PUBLIC HEALTH INVESTIGATOR SPECIALIST

Position Overview

Applications Accepted From: All Persons Interested

Division: Public Health Services

Section: Bureau of Tuberculosis Control

Location: 8000 N. Stadium Dr., Houston, TX 77054

Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday / Flexible* Subject to change

Description Of Duties/Essential Functions

• Performs disease intervention activities relating to the control of communicable disease among residents of the city.
• Leads, coordinates, and facilitates comprehensive quality administration of QuantiFERON Gold Test (QFT) in congregate settings and other appropriate venues.
• Collects specimen for Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) and refers clients for 3HP regimen.
• Interviews and re-interviews all new reported tuberculosis (TB) cases/suspects to identify contacts with emphasis on high priority contacts (children less than 5 years old and immunosuppressed).
• Makes field visits for contact investigation follow up including administering QFT/TB skin test according to guidelines.
• Schedules appointments for contacts needing MD evaluation.
• Delivers and supervises patients taking medication for the treatment of TB and TB Infection (TBI), including sputum collection and visual acuity according to guidelines.
• Immediately documents doses delivered and supervised after each field visit, toxicity checks, sputum collection forms, control order forms, mileage reports, itineraries, and all pertinent information correctly in the field records.
• Reports problems immediately by telephone and follows up with supervisor.
• Communicates with providers to facilitate and expedite TB patient care.
• Schedules clinic appointments, obtains medical evaluation results, and follows up with providers as needed.
• Meets with supervisor for patient case conferences.
• Assists Public Health Investigator (PHI) Supervisor in the training of new PHI and other personnel involved in disease intervention activities relating to the Communicable Disease Control Program.
• Assists PHI Supervisor in managing uncooperative patients.
• Accepts special assignments to provide services to community and governmental agencies, including the Harris County Jail system.
• Participates in the Department's and/or Bureau's Initiatives as activated or assigned to promote public health (AIM, Project Saving Smiles, Project One Sight, HIP-HOP, etc.).

Physical Effort

The position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc.

Work Environment

There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions.

Minimum Requirements

Educational Requirements: Requires a Bachelor's degree in Social Science, Physical Science, Public Health or a closely related field.

Experience Requirements: Three years of experience in the public health field are required.

Substitution: Pertinent professional experience in the public health field may be substituted for the above educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.

License Requirements: Requires a valid Texas driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston's policy on driving.

Preferences

Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.

• Able to draw blood utilizing standard phlebotomy practices.
• Willing to travel using own personal vehicle and receive reimbursement.
• Have experience building and developing collaborative relationships within all levels of the organization, clients and community partners.

General Information

Selection/Skills Tests Required: None. However, the Department may administer a skills assessment test.

Safety Impact Position: YES. If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if candidate is promoted into this position, he/she must pass an assigned drug test.

Salary Information

General Funded Position. Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification. Pay Grade 20.

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