Public Health Advocate II

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION: This is an exciting opportunity to join the infectious disease team at a large, well-established urban public health department. Strengthened by the Boston Public Health Commission's over two hundred years of leadership in public health, our Infectious Disease Bureau strives to prevent infectious diseases, reduce morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases, and create healthier lives for the residents of Boston. This includes disease surveillance; investigation of cases, clusters, and outbreaks; funding a continuum of HIV related education and care through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act; and community and provider education related to communicable diseases. The Bureau’s scope includes sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis, respiratory viruses, and emerging diseases. We work closely with the state and local clinical and community provider partners to prevent and treat infectious diseases in the City of Boston.

JOB SUMMARY

Provides outreach, education, case management, advocacy, referral and support services to Boston residents with a particular focus on children, families, high risk clients and immigrant populations. Refers clients to relevant services, including, but not limited to health insurance, health resources, parenting programs, housing, educational opportunities, job training and support, childcare and public assistance programs, substance abuse treatment and counseling services, TB, Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and other Infectious Disease related services. Maintains current knowledge base of new and existing health care services and programs. Establishes and maintains a positive, productive relationship with clients. Engages clients, including high risk clients, providing information/ education about services available. Provides case management services for patients/client as required; educates and informs clients about self-help activities; facilitates and advocates for client access to services; implements outreach strategies to engage clients in community-based services; distributes prevention materials to clients; teaches clients how to reduce exposure to hazards. Participates in developing patient assessments, treatment plans and intervention strategies for clients and/or family served by the CDC Division and ID Bureau. Conducts clinic based and home visits to assess the needs of families and link them to the appropriate services as well as provides direct observational therapy for TB treatment adherence. Maintains accurate, legible and current documentation and intake forms; documents outreach/home visiting activities. Develops and implements strategies for "hard to reach" individuals and families. Develop and maintain good working relationships with community agencies, health care providers and other BPHC depts. Represents the CDC Division, and the ID Bureau at community events and health fairs. Attends required meetings. Delivers services according to established CDC Division and ID Bureau protocols. Provides technical assistance with determining and reviewing client treatment plans and intervention strategies. May oversee staffing the coordination of projects and client services. Maintains continuity and quality of care for all clients and collaborates with other professionals. Provides specialized health related services (TB management, immigration, public benefits) or provides leadership and expertise to other program or BPHC staff. Assists with training and orienting Division. Networks with NHC's, CBA's and local agencies such as Mass Health, to stay current of health insurance/services. Facilitates the provision of culturally appropriate services to the target population. Seeks out & develops good working relationships with relevant community agencies, health care providers & other BPHC depts. Ensure that accurate, legible and current documentation is kept on all client interactions. May assist with weekly staff meetings. Represents the CDC Division and ID Bureau at appropriate conferences and on Infectious Disease related task forces as needed. Co-facilitates support groups or workshops for clients and providers as necessary. Participate in team meetings with support personnel (nurses, social workers, etc.) to discuss patients' progress and problems (legal, social, familial, etc.) Works to help BPHC advance as an antiracist organization by meeting or exceeding the standards set by the BPHC Anti-Racism Policy. Performs other duties as required. This job description is based on the Public Health Advocate job series. May be required to perform any and all duties and responsibilities of a Public Health Advocate I or II, as set forth in the BPHC Public Health Advocate job series. Please note flexibility is required as hours and schedule vary; some weekends and evenings may be required. Qualifications Associates or BA/BS required or equivalent experience may substitute. Licenses, certifications or program specific experience may be required by grant or program needs. 2-3 years’ experience in health care, public health or social service field. Demonstrated experience or related requirements as established by the program may be needed. Previous experience in the oversight of coordination of projects and/or client services. Minimum 2 years in community outreach/case management activities required. Demonstrated cultural competence with diverse ethnic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds; knowledge of Boston community social service organizations, courts and government agencies required. PC skills preferred. Ability to work independently. Good presentation, organizational and interpersonal skills required; must be self-directed. Good communication skills, both verbally and in writing. Bilingual fluency preferred. Knowledge of or willingness to learn about the role of public health in addressing racism, the social determinants of health, and inequities in health outcomes as well as strategies to advance racial justice and health equity. Commitment to health equity and racial/social justice issues. #J-18808-Ljbffr Boston Public Health Commission