Public Health 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.

About the role

Under the direct supervision of the Texas Health Steps (THS) Program Supervisor and general oversight of the Specialized Health & Social Services (SHSS) Program Manager, this position performs routine to moderately complex public health program duties in support of THS and SHSS initiatives. Provides assistance and technical support to program staff, community organizations, and the public regarding established program policies and procedures. Supports daily program operations for assigned areas, including monitoring workload activities and reviewing case documentation to promote compliance with program policies and procedures. Assists with planning and implementing program activities and coordinates resources for assigned sub-offices and program areas.

Travel is required up to 60% of the time. Collaborates with public health staff during regional or statewide events and participates in Public Health Emergency Response and Continuity of Operations (COOP) activities as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Provider Client Services (30%)
  • Provides education and updates to retain existing and new medical, dental, and case management providers.
  • Conducts education activities for community stakeholders regarding THS and Medicaid Services.
  • Assists providers with issues or refers them to THS Provider representatives to enhance provider knowledge of program policy, requirements, and procedures.
  • May assist medical and dental providers in resolving client-related problems with community resources for referrals.
  • Maintains case files and active/assigned case management cases.
  • Makes calls to clients and provides appropriate referrals as needed.
  • Conducts Needs Assessments on assigned case management cases and completes mini assessments as needed.
  • Conducts follow-up visits with families to determine if services have been rendered or are still needed.
  • Links and directs clients receiving case management to community resources as needed.
• Program Support (25%)
  • Assists with compiling, analyzing, and reporting THS activities to meet regional program goals and objectives.
  • Assists with marketing activities for events that offer THS education and training.
  • May assist providers with consumer complaints and corrective action plans with guidance from THS Provider Reps.
  • Ensures provider information is updated annually in the appropriate database.
• Community Outreach (25%)
  • Participates in community activities for the promotion and marketing of THS/SHSS programs.
  • Contacts potential medical, dental, or CPW providers to explain the THS program.
  • Works collaboratively with public health partners to develop strategies to increase the number of THS providers and retain current providers.
  • Attends and participates in regional and statewide THS meetings for program planning.
  • Attends trainings and seminars to obtain and further knowledge about community resources.
  • Provides presentations and information to stakeholders and community members as needed.
  • Assists with developing, creating, and facilitating program conferences as directed.
• Reporting (15%)
  • Responsible for reporting Texas Health Steps (THS) activities to meet regional program goals and objectives.
  • Documents all case management activities in TWICES or the appropriate database.
  • Maintains THS provider database and contacts for mailing lists.
  • Ensures all case-related and community activities are properly documented in the appropriate database.
  • Maintains logs for community events through Client Services.
• Adherence to Policy & Other Duties as Assigned (5%)
  • Actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.
  • Performs other duties as assigned, including programmatic processes for upcoming events and conferences.
  • Completes program tasks as needed.
  • Maintains an acceptable driving record, a valid Class C Texas driver's license, and professional license.
  • Reports time, labor, and travel information in a timely manner.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in human services, public health, education, social work, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state.
• Must obtain a Community Health Worker certification within the first year of employment.

Qualifications

• Experience in assisting client services, case management, or human services (2 years preferred).
• Experience working with community resources, healthcare providers, or community partners (2 years preferred).
• Experience conducting community outreach, education, presentations, or trainings (2 years preferred).
• Experience with program support, case documentation, data collection, and reporting (2 years preferred).
• Experience using Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, databases, and electronic documentation systems.

Skills

• Knowledge of case management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of children’s programs, such as Medicaid, CSHCN, and Case Management for Children.
• Knowledge of quality assurance and technical assistance policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of community resources on local, state, and national levels.
• Knowledge of cultural and socioeconomic issues related to health and disabilities.
• Skill in using computer software programs (MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Outlook).
• Skill in compiling reports (monthly, travel, time activity).
• Skill in conducting in-home family needs assessments and developing service plans.
• Skill in providing presentations and trainings.
• Skill in conflict resolution, mediation, and problem-solving.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member in an interdisciplinary setting.
• Ability to interpret and apply program policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to plan work in an orderly manner to manage caseloads and meet deadlines.
• Ability to provide training and technical assistance to professionals.
• Ability to speak and write effectively and address audiences professionally.
• Ability to provide own transportation to conduct work duties.
• Ability to work under minimum supervision with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.
• Ability to follow DSHS policies and procedures and adhere to DSHS Standards of Conduct and Work Rules.

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).

Pay

Salary range: $3,581.33 - $4,476.83 per month.

Schedule

• Full-time, regular position.
• Day shift.
• Non-exempt (FLSA).