Health Program Specialist II - Epidemiology Program, Surveillance Specialist

Job Summary

Under general direction, is responsible for performing complex publichealth work in one of several public health programs. Work involvesoverseeing, planning, and evaluating public health education programactivities and providing consultative services and technical assistanceto program staff, governmental agencies, and community organizations.The work is generally investigative, regulatory, educational, andconsultative in nature. May exercise functional supervision overassigned staff.

This position will work with the Epidemiology Program to enhance disease reporting, data quality, disease investigations and analysis. The Epidemiology Program investigates communicable diseases, such as waterborne, food borne, vaccine-preventable, and zoonotic.

The San Antonio Metro Health District (SAMHD) provides public health services to clients, which may include risk for exposure to and possible transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases. Employees in high-risk positions will be required to obtain relevant immunizations, perSAMHD Policy DM13.2. Review and consideration will be given to requests for exemption from this policy.

The San Antonio Metro Health District (SAMHD) is committed to advancing health equity throughout the community and to creating a work environment in which all staff feel valued, respected, and accepted. PerSAMHD Policy DM15.1, all employees are expected to apply a health equity lens to programs, services, and decision making that directly impact the communities we serve.

Work Location

City Tower, 100 W. Houston Street, 5th Floor (78205)

Work Hours

7:45 a.m.

• 4:30 p.m., Monday

• Friday; hours may vary based on operational needs and public health emergency response

Essential Job Functions

• Implements evidence-based prevention initiatives to help the community improve and maintain their health.

• Develops, coordinates, and presents public health educational activities and outreach for organizations and groups in the local community, to include the provision of educational materials and teaching aids.

• Conducts outreach and maintains relationships with community and partner organizations regarding health initiatives.

• Coordinates, plans, and monitors public health education activities; and develops goals and objectives for public health education programs.

• Collects, organizes, analyzes, and prepares materials in response to public health information and report requests.

• Interviews persons to determine demographic, medically relevant information and risk factor data.

• Counsels patients concerning risk reduction and behavior modification.

• Assists in collecting, organizing, analyzing, and preparing materials in response to public health information and report requests.

• Assists with data handling, database maintenance and reports for research studies, survey, and audits.

• Assists with developing and conducting quality assurance reviews for the program.

• Provides technical assistance to healthcare providers on public health issues.

• May supervise the work of personnel.

• Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with preferable coursework in a public health, health promotion, sciences, social sciences, or other related health field

• Two (2) years of experience as a Health Program Specialist I or other relevant public health experience

• Valid Class "C" Texas Driver's License.

• Any applicant selected for this position must have a background check completed with results satisfactory to the City of San Antonio and successfully complete the City of San Antonio's Cash-Handling Certification Training.

Preferred Qualification

• Bilingual (English & Spanish).

• Skill in utilizing a personal computer and associated software especially Microsoft Excel.

• Experience using SharePoint and Adobe Pro.

• Experience analyzing data.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Interpretation of laboratory results.

Applicant Information

• If selected for this position, official transcripts, diplomas, certifications and licenses must be submitted at the time of processing. Unofficial transcripts and copies of other relevant documents may be attached to the application for consideration in advance.

• Please be advised that if selected for this position, information regarding employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position will be needed for employment verification. Applicants claiming military service to meet the experience requirement for this position may attach a DD214 to the application.

• Unless otherwise stated, applicants are permitted to substitute two years of related full-time experience for one year of higher education or one year of related higher education for two years of experience in order to meet the minimum requirements of the job. One year of full-time experience is defined as 30 or more hours worked per week for 12 months. One year of higher education is defined as 30 credit hours completed at an accredited college or university.

• Applicants selected for employment with the City of San Antonio in this position must receive satisfactory results from pre-employment drug testing and background checks. If required for the position, a physical, motor vehicle record evaluation, and additional background checks may be conducted.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of current public health programs, practices, and procedures

• Knowledge of public health laws and regulations

• Knowledge of counseling and interviewing techniques

• Skill in utilizing a personal computer and associated software

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively

• Ability to interpret public health laws and regulations

• Ability to organize and prioritize work

• Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals

• Ability to document clearly and concisely pertinent information

• Ability to work with individuals of diverse backgrounds

• Ability to deliver formal presentations to small and large groups

• Ability to comply with all OSHA regulations and current immunization policies

• Ability to train and/or supervise personnel

• Ability to perform all the essential functions of the position, with or without accommodations

• Ability to work in an inside environment and out in the field