Public Health Program Specialist II-Austin Public Health (TB)

Job Description:

Public Health Program Specialist II-Austin Public Health (TB)

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Under general supervision, provide program-specific outreach and/or investigation activities of communicable diseasesDuties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Job Description:

Purpose: Under general supervision, provide program-specific outreach and/or investigation activities of communicable diseases

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Counsel individuals on prevention of communicable diseases e.g. HIV, STIs, TB, etc.
  
• Conduct fact-finding or informational interviews.
  
• Refer citizens to appropriate agency or program.
  
• Answer citizen questions and provide assistance.
  
• Conduct public health investigations as required by position and/or program.
  
• Counsel physicians, laboratories, clinics, etc. about disease reporting requirements
  
• Research information as requested or needed.
  
• Compile data/information and prepare reports
  
• Perform program-specific outreach activities such as TB, HIV, STI education, testing and counseling.
  
• Perform phlebotomy and specimen collection
  
• Coordinate activities with other agencies/personnel as needed.
  
• Assist in training less experienced personnel.
  
• Provide public health follow up and linkage to care activities as required by position.
  
• Some positions may require employee to meet patients at home, work or elsewhere to perform testing or conducting interviews, as needed.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• None.
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of general public health programs, specifically those related to communicable disease.
  
• Knowledge of laws and regulations concerning communicable diseases prevention and control.
  
• Knowledge of laws and regulations concerning communicable disease control.
  
• Skill in prioritizing tasks and time management.
  
• Skill in oral and written communications, especially interviewing techniques.
  
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with City employees and the public.
  
• Skill in recording data from interviews and investigations accurately.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university plus one (1) year of experience in public health outreach/ investigation or related field.
  
• Related experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License at the time of hire and during employment, as required by position
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in TB Contact Investigations
  
• Experience in public health or healthcare environment
  
• Bilingual English/Spanish
  
• Data entry experience
  
• Phlebotomy experience
  

Notes to Candidate:

Position Overview:

The purpose of contact investigation is to prevent disease by finding persons exposed to TB and assuring proper medical evaluation and treatment. Duties for the Public Health Program Specialist II include but are not limited to:

• conducting interviews
• educating patients and their contacts
• phlebotomy (TB blood test)
• travel throughout Travis County to conduct on-site assessments of TB patient’s homes, work, and leisure locations.

Salary:

$23.76 - 27.32 (Commensurate with experience)

Location:

RBJ Center- RBJ Health Center, 15 Waller Street, Austin, Texas 78702

Hours:

Monday - Friday- 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

**Hours may vary due to operational needs. An alternative schedule and remote work/telework options are available, but this position requires a minimum of 40% per week in-office standard following a 6-month probationary period. Subject to change.

APH Information:

• This position supports Austin Public Health’s Mission and Core Purpose identified in the Austin Public Health Strategic Plan .
  
• Departmental Competencies related to the position can be found on Austin Public Health’s website .
  

Be a part of Austin Public Health, https://youtu.be/wJgNIc3ivkA .

Immunization Requirement:

• Due to high-risk areas, Austin Public Health employees must comply with the department’s immunization policy.
  

Regarding your application:

• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  
• Qualifying education experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities must be clearly stated on your application. Resumes are welcome, but we do not use any information provided on your resume to qualify and refer you to the hiring department.
  
• Work experience listed must include a month, year, and a verifiable Supervisor or Human Resources phone number.
  
• Each individual who submits an Application as provided in the Municipal Civil Service Rules and meets the Minimum Qualifications for a Competitive Position shall be considered a Candidate for that Position. Employees in Good Standing who are candidates within the Department or division that the Position resides in and who meet the Minimum and Preferred Qualifications (if any) of the Position will be included in the initial interview.
  

Additional Information:

• When public health responds to an emergency, you may be assigned activities that are outside your regular job description. This may involve responding at any time, including nights and weekends, with possible deployment to locations other than Austin Public Health.
  
• This position is eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSF) Program. This federal program is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer.
  

If you are selected to interview:

• Military/Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214 at the time of the initial interview to receive military/veteran interview preference
  
• This position will require a pre-employment Criminal Background Investigation (CBI).
  
• If you are identified as a top candidate, verification of your education, which may include High School graduation or GED, undergraduate, and/or graduate degrees, will be required.
  

Electronic Notification to Applications:

• Applicants will be notified via e-mail to communicate important information related to the status of their application as part of an ongoing effort to increase operational efficiency, promote a green environment, and minimize delays and costs.
  
• Please ensure that the email address and contact information you provide are current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our e-mails or fail to check your inbox in a timely manner.
  
• Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. Please note that the Department may close the job posting at any time after 7 days
  
• When public health responds to an emergency, you may be assigned activities outside your job description. This may involve responding anytime, including nights and weekends, with possible deployment to locations other than the Austin Public Health.
  
• This position is eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSF) Program. This federal program is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans.
  

Travel:

If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Tobacco-free Workplace:

The City of Austin is a tobacco-free workplace. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any City of Austin worksite- including construction sites, parking lots, garages, or in personal vehicles parked on the premises

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-03-05