About This Position

Job Description:

Public Health Program Specialist III

Purpose: 

Under limited supervision, lead 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.

• 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.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: 

Provides leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.  May substitute in supervisor’s absence.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

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 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.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• 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.

Licenses and Certifications Required: 

Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License at time of hire and maintain during employment, as required by position

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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. 

Notes to Candidate:

Position Overview:

• 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 practic