Senior Public Health Investigator

Full Job Description

Applications Accepted From: All Persons Interested

PN: 38148
Division: Public Health Services Branch
Section: Bureau of Tuberculosis
Location: 8000 N. Stadium Dr., 77054
Workday & Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm*
*Subject to change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Houston Health Department is seeking a highly skilled, self-motivated professional to serve as a Senior Public Health Investigator within the Bureau of Tuberculosis Control. This role involves advanced investigation of tuberculosis (TB) and TB infection (TBI), including contact tracing, treatment adherence monitoring, and care coordination to support communicable disease control. Essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

•Conducts initial and follow-up interviews of reported and suspected TB cases to identify and prioritize contacts, with emphasis on high-risk populations including children under five years of age and immunocompromised individuals.
•Conducts field visits for contact investigations, including performing QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT) tests and/or administering and interpreting TB skin tests in accordance with established protocols.
•Coordinates and schedules medical evaluations for identified contacts and follows up on results with healthcare providers.
•Provides Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) for TB and TBI patients, including medication delivery, sputum specimen collection, and visual acuity assessments in accordance with program guidelines.
•Locates, counsels, and re-engages non-adherent TB patients to ensure return to medical supervision, including follow-up with immigrant and refugee populations according to Bureau guidelines.
•Accurately documents all investigative and treatment activities in field and electronic records, including medication administration, toxicity monitoring, sputum collection, control orders, mileage, and itineraries.
•Immediately reports issues, barriers, or concerns to supervisory staff and maintains ongoing communication to resolve patient care challenges.
•Collaborates with healthcare providers, clinics, and laboratories to facilitate timely diagnosis, treatment, and continuity of TB care.
•Participates in patient case conferences and assists supervisory staff with case management planning.
•Supports the training and mentoring of new Public Health Investigators and other personnel involved in communicable disease intervention activities.
•Completes special assignments and provides services to community and governmental agencies, including correctional facilities, as assigned.
•Participates in departmental and bureau-wide public health initiatives to promote disease prevention and community health.
•Travels between work sites using a personal or City-issued vehicle as required. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license in compliance with City of Houston Administrative Policy (A.P.) 2-2.


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.

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.

Qualifications

**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.**

•Experience with phlebotomy (blood draws)
•Bilingual

Additional 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: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-393-4882.

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.