Community Health Specialist

Job Description:
Under supervision of the Community Health Improvement manager or supervisor and team leadership of the field office nurse, the Public Health and Prevention Specialist I performs routine public health and prevention work for assigned counties in Public Health Region 8. The PHPS I 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 PHPS I 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, community referrals, customer service, community assessment, and other duties. The PHPS I 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:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
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

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