Viral Hepatitis/Harm Reduction Program Coordinator (PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST II)

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Public Health is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as Public Health Program Specialist 2. Under direction, manages assigned Hepatitis and Harm Reduction prevention grants and the implementation of Hepatitis and Harm Reduction Risk Reduction interventions for persons with high risk behaviors. Monitors and provides leadership on the development and implementation of Hepatitis prevention and Harm reduction grant programs by conducting on-site program reviews of local health departments and community-based organizations in selected target areas and reports on findings, reviews, and assesses data from grantee reports, records and makes recommendations to improve service delivery, provides technical assistance regarding Hepatitis prevention and Harm reduction programs. . Represents the Department and the Section at public information events.

Benefits Statement

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• Flexible and hybrid work schedules are available in many program areas (when available and dependent upon position)
• Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.
• Pension plan through the State Employees Retirement System
• Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan
• Optional pre-tax programs -Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) & Dependent Care Assistant Plan (DCAP)
• 10-25 days of paid vacation time annually (10 days for first year of state employment)
• 12 paid sick days annually which carryover year to year
• 3 paid personal business days per calendar year (pro-rated dependent on start date)
• 13-14 paid holidays per year
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources

*These are just a few of the many perks available to all State employees. For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

Essential Functions

• Under direction, monitors and provides leadership on the development and implementation of assigned Viral Hepatitis Prevention and Harm Reduction grant programs, providing grantee oversight.
• Reviews and assesses data from grantee quarterly report and service data records.
• Provides direct technical assistance, training and community building interventions regarding Viral Hepatitis Prevention/Control and Harm reduction activities.
• Assists in developing protocols for service delivery and documentation of Hepatitis risk reduction interventions with high-risk behaviors; and as requested by the Division of HIV, Hepatitis, STI, and TB, assist with outbreak and cluster response for hepatitis.
• Conducts viral Hepatitis B and C Prevention and Control as well as Harm Reduction strategy presentations, and represents the Program at relevant community events, conferences, meetings, and workgroups.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years college with courses in health education, physical and biological sciences.
• Requires two (2) years of professional experience in a health education or investigation program in the public or private sector.

Specialized Skills

• Requires two (2) years’ experience in overdose prevention and education.
• Requires two (2) years’ experience working with a syringe service program.
• Requires two (2) years ‘experience implementing harm reduction strategies and providing viral hepatitis prevention, testing, and education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years’ experience in overdose prevention and education.
• Two (2) years’ experience working with a syringe service program.
• Two (2) years ‘experience implementing harm reduction strategies and providing viral hepatitis prevention, testing, and education.
• Extensive knowledge of the theory and practice of Viral Hepatitis B and C, HIV and STI prevention and control.
• Extensive knowledge of harm reduction principles and understand the challenges related to the population served.
• Extensive knowledge of Viral Hepatitis B and C reporting laws, rules and regulations.
• Thorough knowledge of substance use terminology.
• Two (2) years’ experience in viral hepatitis outreach, community-building and awareness interventions, and care and treatment modalities.
• Two (2) years’ experience in public health policy analysis and planning.
• Thorough knowledge in overdose prevention, substance use disorder treatment, harm reduction, recovery, and/or drug policy.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties.
• Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

*The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is tasked with the oversight of communities within Illinois to achieve and maintain optimal health and safety. With an annual budget of over $2 billion in state and federal funds, 6 regional offices, 3 laboratories and over 1,200 employees, IDPH is equipped to fulfill its mission of protecting the health and wellness of the people of Illinois through the prevention, health promotion, regulation and control of disease and injury.