SENIOR PUBLIC HEALTH INVESTIGATOR - Service Linkage (SL)

Applications Accepted From:  All Persons Interested

Division: PHB - HIV/STD/Viral 
Section: HIV/STD & Viral Hepatitis Prevention
Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday 8-5*
*Subject to change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 
The Houston Health Department (HHD) seeks a Senior Public Health Investigators- Service Linkage (SL) in the Bureau of HIV/STD & Viral Hepatitis Prevention.

Job duties and responsibility of this position include the following:  

• Performs investigations to locate patients who have or are suspected of having a communicable disease and motivates them to seek appropriate treatment and follow-up.
• Conducts confidential phone and/or face-to-face interviews of patients diagnosed with or suspected of having communicable diseases.
• Conducts patient intake to ensure that all required documentation is presented and signed by both Sr. PHI and patients.
• Assess clients’ needs appropriately to ensure that clients are linked to HIV/ Hep C primary care and or ancillary services within the guidelines of program standards.
• Presents HIV/STD and Hep C diseases education and information to patients.
• Ensures that all patient case files are properly maintained, documented, supervised, transferred, and closed according to established standards.
• Maintains implementation of program standards of care procedures regarding accuracy and efficiency.
• Build a rapport with key staff at provider clinics and community-based organizations.
• DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS CON’T
• Ensures that patients are provided with transportation to provider and ancillary services appointments as deemed necessary.
• Attends trainings relating to all services provided by Service Linkage Program.
• Attends Community engagement events when deemed necessary.
• Observes all safety regulations.

WORKING CONDITIONS     
The position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e. essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions.

PHYSICAL SKILL: Requires the ability to make coordinated gross motor movements in response to changing external stimuli within moderately demanding tolerances; or the ability to make coordinating eye/hand movements on a patterned response space within low tolerance demands with no real speed requirements. Field activity is required. Being able to get in and out of your vehicle many times a day is necessary. Able to work in varies temperatures while in the field.EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, Public Health or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
One (1) year of experience in the public health field is required.

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. **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 work untraditional hours (after 5pm) and flex-time if needed. Exceptional organizational skills, strong ability to prioritize tasks and duties, possess critical thinking skills with the ability to multi-task, excellent written and oral communication skills, Great interpersonal skills with the ability to interface and work with all facets of the organization. Also, proven experience with Micro-Soft Office products, excel, etc. 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 GRANT FUNDED 
Grants & Special funded positions are dependent upon continued available funds. If funding is no longer available, employee may be laid off or transferred. 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 16

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov. 
 
To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-395-8831.
 
If you need special services or accommodations, 832-395-8831 (TTY 7-1-1).
 
If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
 
Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
 
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.
 
EEO Equal Employment Opportunity
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

 

Salary : $19 - $35