What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Specialist III position at Texas Department of State Health Services?
Job Description
Performs complex (journey-level) consultative services and technical assistance work in the HIV/STD/HCV Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit. Work involves planning, developing, implementing, coordinating and evaluating Hepatitis C (HCV) reporting information and procedures for entry into public health data collection systems. Provides consultative services and technical assistance regarding data collection standards to local and regional health departments. May train others. Work is performed under the direction of the Epidemiologist III team lead and the general supervision of the Focused Surveillance Group Manager with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Job Functions
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
35%: Conducts extensive and detailed lead searches to locate relevant patient contact information using a variety of databases and search tools. Locates eligible persons to recruit for participation in the project. Contacts eligible persons through cold calls, letters, home visits, and medical facility intercepts to recruit for participation in the project. Collaborates and consults with contracted local health agencies, private physicians and individuals regarding the procedures and implementation of the MMP and surveyed medical information. Travels to facilities of sampled persons, forms and maintains professional working relationships with the facilities to help with patient recruitment, using facility space, coordinating data collection activities.
25% Conducts medical record abstractions from various sources including electronic medical records, paper records, and those located at medical facilities. Documents electronic data collection of medical record information onto a secured data entry site while following local and CDC protocols and procedures. Travels statewide to conduct medical record abstractions. Requests medical records for participating sampled persons in a timely manner. Follows-up on medical record requests sent to facilities. Follows-up on release of information forms sent to interviewed persons.
15% Conducts interviews in English and Spanish. Maintains security and confidentiality of participants and quality of interview data by following protocol, using probing techniques and a professional demeanor. Meets and exceeds individual interview goals to meet CDC mandated benchmarks. Assists in linking persons to medical care and social services when needed.
10%: Monitors data collection activities, conducts process and program evaluation and provides recommendations to improve the work flow, coordination, and communication among team members. Provides technical assistance and monitors procedures for efficiency and assists in data analysis for planning and coordinating MMP. Formulates definitions, standards, and policies for the effective and efficient functioning of MMP and the enforcement of security and confidentiality rules and policies.
5%: Trains other data collectors in usage of data collection tools and equipment. Conducts literature search and prepares training materials for use in public health training courses related to data collection activities. Conducts group discussions related to data collection activities in public health surveillance and epidemiology.
5%: Develops and maintains procedure manuals for MMP data collection activities and evaluates relevant field activities. Assesses data collection goals and objectives and recommends changes based on progress evaluations to improve efficiency. Assists with translating documents from English to Spanish.
(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 medical terminology
Knowledge of current social, economic and public health issues related to HIV and AIDS
Knowledge of data collection systems
Skill in good communication over the phone and in person
Skill in good phone etiquette
Skill in with using databases to do searches for contact information on sampled patients
Skill in documentation of detailed tasks
Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken formats
Ability to interpret public health laws and regulations
Ability to train and coordinate the work of others
Ability to analyze and evaluate public health needs
Ability to work and interact with people of diverse backgrounds, education level and cultures
Ability to maintain security and confidentiality
Ability to use and enter data into tables and spreadsheets
Ability to take detailed notes and document detailed progress for case load
Ability to collect data using standardized methods
Ability to abstract data from medical records
Ability to plan and organize work in a logical and efficient manner
Ability to solve problems and adapt to changing situations in the field
Ability to travel extensively and on short notice
Registration Or Licensure Requirements
none
Initial Selection Criteria
Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in social science, computer science, statistical analysis, behavioral science, public health, or biostatistics. Years of experience in applicable public health programs such as chronic or infectious disease may substitute for education on a year-by-year basis. Experience with the development, data extraction, and maintenance of databases preferred. Experience with public health, surveillance, and infectious disease control preferred. Experience with survey development, data collection, and data dissemination processes.
Additional Information
In addition to rewarding, meaningful work, DSHS offers a variety of benefits, which can be found at https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance, and generous leave based on years of service. A list of State of Texas holidays is available at: http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Holidays. Occasional overtime and extended hours may be required. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
SALARY NOTE: Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual Chapter 7.
MOS Code
Note: There may be no military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.
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.
Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS
Performs complex (journey-level) consultative services and technical assistance work in the HIV/STD/HCV Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit. Work involves planning, developing, implementing, coordinating and evaluating Hepatitis C (HCV) reporting information and procedures for entry into public health data collection systems. Provides consultative services and technical assistance regarding data collection standards to local and regional health departments. May train others. Work is performed under the direction of the Epidemiologist III team lead and the general supervision of the Focused Surveillance Group Manager with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Job Functions
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
35%: Conducts extensive and detailed lead searches to locate relevant patient contact information using a variety of databases and search tools. Locates eligible persons to recruit for participation in the project. Contacts eligible persons through cold calls, letters, home visits, and medical facility intercepts to recruit for participation in the project. Collaborates and consults with contracted local health agencies, private physicians and individuals regarding the procedures and implementation of the MMP and surveyed medical information. Travels to facilities of sampled persons, forms and maintains professional working relationships with the facilities to help with patient recruitment, using facility space, coordinating data collection activities.
25% Conducts medical record abstractions from various sources including electronic medical records, paper records, and those located at medical facilities. Documents electronic data collection of medical record information onto a secured data entry site while following local and CDC protocols and procedures. Travels statewide to conduct medical record abstractions. Requests medical records for participating sampled persons in a timely manner. Follows-up on medical record requests sent to facilities. Follows-up on release of information forms sent to interviewed persons.
15% Conducts interviews in English and Spanish. Maintains security and confidentiality of participants and quality of interview data by following protocol, using probing techniques and a professional demeanor. Meets and exceeds individual interview goals to meet CDC mandated benchmarks. Assists in linking persons to medical care and social services when needed.
10%: Monitors data collection activities, conducts process and program evaluation and provides recommendations to improve the work flow, coordination, and communication among team members. Provides technical assistance and monitors procedures for efficiency and assists in data analysis for planning and coordinating MMP. Formulates definitions, standards, and policies for the effective and efficient functioning of MMP and the enforcement of security and confidentiality rules and policies.
5%: Trains other data collectors in usage of data collection tools and equipment. Conducts literature search and prepares training materials for use in public health training courses related to data collection activities. Conducts group discussions related to data collection activities in public health surveillance and epidemiology.
5%: Develops and maintains procedure manuals for MMP data collection activities and evaluates relevant field activities. Assesses data collection goals and objectives and recommends changes based on progress evaluations to improve efficiency. Assists with translating documents from English to Spanish.
(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 medical terminology
Knowledge of current social, economic and public health issues related to HIV and AIDS
Knowledge of data collection systems
Skill in good communication over the phone and in person
Skill in good phone etiquette
Skill in with using databases to do searches for contact information on sampled patients
Skill in documentation of detailed tasks
Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken formats
Ability to interpret public health laws and regulations
Ability to train and coordinate the work of others
Ability to analyze and evaluate public health needs
Ability to work and interact with people of diverse backgrounds, education level and cultures
Ability to maintain security and confidentiality
Ability to use and enter data into tables and spreadsheets
Ability to take detailed notes and document detailed progress for case load
Ability to collect data using standardized methods
Ability to abstract data from medical records
Ability to plan and organize work in a logical and efficient manner
Ability to solve problems and adapt to changing situations in the field
Ability to travel extensively and on short notice
Registration Or Licensure Requirements
none
Initial Selection Criteria
Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in social science, computer science, statistical analysis, behavioral science, public health, or biostatistics. Years of experience in applicable public health programs such as chronic or infectious disease may substitute for education on a year-by-year basis. Experience with the development, data extraction, and maintenance of databases preferred. Experience with public health, surveillance, and infectious disease control preferred. Experience with survey development, data collection, and data dissemination processes.
Additional Information
In addition to rewarding, meaningful work, DSHS offers a variety of benefits, which can be found at https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance, and generous leave based on years of service. A list of State of Texas holidays is available at: http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Holidays. Occasional overtime and extended hours may be required. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
SALARY NOTE: Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual Chapter 7.
MOS Code
Note: There may be no military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.
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.
Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS
Salary : $4,020 - $5,178