Publ Hlth and Prevent Spcl V

Job Description:
Under direction of the Prevention Unit, provides highly advanced, senior-level consultative services and technical assistance as the DSHS viral hepatitis prevention coordinator. Oversees implementation and maintenance of viral hepatitis prevention efforts by identifying ways to integrate viral hepatitis prevention, vaccination, testing, and linkage to care into existing public health, clinical care, and community settings. Responsible for developing a DSHS viral hepatitis prevention plan as well as legislatively-mandated plans, including working with branch staff to solicit input from the public, including experts on Hepatitis, on the tenets of the plan. Develops, adapts, and disseminates information on viral hepatitis and best practices for integration of hepatitis prevention activities into healthcare settings. Identifies opportunities to promote the integration of viral hepatitis prevention and provides assistance in designing and evaluating efforts. Provides technical assistance to program staff, governmental agencies, local public health departments, community organizations, and health care professionals. Works with department staff to prepare grant applications and reports. As Hepatitis Prevention Coordinator, collaborates with surveillance epidemiologists to develop and implement mechanisms to routinely identify and report viral hepatitis cases. In addition, this position develops and coordinates training, orientations, and workshops to standardize and build capacity for Hepatitis prevention and surveillance across Texas. Works under the HIV/STD Prevention Unit Director with minimal supervision, with extensive 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.

(25%) Oversees implementation and maintenance of viral hepatitis prevention efforts by identifying ways to integrate viral hepatitis prevention, vaccination, testing, and linkage to care into existing public health, clinical care, and community settings. Works to develop recommendations for structural interventions and demonstration projects that would enhance the integration of viral hepatitis prevention and treatment services. Presents recommendations to the Unit Director, along with feasibility analysis and resource needs. Oversees the development and implementation of evaluations of hepatitis integration efforts, including client-level programs. Prepares studies and analyses of operations and problems and the preparation of reports of findings and recommendations. Determines statewide trends and resolves operational problems.

(25%) Hepatitis surveillance Capacity Building: Collaborates with surveillance epidemiologists to develop a mechanism for routine identification, notification, and reporting of acute viral hepatitis cases. Establishes metrics for completeness, timeliness, and accuracy, in accordance with national standards. Develops strategies to monitor timely and complete reporting. Updates site and providers on surveillance case definitions, testing algorithms, reporting rules, etc. Educates and strategizes methods to facilitate provider reporting of hepatitis data. Identifies, designs, and conducts Hepatitis surveillance training. Coordinates calls and workgroups to build a culture of knowledge transfer between the central office and surveillance sites.

(15%) Hepatitis surveillance Technical Assistance: Provides guidance to health department staff on hepatitis surveillance and reporting objectives. Responds to technical questions by working closely with Surveillance epidemiologists. Develops policies, procedures, and tools to facilitate Hepatitis reporting in Texas. Reviews and modifies Hepatitis surveillance contracts annually. Participates in workgroups, strategic planning activities, and policy development around Hepatitis surveillance activities.

(15%) Prepares annual federal grant application and semi-annual project reports. Contributes to annual legislative report and legislative bill analyses. Collects, organizes, analyzes, and prepares materials in response to requests for information and reports. Leads the development and annual updating of a statewide resource inventory for hepatitis prevention and treatment services.

(15%) Works with and speaks to community and professional groups to coordinate, improve, and stimulate interest in the program and to secure support for local programs. Consults with public and private agencies involved in the program to resolve problems, identify training needs, and discuss program effectiveness. At the department level, acts as subject matter expert on viral hepatitis and researches best practices for integrating viral hepatitis prevention and treatment into primary health, substance abuse treatment, STD, TB, HIV prevention and services, and family planning settings/programs.

(5%) In the event of a regional or state-wide disaster, all staff will participate, assist, and support all regional and/or state-wide disaster relief efforts. Responds to and supports regional/statewide disaster relief efforts. Performs related duties as assigned by team lead or supervisor.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to public health and consumer protection; of public administration and management techniques; of social, economic, and public health issues; and of medical terminology.
Knowledge of the principles and practice of public health and disease prevention and control.
Knowledge of project management, program planning, and implementation strategies.
Knowledge of DSHS policies, procedures and operational structure.
Knowledge of public health practices.
Knowledge of state and federal rules/regulations governing the reporting, prevention, treatment and control of viral hepatitis.
Knowledge of disease surveillance and methods for evaluating surveillance system.
Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control methods for data reporting.
Knowledge of facilitation, liaison and advocacy techniques or practices.
Knowledge of basic statistical concepts, methods, and applications to research analysis.

Experience conducting evaluations and providing feedback and guidance.
Experience developing and evaluating policy and procedures.
Experience working with healthcare professionals and contractors.
Skilled in relating to the public.
Skilled in using computer applications (Microsoft Office, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, Adobe, web browsers).
Skilled in writing policies, procedures, rules, reports, manuals and other and technical documents.
Skilled in researching, analyzing, and interpreting research and legislation.
Skilled in group facilitation.
Skilled in consensus building.
Skilled in verbal and written communication.
Skilled in public speaking and presentation.

Ability to interpret public health laws and regulations; to analyze and evaluate public health needs; to develop and evaluate policies and procedures; to prepare reports; to communicate effectively; and to supervise the work of others.
Ability to analyze complex processes and suggest improvements.
Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
Ability to prepare reports, fact sheets, and presentations to support program planning and implementation of surveillance initiatives.
Ability to train and provide technical assistance to improve the quality of data collection and data entry.
Able to work with opposing groups to build consensus and achieve goals and objectives.
Able to prioritize and maintain multiple projects.
Able to develop new strategies, procedures, or systems.
Able to maintain effective working relationships.
Able to evaluate situations, identify problems, formulate solutions, and make recommendations.
Able to manage the workload of the position and attend work regularly.

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