Community Health Specialist

Community Health Specialist Under supervision of the Community Health Improvement manager or supervisor and team leadership of the field office nurse, the Community Health Specialist performs routine public health and prevention work for assigned counties in Public Health Region 8. The CHS works with communities and local stakeholders (such as schools, healthcare providers, individuals, government officials, local agencies, and community action groups) to identify, develop, and implement strategies to successfully promote health and prevent disease and injury. The CHS works with the nurse and program staff to monitor health status in the community to ensure population-based services meet the needs of the community. This work includes health promotion, program support, clinic services (like immunizations and specimen shipping), community referrals, customer service, community assessment, and other duties. The CHS may also be called upon to meet agency obligations for disaster response, recovery, or continuity of operations, which may require an alternate work schedule and location. Staff must also be immunized according to agency immunization policy. This position works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Essential Job Functions: HEALTH PROMOTION (35%): Works with communities and local stakeholders, such as schools, healthcare providers, individuals, government officials, local agencies, and community action groups, to identify, develop, implement, and evaluate strategies to successfully promote health and prevent disease and injury. Provides technical assistance for community-wide health promotion campaigns. Educates the community about health issues and services specified in the region’s annual Community Health Improvement Plan and those of agency programs. Participates in Title V population-based services for women, adolescent, and children’s health, such as child fatality review teams, child passenger safety campaigns, obesity prevention activities, prevention of teen pregnancy, etc. Prepares and distributes educational materials. Develops and delivers educational presentations and trainings to at-risk populations, health providers, and community groups, and may assist with public health meetings about emerging public health threats. COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT (15%): Monitors health status in the community to identify community health problems. Works with the field office nurse and other staff to identify information needed about the community to better understand community health status, including development of tools and techniques. Collects data for use in planning and evaluating intervention strategies. Prepares related reports as noted in Program Support below. COMMUNITY REFERRALS (15%): Creates and routinely updates a community resource directory to assist clients and other community members in receiving services not provided by DSHS, including services related to health promotion and disease and injury prevention. Networks with area agencies and community organizations by attending community meetings and visiting or calling other service providers to learn about what they do. CLINIC SERVICES (15%): Prepares clinical rooms for providing immunizations, STD services, and disease investigations. May include taking vital signs and height and weight, conducting vision and hearing screenings, and performing other clinical services. Processes and packages specimens for shipping to the lab. Completes lab forms, posts and files lab results as directed by the nurse. Makes home visits to provide services or education, including directly observed therapy (DOT) for tuberculosis program patients. Assures patient confidentiality and HIPAA compliance. Interviews clients to collect personal and health information, including immunization history. Monitors the cold chain to ensure that vaccines are kept at required temperatures. Monitors vaccine expiration dates and ensures short-dated vaccines are transferred to a facility where they will be used before they expire. PROGRAM SUPPORT (10%): Prepares reports on pop-based activities performed and meetings held and assists in preparation of administrative reports, studies, and specialized research projects. Designs, implements, and maintains a records management system for the field office, including managing health promotion and educational materials and filing clinic documents in client records. Ensures files adhere to the records retention rules of DSHS and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Enters data into the Texas Wide Integrated Client Encounter System (TWICES), ImmTRAC, and other public health data bases. May assist with immunization recalls and audits in schools and child care centers. Receives and processes mail and prepares outgoing mail. Handles and processes payments for clinic services as required by agency cash management policy. Inventories agency property located in the field office and surplusses excess or outdated equipment per agency requirements. Maintains job-related certifications, e.g. Community Health Worker, Child Passenger Safety Technician, Positive Youth Development Trainer. CUSTOMER SERVICE and OTHER DUTIES (10%): Greets clients visiting the DSHS field office. Registers clients for services by completing client records. Answers the phone, routes calls, and takes messages. Assesses the needs of callers by talking to them about the services they need. Screens clients for eligibility for agency services. Schedules appointments for clinic services. Follows up on missed appointments. Actively participates or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. This can require an alternate shift or location. Safe operation of a state-owned, rental, or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business, and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS policy. Complies with the Department of State Health Services Immunization Policy. Performs other duties as assigned. Knowledge Skills Abilities: Knowledge of social, economic and public health issues Knowledge of public health laws and regulations Knowledge of public health and prevention practices and procedures Knowledge of community resources Knowledge of medical terminology Knowledge of basic teaching, learning, and behavior change theories Knowledge of cultural, social, economic, and public health forces in families and communities Knowledge of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Skill in developing and providing individual and group education or training Skill in the use of a personal computer including data entry, word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail and the Internet Skill in conducting community needs assessments Skill in time management and managing multiple projects or tasks Ability to interpret public health laws, procedures, and regulations Ability to solve problems, priotize, plan, and execute work Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, preferably in English and Spanish Ability to initiate and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with the public, local officials, health care professionals, and local agency personnel Ability to speak in public Ability to travel Ability to meet employee immunization requirements Ability to perform public health tasks Ability to maintain Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification Ability to meet the physical demands of the job functions Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements Ability to analyze and evaluate public health needs Ability to complete and track reports Registration or Licensure Requirements: Class C Texas Driver License or equivalent from another state Initial Selection Criteria: Experience working or volunteering in community serving positions. Experience providing individual and group education preferred. Prefer certification as a community health worker. Prefer ability to speak a foreign language present in a local community population, for example Spanish. Prefer applicants with a history in the geographical service region. Additional Information: In-basket activity to be completed as part of the interview process. Willing to attain and maintain Community Health Worker certification. Willing to attain and maintain Child Passenger Safety Technician certification. Must comply with the DSHS immunization policy. MOS Code: Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 68S, HM, 870, 4E0X1. 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. 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