammates who respect our customers and their colleagues, in every way.
Employee must comply with the DSHS Employee Immunization Policy which requires employees to have immunizations that are necessary to maintain immunity or show immunity to specific diseases to which they may be exposed in the course of their official duties.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

EJF 1: (50%): Performs moderately complex technical and professional STD and HIV control and prevention activities.

Interviews clients in the field using contemporary case management techniques to ensure partner elicitation.

Collects blood and urine samples for testing and prepares samples for submission to the laboratory.

Informs exposed persons and coordinates examination and treatment.

Conducts record searches to assist in case/suspect location and contact.

Maintains all pertinent documentation in accordance with HIPPA and regional confidentiality/security policies.

Performs case management of clients that are recalcitrant or have recurring infections.

Reviews medical records and other clinical documents to ascertain signs, symptoms and pertinent test results.

Follows safety procedures and protocols to ensure the safest environment for self and client.

EJF 2: (20%): Coordinates with team members and other programs to ensure completion of STD/HIV program goals.

Consults with supervisor on responses to disease outbreaks to include reviewing reports, monitoring interviews, and partner referral visits.

Validates DIS performance and accurate documentation through software application/other written material.

Coordinates with supervisor when working with uncooperative clients or when initiating legal action when necessary.

Performs active surveillance by routinely collaborating with public and private health care providers and laboratories.

Provides technical support to DIS staff assigned to local health departments.

Works with PHR 1 clinic staff (nursing and clerical) to facilitate provision of services to clients.

EJF 3: (10%): Promotes and facilitates surveillance, reporting and completion of program goals and objectives.

Conducts laboratory reviews to ensure compliance with communicable disease act rules and regulations.

Works closely with health care providers to promote programmatic needs assessment, evaluate providers' compliance with reporting laws and make recommendations to facilitate rapid treatment of STD's.

Provides assistance to public and private health entities in order to achieve program goals and objectives.

EJF 4: (10%) Conducts Community Education to public

Assists Supervisor by collecting surveillance data, performing data analysis, quality assurance activities and preparing graphs/ tables summarizing STD/HIV data for Public Health Region 1.

Develops and presents STD/HIV educational programs for hospitals, clinics, schools and the general public.

Marginal:
EJF 5: (5%)
Conducts public health investigations for Epidemiology, Tuberculosis, and Zoonosis and other Health Service Region 1 programs as needed. Cross trains with program areas to be able to provide assistance with investigations. Assists Public Health Prevention Specialist II with data entry and monitoring of lab reports.

EJF 6: (5%) 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

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of local, state and federal laws pertaining to STD and HIV
Knowledge of syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections
Knowledge of public health principles, concepts and practices
Knowledge of applications for data analysis/collection

Skill in communicating effectively both verbally and in writing to external and internal customers
Skill in developing and maintaining effective work relationships across organizational, cultural and community lines
Skill in organizing and writing reports
Skill in conducting training/presentations
Skill in Prevention Counseling and Partner Elicitation (PCPE)
Skill in using a computer and operations of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Internet

Ability to work with current social and economic problems
Ability to collect and analyze data and provider meaningful feedback
Ability to interpret policies and regulations and to convey them to others
Ability to work under stressful circumstances
Ability to use all available resources for contact tracing
Ability to perform phlebotomy
Ability to work within a team using tack/diplomacy and assertive communication

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver’s license, or equivalent license from another state.

Initial Selection Criteria:
Knowledge of HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and the medical and social implications (preferred)
Experience in communicable disease control and related public health programs (preferred)
Experience in interviewing diverse populations to elicit information (preferred)
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
Experience in data entry (preferred)
Experience working independently
Experience using computer software (preferred)
Experience working with public
Experience maintaining confidential records
Experience performing blood draws (preferred)

Additional Information:
Requisition # 462016

Headquarters to be in Lubbock office. Only applicants who are interviewed will receive written notification of selection results. Applicants must list Employer Posting Number on State of Texas application to be considered for this posting. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employees Service Center at 1-888-894-4747.

Employee must provide transportation. If an employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in performance of their official duties, the employee must possess a current valid Texas driver’s license for the appropriate vehicle. Employees/applicants are responsible for providing a copy of their driver’s license prior to beginning employment.

Safe operation of either a state owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants will have their driving records checked through the Department of Public Safety and applicants must have a valid Class C Texas driver’s license or equivalent from another state.

MOS Code:
Note: There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx

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In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.