HIV/STD support specialist

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Brief Job Description

Under the supervision of the HIV/STD Manager, this public health position participates in HIV/STD data entry as well as conducts administrative assistant activities for the PHR 7 HIV/STD Program. This position enters data on HIV/STD notifiable conditions such as HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, etc. in programmatic and state databases. Performs administrative support functions such as faxing laboratory reports, entering requisitions into the DSHS financial system, schedules meetings and interviews for vacant HIV/STD positions at the request of the HIV/STD manager, and assists staff with travel for the HIV/STD program. Participates in HIV/STD program activities, meetings, and documentation. Works under moderate supervision with some latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential job functions

40% Enter data on notifiable disease conditions (e.g. HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, etc.) in programmatic and state databases (THISIS, NEDSS, CMIS, etc.) Responsible for receiving, triaging and recording incoming confidential notifiable disease condition reports as well as entering lab report information into the TB, HIV, & STD Integrated System (THISIS) database or other surveillance systems. Maintain confidential records in accordance with DSHS record retention policies.

40% Performs administrative support functions for the HIV/STD program. Administrative support functions includes knowledge and understanding of state purchasing, purchasing supplies and entering requisitions, budget tracking, reviewing and entering and assisting staff with travel, answering phones, faxing laboratory reports to Region 7 public health partners, distributes laboratory report to program staff, scheduling meetings, and scheduling job interviews for vacant HIV/STD positions, as needed. Maintain and update inventory of program supplies. The person in this position will have limited responsibility for making independent decisions. The employee should follow program and regional protocols and seek guidance from the supervisor when encountering a situation not covered in protocol. Maintain region 7 healthcare providers email/mailing distribution list to provide HIV/STD program training opportunities. Maintain and update inventory of program supplies. Direct callers to the proper HIV/STD staff or online resources related to questions for treatment and other HIV/STD guidance.

15% Participates in HIV/STD projects, planning, activities, meetings, and documentation. Assists with organizing training materials and coordinating schedules for regional program trainings. Follow up with attendees of trainings put on by the HIV/STD staff via email or survey to ensure clarity of the information provided and enhance future trainings. Assists with creating and distributing materials for trainings, presentations, and educational materials for program manager to distribute to regional staff and local providers. Provide feedback to the supervisor related to the implementation of public health guidelines, protocols and plans related to HIV/STD and/or data entry activities. Serves as a resource for public health awareness by Creating informational pamphlets, handouts and presentations for the supervisor to use for creating awareness for public health initiatives related to HIV/STDs. Assist the supervisor with planning and tracking HIV/STD training opportunities related to guidance and treatment for providers, infection preventionist and local health departments. Develops and maintains knowledge and skills in public health (specifically HIV/STD). Assists and distributes preparation of materials for trainings, presentations, and educational materials. Communicates both verbally and in writing with other team members on a daily basis by email MS Teams chat and phone. Communicates with providers, local health departments and possibly the general public via phone. Provide data to be used for assisting in provider education. Assist supervisor in gathering information and data related to requests made by regional leadership or other stakeholders inside or outside the agency.

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 and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of Public Health.

Knowledge of transmission and control of HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

Skill in data entry.

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, school 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.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver's license or equivalent from another state.

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Experience with MS Excel or similar spreadsheets

• An Associates’ or Bachelor’s degree in public health, biology, social science or related field is preferred.

• Experience in data management and purchasing is preferred.

• Willing to travel at least 10%.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 form