Publ Hlth and Prevent Spcl II

Job Description:
Under the supervision of the Preparedness and Response Manager, the Public Health and Prevention Specialist II provides highly responsible program support to the Epidemiology Response Team (ERT). This position conducts disease surveillance activities which includes, but not limited to:
The collection, documentation and distribution of communicable disease reports in Public Health Region 1.
Coordination and assurance of timely, accurate notifiable condition reporting in the region.
Reporting notifiable conditions within expected time frames to DSHS Austin via the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS).
Assisting in response to verbal and written requests for epidemiologic data.
Maintaining of all ERT logs and databases and files.
Maintaining access and availability of surveillance and case investigations forms.
Assisting with the development and maintenance of fact sheets and brochures regarding notifiable conditions and public health emergency preparedness and epidemiology response
Assisting in regional preparedness planning, training, and exercises.
Serves as a member of the ERT and may respond to a bioterrorism event or large disease outbreak anywhere in the state.
Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. 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-, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Must comply with DSHS Immunization Policy.

(60%) Notifiable Condition Reporting. Responsible for receiving, logging, assigning, filing of all notifiable condition reports from jurisdictions within Public Health Region 1. Reviews incoming disease reports to ensure accuracy and completeness and contacts submitters to obtain missing information. Works with local health departments and healthcare professionals to ensure accurate and timely reporting. Maintains all ERT files and submits pertinent surveillance forms to DSHS Austin. Enters notifiable condition case investigations into the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS). Responds to written and verbal requests for epidemiological data and/or reports. Responds to written and verbal requests for disease reporting and programmatic response information. Maintains epidemiology response contact database for region. Serves as subject matter expert for record retention and destruction.

(15%) Influenza Surveillance – Coordinates Influenza Surveillance in PHR 1’s jurisdiction. Recruits/corresponds with health care facilities serving as sentinel influenza surveillance sites. Receives weekly sentinel site reports. Enters, aggregates, and reports influenza surveillance data. Generates and submits weekly PHR 1 influenza surveillance report to DSHS, Austin. Orders/maintains influenza specimen collection supplies for Laboratory Influenza Surveillance. Assists the LRN/DSHS laboratories in recruiting clinical laboratories in the region to participate in laboratory influenza surveillance. Assists DSHS Austin in identifying healthcare clinics to participate in the CDC’s outpatient influenza-like-illness (ILI) reporting System, ILINet.

(10%) Serves as a member of the Epidemiological Response Team (ERT) and may respond to a natural or manmade disaster/event or large disease outbreak anywhere in the state. As a component of disease investigations, may be required to package/ship clinical specimens. May assist with disease investigations to include interviewing patients, reviewing medical, laboratory and other records from hospitals and physicians. Obtaining patient consent and arranging for specimen collection and submission when needed. Assists in developing effective relationships and networks of communication to promote teamwork and collaboration in implementing programmatic response activities

10%) Assists with disease surveillance and public health preparedness training. Prepares presentations and creates fact sheets and/or brochures utilizing PowerPoint, Microsoft Publisher, and/or other appropriate programs. Utilizes the internet for research and information and email for distribution of training information.

(5%) Marginal Functions - Duties may include but are not limited to: Assisting with development/distribution of a ERT program newsletter. 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:
Skill in using Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Publisher, Outlook

Skill in accurate data entry and maintaining databases

Skill in maintaining/filing patient records

Skill in creating/ editing/proofreading documents

Skill in using computer software to create, manage, or analyze databases

Skill in communicating effectively verbally and in writing

Skill in problem solving

Skill in maintaining paper and electronic filing systems

Knowledge of state/federal regulations regarding patient confidentiality

Knowledge of basic medical terminology

Ability to organize and prioritize workload and meet deadlines while working on multiple projects at the same time

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with managers, co-workers, the public and professional groups

---