SENIOR PUBLIC HEALTH INVESTIGATOR

Summary

Position Overview

Applications Accepted From: All Persons Interested PN: 38148 Division: Public Health Services Branch Section: Bureau of HIV/STD & Viral Hepatitis Prevention Location: 8000 N. Stadium Dr., 77054 Workday & Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm* *Subject to change DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conducts confidential interviews and investigations of patients diagnosed with or suspected of being at high-risk for HIV and/or STI infections.
• Performs field investigations to locate patients who have or are suspected of having a communicable disease and motivates them to seek appropriate treatment and medical follow-up
• Visits private and public clinical laboratories to assure compliance with reporting City of Houston labs timely in respect to laboratory reporting laws and regulations.
• Protects, maintains and ensures client confidentiality according to HIPPA regulations and other HHD policies and procedures according to work classification.
• Provides transportation to clients for any clinic follow-up appointments as needed. Performs reminder calls and recalls for missed appointments to ensure appointments are maintained.
• Administers HIV testing via oral/blood and gives results as needed. Perform venipuncture sticks whenever possible if necessary.

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.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS Requires an Associate's degree in Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, Public Health or a closely related field. EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Two years of experience in the public health field is required. SUBSTITUTION 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 policy of driving.

Preferences

**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**

General Information

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 POSITION 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: or call 832-395-8357. If you need special services or accommodations, 832-393-4882 (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. EOE Equal Opportunity Employer 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.

Benefits

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

Job Description

Position Overview

Applications Accepted From: All Persons Interested PN: 38148 Division: Public Health Services Branch Section: Bureau of HIV/STD & Viral Hepatitis Prevention Location: 8000 N. Stadium Dr., 77054 Workday & Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm* *Subject to change DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conducts confidential interviews and investigations of patients diagnosed with or suspected of being at high-risk for HIV and/or STI infections.
• Performs field investigations to locate patients who have or are suspected of having a communicable disease and motivates them to seek appropriate treatment and medical follow-up
• Visits private and public clinical laboratories to assure compliance with reporting City of Houston labs timely in respect to laboratory reporting laws and regulations.
• Protects, maintains and ensures client confidentiality according to HIPPA regulations and other HHD policies and procedures according to work classification.
• Provides transportation to clients for any clinic follow-up appointments as needed. Performs reminder calls and recalls for missed appointments to ensure appointments are maintained.
• Administers HIV testing via oral/blood and gives results as needed. Perform venipuncture sticks whenever possible if necessary.

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.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS Requires an Associate's degree in Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, Public Health or a closely related field. EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Two years of experience in the public health field is required. SUBSTITUTION 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 policy of driving.

Preferences

**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**

General Information

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 POSITION 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: or call 832-395-8357. If you need special services or accommodations, 832-393-4882 (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. EOE Equal Opportunity Employer 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.

Benefits

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account