Program Specialist I

Do you have a "can do" attitude, enjoy working on a dynamic team, and are a people person who wants to be a part of the fascinating field of Infectious Disease Prevention?
This is an excellent opportunity to work with a fast-paced team on a broad spectrum of health-related, interesting projects to serve Texans.
Under the supervision of the Healthcare Safety (HCS) Data and Training Group Manager and directed by the Antimicrobial Stewardship (AS) Expert, serves as HCS program liaison for Antimicrobial Use/Antimicrobial Stewardship Facility Assessments and provides support for the AS team. Supports activities in obtaining access to new data sources to provide actionable data relating to antibiotic stewardship (e.g. Medicaid antibiotic use data). Work is performed with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
(30%) Serve as the Project Lead for the Antimicrobial Use/Antimicrobial Stewardship Facility Assessments. Serve as liaison between the DSHS AS team and local health departments, HAI epidemiologists, and lead epidemiologists for all 8 public health regions. Correspond with facilities statewide and their Antimicrobial Stewardship Committees to schedule assessments, take meeting notes, create assessment reports, and distribute completed reports back to facilities. Coordinate and track documentations related to facility contacts.
(30%) Conduct health equity research for facilities involved in the Antimicrobial Use/Antimicrobial Stewardship Facility Assessments. Update and maintain accurate data as needed. Create graphs to illustrate correlation between facilities meeting some or all Antimicrobial Stewardship Core Elements and multiple data points. Assists in updating National and Texas data obtained from the CDC’s Antibiotic Resistance Patient Safety Portal (ARPSP) relating to Antibiotic Stewardship and Antibiotic Use.
(25%) Provide technical and administrative support for the antibiotic stewardship workshops and committee meetings, prepare and submit continuing education applications, coordinate development and distribution of surveys and marketing materials, support development of workshop materials, and moderate workshop question and answer sessions.
(10%) Assist Multi-Drug Resistant Organism surveillance by entering Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) data into the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS). Approve/reject CRE cases in NEDSS based on set criteria. Provides support for ARLN coordination.
(5%) Other duties as assigned include but are 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 participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of office administration and management techniques.
Knowledge of laws and rules relating to infectious disease and the ability to provide administrative support for antibiotic stewardship program area.
Knowledge of the resources and functions of related agencies and organizations.
Skill in the use of personal computer and windows-based software, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, etc.
Ability to express ideas clearly, accurately, concisely and diplomatically, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to handle sensitive information in a confidential manner.
Ability to interact well with other agencies, private organizations, and the public and work independently, exercising sound judgement.
Ability to present technical information and to write concise reports.
Ability to interpret administrative and operating procedures from all levels of the organization.
Ability to establish, maintain, and create excellent working relationships when appropriate.
Ability to analyze and solve work problems and make recommendations on necessary changes.
Ability to plan, organize and implement multiple projects, working within strict timelines.
Ability to effectively work with local and regional health department staff, health care professionals and local government officials.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver’s license, or equivalent license from another state.

Initial Selection Criteria:
At least 2 years relevant experience in office administration and management techniques.
At least 2 years relevant experience in data entry and use of Microsoft office software.
At least 1-year relevant experience working in a healthcare-related program.

Additional Information:
Knowledge and prior use of the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS) or any other similar surveillance system is preferred.
This position requires 2 days of work in our Austin office, and teleworks 3 days per week.
Must have experience with or demonstrate potential to work with diverse teams in positive workspace.
This position requires 2 days of work in our Austin office and teleworks 3 days per week.

MOS Code:
11B, 14S, OS, YN, 040, 0521, 8U000, 86MO