Program Specialist III. Performs routine consultative services, phone support and technical work under the direction, guidance and limited supervision of the Texas HIV Medication Program (THMP) Manager. Travels statewide to conduct data collection through sampled person interviews and medical record reviews and record data of medical history, health related behaviors, and use and need of medical and social services. Collaborates and consults with contracted local health agencies, private physicians, pharmacies, advisory committee members, community/professional organizations, community stakeholders and individuals regarding the procedures and implementation of the THMP as it relates to the data collection of medical records and surveyed health information. Trains data collectors in conducting and using survey and medical record review instruments, translates project materials into Spanish from English and evaluates field activities relevant to the project. Locates, contacts and recruits sampled persons to participate in the project. Assists with linking persons into the Take Charge Texas (TC) system, medical care and social services. Assists with developing ongoing procedures for the use of public health data collection systems. Prepares goals and objectives for the data collection activities, and monitors procedures for efficiency. Assists in formulating definitions, standards, and policies for the effective and efficient implementation and functioning of THMP, TCT and the enforcement of security and confidentiality rules and policies. Evaluates the effectiveness of THMP. Collaborates effectively as a project team member and works independently with initiative. Travels statewide to project contract sites and works directly with the staff providing training, direction, guidance, and technical assistance

Essential Job Functions:
36% Conducts extensive and detailed lead searches to locate relevant patient contact information using a variety of databases and search tools. Locates eligible persons to recruit for participation in the project. Contacts eligible persons through cold calls, letters, home visits, and medical facility intercepts to recruit for participation in the project. Collaborates and consults with contracted local health agencies, private physicians, pharmacies and individuals regarding the procedures and implementation of the Texas HIV Medication Program (THMP) and surveyed medical information. Travels to facilities of sampled persons, forms and maintains professional working relationships with the facilities to help with patient recruitment, using facility space, coordinating data collection activities.
25% Conducts medical record reviews and recording its data from various sources including electronic medical records, paper records, and those located at medical facilities. Documents electronic data collection of medical record information onto a secured data entry site while following local and CDC protocols and procedures. Travels statewide to conduct medical record reviews and record data. Requests medical records for participating sampled persons in a timely manner. Follows-up on medical record requests sent to facilities. Follows-up on release of information forms sent to interviewed persons.
25% Conducts survey interviews of participants. Maintains security and confidentiality of participants and quality of interview data by following protocol, using probing techniques and a professional demeanor. Meets and exceeds individual interview goals to meet CDC mandated benchmarks. Assists in linking persons to medical care and social services when needed.
5% Monitors data collection activities, conducts process and program evaluation and provides recommendations to improve the work flow, coordination, and communication among team members. Provides technical assistance and monitors procedures for efficiency and assists in data analysis for planning and coordinating ???. Formulates definitions, standards, and policies for the effective and efficient functioning of THMP and the enforcement of security and confidentiality rules and policies. (5%) Trains other data collectors in usage of data collection tools and equipment. Conducts literature search and prepares training materials for use in public health training courses related to data collection activities. Conducts group discussions related to data collection activities in public health surveillance and epidemiology.
(5%) Develops and maintains procedure manuals for THMP data collection activities and evaluates relevant field activities. Assesses data collection goals and objectives and recommends changes based on progress evaluations to improve efficiency. Assists with translating documents from English to Spanish.
5% Performs related duties as assigned by supervisor (marginal functions). 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 medical terminology
Knowledge of current social, economic and public health issues preferably related to HIV and AIDS
Knowledge of data collection
Ability to develop work systems and process that support increased productivity, continuous quality improvement, and internal and external customer satisfaction
Skill in good communication over the phone and in person.
Skill in good phone etiquette
Skill in with using databases to do searches for information
Skill in documentation of detailed tasks
Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken formats
Ability to interpret public health laws and regulations
Ability to train and coordinate the work of others
Ability to analyze and evaluate public health needs
Ability to work and interact with people of diverse backgrounds, education level and cultures
Ability to maintain security and confidentiality
Ability to use and enter data into tables and spreadsheets
Ability to take detailed notes and document detailed progress
Ability to collect data using standardized methods
Ability to retrieve data from medical records review
Ability to plan and organize work in a logical and efficient manner
Ability to solve problems and adapt to changing situations in the field
Ability to travel and on short notice (up to 25% of work time)