Public Health Technician, (A266117-2), 206, Autism Surveillance

Job Description

This position is grant funded. Therefore, it is solely dependent of availability of grant funds.

General Summary

The Public Health Technician will be responsible for accurately reviewing, collecting, and entering data from educational and health records to support the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM} Network. Working closely with local partners, this position ensures that critical information is gathered in a timely and reliable manner, contributing to the success of the ADDM project.

Essential Functions/ Job Competencies/ Physical Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Provide support for the operation and collaboration of the Autism Surveillance Division.
• Utilize standardized ADDM methodology to collect data on children in Webb County and in any future surveillance areas.
• Review educational and health records as directed by the CDC, abstracting specific data elements for the ADDM Network.
• Enter and maintain abstracted information in the REDCap database, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
• Participate in monthly virtual meetings with the CDC and other ADDM sites to stay updated on project requirements and best practices.
• Collaborate on education and outreach initiatives related to the ADDM project and assist with other public health events as appropriate.
• Support the development of educational materials and website content for the ADDM project.
• Maintain strong working relationships with health and education contacts; regularly update and communicate with these sources.
• Complete all required public health and CDC trainings to remain in compliance with project guidelines.
• Assist with monthly reports, site-specific projects, and the maintenance of standard internal documents.
• Partner with fellow Public Health Technicians to ensure consistency and reliability in data abstraction and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QAQC} processes.
• Maintain accurate records and submit required reports in a timely manner.
• Assist in administrative duties, including scheduling, documentation, and inventory tracking.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge Of

• Knowledge of basic understanding of autism spectrum disorders and related developmental disabilities, including general terminology and associated services or interventions.
• Knowledge of epidemiology, data collection, and surveillance methods within a public health context.
• Knowledge of awareness of how health and educational records are structured, maintained, and accessed, as well as experience interpreting and extracting relevant information.
• Knowledge of data collection techniques and best practices in confidentiality (e.g., HIPAA).
• Knowledge of data entry best practices (preferably in REDCap or similar systems), record abstraction techniques, and principles of accuracy, reliability, and confidentiality.
• Knowledge of comprehensive understanding of privacy laws, regulations, and ethical standards to protect sensitive data and maintain compliance.
• Knowledge of basic computer skills, including data entry and database management.
• Knowledge and familiarity with processes for ensuring the reliability and validity of collected data, as well as strategies for maintaining consistency across projects and teams.
  
  

Skills And Abilities

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong focus on accuracy and thoroughness in data review, abstraction, and entry.
• Capacity to interpret and analyze information from various sources, identify discrepancies or patterns, and propose data quality improvements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Strong cultural competency skills to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Ability to follow instructions and work collaboratively in a team.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, maintain meticulous records, and meet project deadlines.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.
• Ability to generate clear and concise reports.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English and Spanish, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.
• Ability to perform essential functions.
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements Position will have the following exposures

• Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work.
• Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.
  
  

Work Environment Locations Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments

Never

• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Construction site
• Confined space
• Warehouse environment
  
  

Seldom

• Outdoor environment
  
  

Sometimes

• Vehicles
  
  

Often

• Office or similar indoor environment
  
  

Exposures Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements

Never

• Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Loud noises (85 decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)
  
  

Sometimes

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
  
  

Frequently

• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
  
  

Often

• Communicable diseases
  
  

Travel Position will require the employee to travel

Never

• National travel
• International travel
  
  

Sometimes

• Regional travel
  
  

Often

• Local travel
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Associate's degree or 60 completed college hours from an accredited* college or university in Public Health, or a related field
• At least one (1) year of experience in healthcare or related experience
• Council of Higher Education Accreditation (C.H.E.A.)
  
  

Proof of TB Test/Screening will be required to be presented prior to employment.

Valid Licenses and Certifications

Required Licenses Or Certifications

• Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
  
  

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480, two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer.

We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.

The City of Laredo provides a benefit compensation package that includes the following for all Full-time regular employees:

• 10 days of paid vacation per year
• 6 1/2 days sick leave per year
• Pension plan
• 16 paid Holidays
• Paid health*
• Dental plan*
• Life insurance*
  
  

*30 day waiting period

For a full description of our benefits, please visit our website at: www.cityoflaredohr.com under Employee Benefits

01

Are you a current regular full-time or part-time City of Laredo employee?

• I am a full-time City of Laredo employee
• I am a part-time City of Laredo
• I am not a full-time or part-time City of Laredo employee
  
  

02

What is your highest level of education?

• Some High School
• High School Diploma or G.E.D. recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional accrediting agency
• 30 completed college hours (credits) from an accredited college or university
• 60 completed college hours (credits) from an accredited college or university
• Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university
• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university
• Master's Degree from an accredited college or university
• PhD from an accredited college or university
• Juris Doctor from an accredited college or university
• Other Post Graduate Degree from an accredited college or university
• None of the above
  
  

03

If you hold an Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's PhD, Juris Doctor, or Post Graduate Degree, please provide your major/minor:

04

Do you have at least one (1) year of experience in healthcare or related field?

• Yes
• No
  
  

05

From the experience you provided on your application, list the name of the agencies you have experience working in healthcare or related field: Note: Do not answer this question with "See Resume" or "See Application". Doing so will automatically disqualify your application from the process.

06

Are you aware and understand that the position you are applying for is a grant funded position that is solely dependent on available funds? (If you answer No to this question, please contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7482 so that we may explain it in detail).

• Yes
• No
  
  

07

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Failure to complete all sections of your application, including the "Driver License", "Education", "Work Experience", "Certifications and Licenses" (if applicable), and "Agency-Wide Questions" will result in your application not being processed. Please complete the City’s application to include all current and previous work history, relevant education, and any license(s)/certification information that may be required. A resume will not be accepted or reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification for employment consideration.

• I have read and understand the above information
• I have read and do not understand the above information. I will contact the Human Resources Department for further explanation at (956) 791-7480.
• Required Question