Preparedness & Epidemiology Support Specialist

Job Description

Step into your public health career as the Preparedness & Epidemiology Program Support Specialist on the Public Health Region 7 Preparedness & Epidemiology Team. This position provides routine administrative functions and professional assistance in support of the Preparedness & Epidemiology program. This position assists with budgeting, purchasing, and tracking of supplies/equipment. This position collects and enters data on notifiable conditions into databases and coordinates data sharing as appropriate. This position participates in public health preparedness and response activities. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Public Health Region 7 is comprised of 30 counties in central Texas, is situated along the I-35 corridor between Hillsboro and San Marcos, and stretches from San Saba in the west to Madison County in the east. It is home to the capital of Texas, major universities, teaching hospitals, and numerous state parks and other outdoor adventure opportunities.

Essential Job Functions

35% Performs administrative support functions for Public Health Preparedness & Epidemiology program. Answers and triages program phone calls. Assists with preparation and tracking of program budgets. Tracks and evaluates program expenditure data and makes recommendations to ensure appropriate use of funds. Monitors purchases of supplies and equipment. Completes purchase requisitions. Creates, assists, and approves travel vouchers for program staff. Verifies travel funding codes and availability. Develops administrative processes and flowcharts for program. May compose and/or edit correspondence, reports, forms, and documents. Prepares reports upon request. Assists with and participates in program activities and/or trainings. Gathers necessary supplies and equipment to support trainings, exercises, and responses.

25% Enters data on notifiable conditions in programmatic and state databases. Receives, triages, and records incoming confidential notifiable condition reports. Maintains and retains confidential records in accordance with DSHS record retention policies. May assist with notifiable condition investigations or outbreaks. Contacts physicians, hospitals and laboratories to obtain necessary or missing information. Reviews medical, laboratory, and other records. May interview case patients. Communicates with team members, regional staff, state staff, local health department staff, healthcare professionals, and other partners to ensure efficient and complete notifiable condition reporting.

25% Participates in public health preparedness projects, planning, activities, meetings, and documentation. Records and retains meeting notes in accordance with record retention policies. Contributes to the development, writing, interpretation, and implementation of public health preparedness guidelines, protocols, and plans. Develops and maintains knowledge and skills in public health preparedness. Appropriately documents activities supporting public health preparedness. Coordinates data sharing with local officials in collaboration with other program staff.

10% May respond to a Public Health emergency, including a bioterrorism event, disease outbreak or disaster anywhere in state. Assumes an active role in the regional incident command structure during public health emergencies and/or exercises. Works with PHR7 emergency management personnel, and city, county, state and federal officials on coordination and information sharing during an incident.

5% Performs other duties as assigned to include but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery and/or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment, work other than normal business hours and/or an alternate work location.

Knowledge Skills Abilities

Knowledge of Public Health.

Knowledge of transmission and control of infectious diseases.

Knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory tests.

Knowledge of public health preparedness and emergency response in Texas.

Skill in data entry.

Skill in budget tracking using spreadsheets.

Skill in writing and editing.

Skill in preparing and presenting complex oral and written information and training to a variety of audiences in a clear, effective manner.

Skill in problem solving.

Skill and experience in working with computer applications (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, Excel, Access).

Ability to establish and maintain relationships with public and private providers, local officials, stakeholders, and other community groups.

Ability to explain complex information at an appropriate level for individuals and groups.

Ability to understand, interpret, and implement policies and procedures.

Ability function independently, problem solve, and exercise professional judgment.

Ability to work on a team.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines.

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Registration Or Licensure Requirements

Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license, or equivalent license from another state.

Initial Selection Criteria

Experience using MS Excel or other spreadsheets

An Associate or Bachelor degree in public health, biology, social science, business, or related field preferred

Experience In Data Entry And Purchasing Preferred

Experience in public health preferred

Willing to travel at least 10% and to work hours other than 8-5 M-F

Well written application

Additional Information

This position requires some local area travel usually during normal business hours and may have opportunities for overnight travel to trainings, exercises, or conferences.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. All fields on the application must be filled-in completely. Applicants must provide information relevant to the required and preferred experience for this position in the Special Training/Skills/Qualifications or Employment History sections of the application.

Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

This a grant funded position.

Compliance with DSHS Immunization Policy required.

Applicants selected for interview will be required to complete a proficiency/skills assessment at the time of the interview (e.g. Excel or writing).

MOS Code

68S, HM, 870, 4E0X1

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

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