Public Health Technician, (B257410-1), 206, Detoxification

Under the direction of the Detoxification Department (The ROOTS), is responsible for the development implementation, coordination, and maintenance of Comprehensive Quality Management (CQM) program that complies with standards of are as dictated by funders. Will identify core performance measures that are most critical to the care and treatment of people living with mental health and Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Will be responsible for conducting and reviewing client satisfaction surveys and report any unusual or recurring patient care issues that arise from the survey results. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. 

• Ensures that all quality management activities operate consistently and ethically within the mission and values of the organization.
• Monitors patient activities for health and safety and for compliance with program activities.
• Redirects patients to the policies of the facility.
• Conducts safety checks on all patients throughout the shift and reports any abnormalities immediately.
• Participates in the admission process and completes required paperwork.
• Completes patient assessments and analysis as required.
• Obtains and enters biometrics on all patients and documents the results in electronic medical records and reports any concerns or abnormalities to the medical staff.
• Conducts searches as needed on personal belongings, rooms, and vehicles.
• Administers testing for drug, alcohol, and tobacco usage.
• Communicates significant events or information to the Treatment Team, documents critical information in patient records, and completes Accident/Incident Reports as needed.
• Provides transportation services for patients with off campus pre-approved appointments.
• Checks in visitors as needed and monitors visitation, per policy.
• Checks patients in and out who have been approved for passes and therapeutic leave.
• Attends and participates in shift change meetings, required staff training, patient groups, and unit meetings.
• Responds to emergency situations per protocol.
• Leads the performance management process that measures and evaluates progress against goals for the organization.
• Identifies core performance measures that are most critical to the care and treatment of people living with mental health and substance use disorder (SUD).
• Assess the extent to which mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) health services provided to clients under the grant are consistent with the most recent Public Health service guidelines for the treatment mental health and substance use disorders disease and related opportunistic infections; and develop strategies for ensuring that such services are consistent with the guidelines for improvement in the access to and quality of mental health and substance use disorder services.
• Work in the involvement of consumers being served to help ensure that the needs of people living with mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) are being addressed by Comprehensive Management Program (CQM) activities.
• Work directly with consumers on Quality Improvement (QI) activities by involving them in the CQM program and using consumer input and feedback to drive improvement efforts.
• Evaluates and conducts assessments using standardized tools.
• Evaluates information obtained from clients' interviews to identify needs and barriers.
• Composes narrative reports summarizing monthly activities; ensures the accuracy, completeness and timelines of the same.
• Monitors and reviews clients' charts for proper documentation on file.
• Develop meeting agendas and facilitate meetings and advise and assure that quality improvement ideas are carried out and evaluated.
• Educates on quality management best practices SAMHSA Performance Measures.
• Educates and trains staff as to the quality improvement plan and their respective responsibilities in carrying out the quality improvement program.
• Develops targeted innovations to reduce disparities in care for target populations.
• Maintains current and accurate records of all relevant communications, audits, corrective action plans, and effectiveness monitoring.
• Analyzes client, staff and stakeholder survey data and identifies plans for quality improvement as well as review patient experience and incident reports, patient complaints and grievances and report on trends.
• Assists with identifying and developing future goals and activities for the QI program and participates in decisions on priorities and activities.
• Evaluates the impact of QI initiatives on client health outcomes.
• Evaluates their CQM program on an annual basis to assess the program's effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Maintains confidentiality in strict as per City of Laredo Detoxification Department's policies and procedures.
• Must follow telephone etiquette at all times in telephone communications.
• Performs related work as required.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of mental health SUD, drug testing and health education available.
• Knowledge of SUD prevention and wellness strategies.
• Knowledge of mental health and SUD and community resources available and of proper health care delivery system.
• Knowledge of social and cultural behavior according to social-economic status, traditions and customs.
• Knowledge of community organizations communication and local culture.
• Knowledge of educational and outreach tools.
• Knowledge of conferences, workshops and seminar development trainings.
• Knowledge and understanding of the policies and procedures of the department to facilitate services to people of diverse backgrounds and to those living with mental health and SUD.
• Knowledge of modern office procedures and methods including computers and applicable software.
• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of basic mental health principles, terminology, diagnosis and treatment.
• Knowledge of the basic mental health and behavioral principles, terminology, diagnosis and treatment.
• Knowledge of procedure manuals for emergency preparedness.

Skills and Abilities:

• Skills in problem solving, leadership, conflict management and team building to ensure a productive work environment and achievement of goals. 
• Skill in organization and time management. 
• Skill in performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature.
• Ability to develop, produce, and disseminate news media for education, press releases, and press conferences.
• Ability to supervise other public program staff, manage health education, and wellness and socially oriented programs.
• Ability to meet schedules and deadlines of the work.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.
• Ability to conduct investigations. 
• Ability to interpret general lab data.
• Ability to analyze and coordinate on use of epidemiological data.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
• Ability to speak before various groups and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees and respond to general public complaints. 
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.
• Ability to perform essential functions.
• Ability to perform other duties as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements Position will have the following exposures

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment Locations Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments
 
 Never

• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Construction site
• Confined space 
• Warehouse environment

Seldom

• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Construction site
• Confined space
• Warehouse environment

Sometimes

• Outdoor environment
• Vehicles

 
Frequently

• Office or similar indoor environment

Often

• Office or similar indoor environment

Exposures Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements
 
Never

• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Loud noises (85 decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Seldom

• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Loud noises (85 decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Sometimes

• Communicable diseases

 
Frequently

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Individuals with known violent backgrounds

Often

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Individuals with known violent backgrounds

Travel Position will require the employee to travel
 
Never:

• Regional travel
• National travel

 
Seldom:

• Regional travel
• National travel

 
Sometimes:

• Local travel

• Associate's degree or 60 completed college hours from an accredited* college or university in Public Health or related field.
• At least one (1) year of experience in healthcare or health related experience

*Council of Higher Education Accreditation (C.H.E.A.)   

Proof of TB Test/Screening will be required to be presented prior to employment.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

 

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.

Salary : $20