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ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER I

Recruitment #23-002711-0041

Introduction

This position is limited to current Howard County Health Department only

GRADE

13

LOCATION OF POSITION

Howard County Health Department
8930 Stanford Blvd.
Columbia, MD 21045

Main Purpose of Job

The main purpose of this position is to maximize the early identification of new and potentially infectious syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia cases and ensure cases are referred to Howard County Health Department Disease Investigation Specialist for treatment and partner services programs. This position will perform an initial investigation of newly reported STI serological laboratory tests by reviewing the information provided for each patient, record searching each patient’s serological history, calling providers or laboratories to obtain additional information, and initiating records for the Disease Intervention Specialist. The position will also provide serological histories on patients to other jurisdictions as requested, in accordance with data security and confidentiality procedure. Other job duties include investigating of reportable diseases in Howard County, surveillance and intervention activities, providing partnership with the community to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases. This position is also responsible for supporting the Harm Reduction Program by providing outreach and client support. Attendance at trainings and meetings related to Harm Reduction as needed.

This position is eligible for hybrid telework.

60% Disease Investigation Specialist

STI/HIV Partner Services:
  • Conducts in-depth investigations of known and suspected cases of syphilis, HIV and other priority STIs through field investigations.
  • Ensures that persons who have acquired or are at risk of acquiring a STI or HIV receive appropriate medical care at the earliest possible time.  
  • This is accomplished by: conducting record searches, making provider phone calls, preparing for field investigations, assembling materials and supplies, and identifying and traveling to places where the case lives, works, or socializes within Howard County.  

STI/HIV Partner Service Interviews: 
  • Interview known and suspected cases of syphilis, HIV and other priority STI infections, to prevent further transmission of disease and to elicit names and locations of partners so that they can be located, notified, counseled, educated and treated.  
  • This is done by the following MDH and CDC standards of practice including: planning, locating the patient; ensuring that the patient understands the disease and medical options available, and is sufficiently motivated to be promptly treated and disclose partner names.  
  • Cluster and Re-Interviews are also conducted in accordance with MDH and CDC standards. 

STI/HIV Partner Services Case Management:
  • Manages syphilis and HIV cases using the DIS Priority Action Grid supplied by the State, to assure that cases are: vigorously pursued, properly documented (both in hard copy cases and electronically), effectively analyzed, and that the findings are appropriately applied to continuing disease intervention activities.
  • This task is accomplished by performing partner services case management according the MDH and CDC guidelines. 
  • Document all diagnosed and active Ryan White B/RWB clients into Care Ware/CW.
  • Maintain real time documentation of RWB client level data into CW; case notes, transportation vouchers, and attachments. 

STI/HIV Consultation and Collaboration:
  • Receives or responds to phone call requests for STI/HIV related inquiries and refers clients to appropriate facilities for diagnosis and treatment according to MDH and local health department protocols and schedule.
  • Provides CDC Treatment Recommendations to public and private providers as needed.  
  • Conducts community outreach and collaborates with other programs, detention centers and drug treatment centers to increase access to high-risk populations, to provide necessary disease intervention services.

STI Morbidity Reporting:
  • Reviews positive STI lab reports and/or morbidity case reports submitted by providers to verify appropriate treatment and pregnancy status.  
  • Completes electronic data entry for surveillance purposes. 
  • This is achieved by matching lab reports to clinical records/databases (public cases), contacting providers, preparing lab and morbidity reports for data entry as measured by supervisory review and accuracy of reports. 
  • Maintain tracking mechanism(s) for internal and MDH reporting. 

40% Ryan White B/ RWB Support Services:
  • Assess the education and prevention needs of IDUs, MSM and LGBT individuals and their sexual partners.
  • Work cooperatively with key leaders within the community.
  • Identify clients in need of services and make appropriate referrals.
  • Engage on one-to-one interactions, aimed at education and prevention, and referral to Howard County Health Department Clinical Services, PrEP, and other needed referrals.
  • Assists in other duties as requested by supervisor to support ongoing 
  • Communicable Disease needs and clinic programs, Immunizations and Emergency prepared ness.
  • Facilitate the completion, creation, and preparation of the RWB program charts for HIV support services. 
  • Creating photocopies and scans of patient records and supporting documentation required for enrollment; retrieving and filing of patient charts/ records.
  • Pull client records and prepare forms/records for HIV clinics Schedules and/or reschedules appointments.
  • Performs data entry into various program databases including CAREWARE, CureMD, and NEDDS for HIV clients.
  • Contact providers to follow-up on viral loads for those living with HIV and medical records request and documentation.
  • Provides diverse clerical support including, but not limited to typing labels, letters, memos, mailing documents to clients, retrieving, sorting and disseminating program mail, and answering telephones.
  • Accepts responsibility for special projects as assigned.
  • Participates in community activities as requested
  • Performing HIV testing on site and at community outreach event
  • Facilitate the completion of RWB assessment tools and care plans for support services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: One year of administrative staff or professional work.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute 30 college credit hours from an accredited college or university for the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work that included regular use of independent judgment and analysis in applying and interpreting complex administrative plans, policies, rules or regulations or analysis of operational programs or procedures with recommendations for improvement on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Desired qualifications: 
-Experience with providing HIV/STI counseling, education and/or testing
-Experience with conducting health outreach events
-Experience coordinating and presenting educational workshops related to submit matter (i.e. HIV/STI/PrEP or other health related topics)
-Valid driver’s license and able to drive a vehicle
-Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for outreach events

LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION

This position is limited to current Howard County Health Department only

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview). 

Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added. 

Incorrect application forms will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Candidates may remain on the certified eligible list for a period of at least one year. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application (and supplemental questionnaire) may be submitted to MDH, Recruitment and Selection Division, 201 W. Preston St., Room 114-B, Baltimore, MD 21201. Paper application materials must be received by 5 pm, close of business, on the closing date for the recruitment, no postmarks will be accepted.

If additional information is required, the preferred method is to upload.  If you are unable to upload, please fax the requested information to 410-333-5689. Only additional materials that are required will be accepted for this recruitment. All additional information must be received by the closing date and time.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the MDH Recruitment and Selection Division at 410-767-1251.

If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling: 410-767-1251 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.




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