Information Specialist IV

Information Specialist IV

Works under general direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs highly advanced informational and health assessment work. Plans, develops, and evaluates materials and website content for communities, local officials, and health professionals about exposure to chemicals and other related issues. Is responsible for the accuracy, consistency, effectiveness, and distribution for all materials and web content produced. Coordinates community involvement activities and produce materials. Plans, organizes, conducts, reviews, and assists in the preparation of health assessments and exposure investigations related to present or potential state and federal superfund sites or sites with community environmental health concerns. Gives presentations at community meetings and talks to members of the media. Edits articles and publications of others. Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Creates community profiles and communication plans for program activities. Explains findings of program health assessments, investigations, and other documents to community members, health professionals, state and local officials, and other stakeholders. Develops and disseminates site specific reports and fact sheets regarding chemicals or hazards of concern and their potential health effects. Edits articles and publications of other staff members. Translates technical language into a style and vocabulary level appropriate for the target audiences. Coordinates program informational activities. Works with other state and federal agencies (EPA, CDC, ATSDR, TCEQ) at sites to perform community involvement activities and develop site specific educational materials. Attends community meetings and public availability sessions to present and discuss information and respond to questions concerning various aspects of public health risk assessments. These may include public presentations, poster presentations, website content, or other materials created for distribution to the public. (20%)

Creates educational materials and website content. Determines the target audience, the message, and the overall goal for each material. Determines appropriate plans for distribution and/or display of material to target audience. Develops appropriate evaluation tools to determine the effectiveness of communication activities. Is responsible for the accuracy, consistency, effectiveness, and distribution for informational and web site materials produced. Responsible for posting new and updated materials to Branch web site, and for assuring that web site meets all DSHS website standards. Coordinates with program staff to coordinate the development, effectiveness, and use of printed and web products. (20%)

Performs, reviews, and assists in the preparation of health assessment evaluations of State, Federal (i.e. National Priorities List Superfund), and other hazardous waste sites sites involving potential exposures to environmental contamination. Researches, acquires (from Federal, State, and Local agencies), and reviews information on hazardous waste sites. Analyzes environmental data to estimate human health risks. Interprets evaluation results and prepares technical reports of findings and recommendations (35%).

Plans, organizes, and conducts exposure investigations related to present or potential state and federal superfund sites or sites with community environmental health concerns. Reviews and modifies investigation techniques, policies, and protocols and recommends improvements or modifications as appropriate. Identifies contacts and recruits potential participants. Collects data and samples. Reviews sample data of completed investigation to ensure the consistent and correct application of protocols and chain of custody requirements are complete. Coordinates investigations with various state or federal agencies involved with present or potential site. Evaluates and summarizes investigation findings. Coordinates, produces, and disseminates exposure investigation findings to all participants, as well as local, state, and federal officials. Coordinates community meetings to present investigation findings and to address community concerns (20%).

Performs related work as assigned. "Other duties as assigned include but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participations may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location". (5%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Ability to write concise, effective, and grammatically correct prose.

Ability to speak effectively to community groups and members of the news media.

Ability to create effective copy for print materials and web sites.

Ability to use word processing and layout programs as well as HTML editors.

Ability to translate complex information into plain language.

Ability to coordinate the production and distribution of materials, including working with illustrators and printers.

Ability to work cooperatively with team members to complete a final product.

Ability to coordinate activities for educational presentations and meetings.

Skill in editing written copy.

Knowledge of environmental health issues; site assessments; site inspections; chemical contaminants; and fate and transport of chemicals in the environment.

Skill in obtaining and compiling environmental sampling data from various sources and evaluating and interpreting data quality.

Skill in using computer for word processing and data analysis using Microsoft Office programs, SAS, R, or other data analysis software.

Ability to determine the chemical contaminants of potential concern; to recognize possible exposure pathways of public health concern; to coordinate site inspections/site visits at State and Federal hazardous waste sites.

Ability to assemble, summarize, and interpret pertinent technical literature, prepare and present oral and written presentations related to environmental risk assessment in a manner suitable for presentation to the general public .

Ability to interact appropriately with the public and the media.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

N/A Initial Selection Criteria:

Experience in public health, epidemiology, environmental or occupational health. Experience in use of various computer hardware and software applications including but not limited to word processing, graphics, desktop publishing, spreadsheets, and internet use and research. Additional Information:

MOS Code:

68S, 60C, HM, 230X, 4E0X1, 43HX, 43MX, 43EX

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

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