Disease Prevention & Response Team Lead, Oshw

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest school districts in the United States, serving over 330,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 36,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments - student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.
The Office of Student Health and Wellness (OSHW) aims to eliminate health-related barriers to learning and promote health equity.CPS is committed to addressing barriers to student health and wellness and providing education, programs, and activities that help improve the quality of life for students attending our schools. OSHW also strives to decrease health disparities within the district through the coordination of school health programs and student health services. OSHW is leading disease investigation efforts for CPS. Disease Prevention and Response is a stream of work that supports a safe and healthy learning environment.
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Disease Prevention & Response Manager, this role will support District efforts in investigation, prevention, and control of communicable diseases within the school system by supervising and supporting the Disease Prevention and Response Specialists.
The Disease Prevention & Response Team Lead will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Manage a team of Disease Prevention & Response Specialists.
• Provide change management of the implementation of standard operating procedures and collaborative partnerships with city agencies and other internal departments.
• Implement policy and district level response to communicable disease at the direction of the Disease Prevention and Response Manager.
• Track and monitor communicable disease cases and escalate when appropriate.
• Implement standard operating procedures to ensure consistent response protocols district wide.
• Provide daily shift oversight to a team of case investigators
  • Screen cases for potential clusters and priority/acuity level
  • Provide case consultation and troubleshooting support during intake investigations
  • Review case documentation and recommendations for accuracy and completeness
  • Provide follow up to any pending case issues for support and resolution.
• Monitor productivity of the team and provide coaching to specialists that need support.
• Assist with related duties, special projects, and extra duties as assigned

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Disease Prevention & Response Team Lead must possess the following qualifications:
Education Required:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required;
• Master's degree preferred

Experience Required:

• Minimum of five (5) years of related experience required, including counseling, psychology, social work, education, health administration, nursing, public health, etc.
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience required
• Experience in health-related case management, public health and/or infectious diseases preferred
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to quickly learn, understand, and apply the basics of communicable disease, epidemiology, case investigation, and contact tracing
• Ability to effectively guide teams in the realization of expectations set
• Strong Team Leadership and team building skills, e.g. ability to develop high performing teams united around a clear vision for serving schools and achieving student success, preferably with hybrid teams.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with a variety of constituent groups, including external partners, to ensure the entire system operates in the most effective manner possible to support schools and principals
• Ability to define problems using data and outline valid conclusions and action steps
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with all stakeholders.
• Demonstrate computer proficiency, including knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.
• Ability to use a range of technology and tools.
• Ability to work independently, as well as to function effectively and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to effectively multi-task.
• Demonstrate experience managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrate experience working consultatively and collaboratively with a team of professionals.
• Ability to effectively guide teams in the realization of expectations set

Other Requirements:

• The ability to work evenings and weekends is required

Conditions of Employment
As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.
• Be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19 - Unless approved for a medical or religious exemption, all employees are required to be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, and to submit proof of vaccination to the district within 30 days of hire. "Up-to-date" on vaccination is defined as being at least two weeks past all primary vaccine doses and any applicable boosters.