Public Health Technician - Detoxification Department

Overview

This grant-funded role within the Detoxification Department, known as The ROOTS, entails managing and advancing a Comprehensive Quality Management (CQM) system aligned with funder standards. The technician will focus on critical care metrics for patients with mental health and Substance Use Disorders (SUD), and will analyze client satisfaction surveys to identify and report recurring care issues.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure quality management tasks uphold organizational mission and ethics.
• Monitor patient safety and adherence to program protocols.
• Guide patients to comply with facility policies.
• Perform safety checks on patients during shifts, addressing abnormalities immediately.
• Facilitate admissions and complete associated documentation.
• Conduct patient assessments and biometric data collection, recording these in electronic medical records and notifying medical staff of concerns.
• Search patients and their belongings as necessary.
• Administer drug, alcohol, and tobacco testing.
• Communicate significant events to Treatment Teams; document critical information and incident reports.
• Provide patient transportation for approved off-campus appointments.
• Manage visitor check-ins and monitor visitations per facility policies.
• Oversee patient passes and therapeutic leave check-ins/check-outs.
• Attend shift change meetings, staff training, patient groups, and unit meetings.
• Respond according to protocols during emergencies.
• Lead performance management processes tracking organizational progress towards goals.
• Identify core performance metrics critical for mental health and SUD treatment.
• Assess service consistency with the latest public health guidelines and strategize improvement plans for client access and quality.
• Engage consumers in CQM activities, using feedback to drive quality improvements.
• Conduct evaluations and assessments with standardized instruments.
• Analyze client interviews to determine service needs and obstacles.
• Prepare detailed narrative reports on monthly activities ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Review client charts for proper documentation.
• Organize and facilitate meetings to promote quality improvement ideas.
• Educate staff on best practices and performance measures for quality assurance.
• Design innovative interventions targeting healthcare disparities among populations served.
• Maintain comprehensive records of audits, corrective actions, and effectiveness monitoring.
• Analyze survey data and incident reports to identify trends and quality initiatives.
• Contribute to future QI goals and activity planning.
• Evaluate the impact of quality improvement projects on client health outcomes.
• Conduct annual program evaluations to enhance effectiveness.
• Preserve confidentiality according to departmental policies.
• Maintain professional telephone communication standards.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge

• Understanding of mental health, substance use disorders, related drug testing, and health education.
• Familiarity with prevention and wellness strategies for SUD.
• Knowledge of available community mental health and SUD resources and healthcare delivery systems.
• Awareness of sociocultural behaviors related to socioeconomic status, traditions, and customs.
• Insight into community organizations, communication channels, and local culture.
• Competence in educational and outreach tool utilization.
• Experience organizing workshops, conferences, and training seminars.
• Comprehension of departmental policies facilitating services for diverse populations.
• Proficiency with modern office procedures, computer systems, and software applications.
• Strong command of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Foundational knowledge of mental health principles, terminology, diagnostic methods, and treatments.
• Familiarity with emergency preparedness protocols.

Skills and Abilities

• Problem-solving, leadership, conflict resolution, and team-building capabilities to foster a productive environment.
• Organizational and time management skills.
• Versatility in performing diverse tasks and handling shifting priorities.
• Ability to create and distribute educational media and manage press communications.
• Supervisory skills overseeing public program staff and health education initiatives.
• Commitment to meeting deadlines and maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Competence in conducting investigations and interpreting laboratory and epidemiological data.
• Clear and concise report writing abilities.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Valid Texas Driver License with a clean driving record and ability to maintain professional representation of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to comply with all organizational policies and work harmoniously with staff and the public.
• Physical fitness to fulfill job requirements and perform essential functions.

Work Environment and Physical Conditions

This position has mostly an office-type environment with occasional exposure to outdoor settings and vehicle travel. Physical demands typically involve light exertion such as lifting under 10 pounds. Exposure to hostile or violent individuals happens often. The role involves infrequent exposure to communicable diseases but avoids environments like construction sites, warehouses, and confined spaces. No regional or national travel is expected; local travel may be required.

Additional Information

This role hinges on grant funding availability. Applicants must provide proof of TB testing before employment. Drug and alcohol testing are mandatory pre-employment and randomly for safety-sensitive roles. Reasonable accommodations for disabilities can be requested ahead of any selection tests or interviews. The City of Laredo promotes an inclusive workplace embracing diversity in gender, race, ethnicity, disability, socioeconomic background, age, sexuality, and beliefs.