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 and 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 source , 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 RequirementsPosition 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 LocationsPosition 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

ExposuresPosition 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

F