Public Health Technician, (A267410-6), 206, Detoxification

About the role

Under the direction of the Detoxification Department (The ROOTS), this position is responsible for the development, implementation, coordination, and maintenance of a Comprehensive Quality Management (CQM) program that complies with funder standards. The role identifies core performance measures critical to the care and treatment of people living with mental health and Substance Use Disorder (SUD), and conducts and reviews client satisfaction surveys, reporting any unusual or recurring patient care issues that arise from survey results.

Essential duties & responsibilities

• 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, documents results in electronic medical records, and reports concerns or abnormalities to 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
• Assesses the extent to which mental health and SUD health services provided to clients under the grant are consistent with the most recent Public Health service guidelines, and develops strategies for ensuring such services are consistent with guidelines for improvement in access to and quality of mental health and SUD services
• Works to involve consumers being served to help ensure their needs are addressed by CQM activities
• Works directly with consumers on Quality Improvement 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 accuracy, completeness, and timeliness
• Monitors and reviews clients' charts for proper documentation on file
• Develops meeting agendas and facilitates meetings; advises and assures that quality improvement ideas are carried out and evaluated
• Educates on quality management best practices and SAMHSA Performance Measures
• Educates and trains staff on the quality improvement plan and their respective responsibilities in carrying it out
• 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; reviews patient experience and incident reports, patient complaints and grievances, and reports 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 the CQM program on an annual basis to assess effectiveness and identify areas for improvement
• Maintains confidentiality in strict accordance with City of Laredo Detoxification Department's policies and procedures
• Follows telephone etiquette at all times in telephone communications
• Performs related work as required

Qualifications

Education: Associate's degree or 60 completed college hours from an accredited institution in Public Health or related field.

Experience: At least one (1) year of experience in healthcare or health-related experience.

Licenses and 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.

Additional requirements: Proof of TB Test/Screening required prior to employment. Thorough background check and certified school transcripts required for all applicants offered employment. Drug and alcohol test required prior to employment (effective February 24, 1997). Persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• 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 socio-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 policies and procedures of the department to facilitate services to people of diverse backgrounds and 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 basic mental health and behavioral principles, terminology, diagnosis, and treatment
• Knowledge of procedure manuals for emergency preparedness
• 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 confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
• Ability to conduct investigations
• Ability to interpret general lab data
• Ability to analyze and coordinate 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 full performance of duties
• Ability to perform essential functions
• Ability to perform other duties as assigned

Work environment and physical demands

Physical effort: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount 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; walking and standing are required only occasionally.

Work environment locations: Office or similar indoor environment (frequently). Street environment, construction site, confined space, and warehouse environment (never). Outdoor environment and vehicles (sometimes).

Exposures: Extreme cold, extreme heat, moving mechanical parts, fumes/airborne particles, toxic/caustic substances, and loud noises (never). Communicable diseases (sometimes). Individuals who are hostile/irate and individuals with known violent backgrounds (frequently).

Travel: Local travel (sometimes). Regional and national travel (never).