Employee Health Technician- Health Care Tech III- CMHHIP

This position is open to current Colorado residents only.
Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

The Infection Control Department and partnering with the Nursing Department to ensure that staff and contractors working for the Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP) are up to date on current vaccination and medical requirements following local, state, and national standards and practices. This unit collaborates with and advises staff, department heads, and supervisors to ensure they are aware of their employees' status on staying compliant with regulations. Will maintain required tracking databases and partner with the Infection Control and Prevention team to report to the required agencies within set timelines as indicated by regulating bodies. 

You are required to work at your assigned work location during your scheduled work times. 

Mon-Friday 8am-5pm

This position provides support and monitoring of the Employee Tuberculosis (TB) Testing Program, the Employee Hepatitis B (HepB) Vaccination program, the Influenza Vaccination program, Employee COVID-19 line list reporting and guides employees, partnering with the Nursing Department in the event there are interactions outside the clinic setting and  to report employee outbreaks to CDPHE and/or PDPHE in partnership with Infection Control. The Employee Health (EH) Tech tracks Employee Health data and documentation and provides basic statistical reports as requested. The EH Tech assists Infection Control with new hire health screenings to determine and certify the candidate meets all requirements related to employee health and in accordance with this position. The EH Tech ensures systematic and ongoing quality assurance of Employee Health data as it relates to Tuberculosis testing, Hepatitis B vaccinations, Influenza vaccinations and infectious disease control in partnership with Infection Control. The position will monitor programs to ensure compliance with federal and state guidelines and the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA).   This position also will assist the Infection Prevention Nurse with surveillance activities, patient education related Infection prevention,, and Infection Control rounds on the patient units as needed. Duties in this position include:

•  provides monitoring and facilitation of the employee tuberculosis (TB) testing/screening program to include tracking, organizing, reporting and implementing the program.

• collaborates with relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with agency administrative regulations. 

• maintains Employee Health records as they relate to TB testing authorizations, tests, and results, reviews TB Questionnaire results to determine if/when appropriate to administer the test per established guidelines, ensures prompt follow-up, administers tests, documents, and communicates results

• educates employees on TB side effects and when to follow up with Infection Control regarding results

Employee Hepatitis B Vaccination Program: 

• provides monitoring and facilitation of the employee Hepatitis B vaccination program to include monitoring, tracking, organizing, reporting, and implementing the program.

• collaborates with relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with agency administrative regulations.  

• ensures eligible employees have been offered the hepatitis B vaccination at the proper intervals. Provides support to the clinic nursing staff in the administration of the vaccination program

• administers vaccines and provides accurate and timely processing of testing and screening documents to include vaccination records on request

Influenza Vaccination Program: 

• provides monitoring and facilitation of the employee Influenza vaccination program to include monitoring, tracking, organizing, reporting, and implementing the program.

• collaborates with relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with agency administrative regulations

• assists CMHHIP in obtaining a > 90% vaccination rate with staff every flu season. Educates employees on how to apply for Medical and Religious Exemptions through the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) ADA and Civil Rights Office

• coordinates and prepares for bi-weekly New Employee Orientation (NEO) Employee Health process. This includes reviewing TB testing and immunization information received from contractor agencies and state employees prior to their start date, communicating abnormal results to Infection Control for guidance, updating the NEO Vaccination tracking sheet, and retrieving medication and necessary supplies needed for TB testing and vaccine administration

Quality Assurance:

Risk Reduction:

Prevention:

• continually collects, enters, and analyzes data in the database maintained by the Employee Health Tech. Summarizes findings, documents ongoing trends, tracks progression, and partners with Infection Control to identify potential risks. Collaborates with Infection Control and Prevention to report staff communicable diseases to appropriate facilities/agencies. Communicates data for feedback and accountability

• assists the Director of Infection Control with reporting Influenza data to necessary entities yearly

• assists the Director of Infection Control with reporting COVID-19 data to necessary entities monthly

• performs quality checks of data regularly

• reviews staff health records and utilizes judgment and knowledge base to identify issues

• reports relevant information to coworkers, supervisors, and customers

• maintains working knowledge of regulatory agency rules, regulations, and standards for Employee Health

• audits staff health records for completeness continually

• assists in performing Employee Health-related risk assessments under guidance from Infection Control

• maintains a database of Employee Health information and utilizes it to monitor adherence to Employee Health requirements. Sends recommendations to the Director of Infection Control and Nursing leadership for improvement

• responsible for ensuring reports regarding Employee Health are accurate before submission and/or reporting

  
  

Providing Direction, Instruction, and Guidance:

• Meets with staff who need Employee Health guidance, direction, instruction, and mentoring.

• Works to ensure treatment, education, ongoing needs, and continuity of care are documented according to hospital policy

•  Ensures personal and mandatory training are up to date.

• May attend community training and meetings and be required to attend additional training to develop job knowledge and stay current with changes in Employee Health standards.

• Assists in partnering with Infection Control and Prevention to discuss and consult with clinic nurses regarding necessary Employee Health services.

• Serves as a primary resource regarding Employee Health for CMHHIP.  

• Provides ongoing education, orientation, and training utilizing adult learning methods

• will assist the Infection Prevention Nurse with patient related surveillance activities, patient education, and Infection Control Rounding audits when needed

• Partners with the Nursing Department under the direction of the Director of Infection Control and Prevention

• Listens effectively to others’ ideas, problems, and suggestions.

• Adapts communication methods to respond to different audiences

• Works in an open manner and shares information with others

• Responds in a prompt, friendly manner to requests and inquiries

• Is appropriate in all communications with co-workers regardless of race, age, gender, culture, ability, religion, or sexual orientation. If unsure of how to perform in any area, it takes it upon oneself to ask for additional training

• Serves as a role model.

• Follows all policies and procedures. Adheres to CDHS Code of Conduct and CMHHIP Code of Ethics policies

• Reports any claims of harassment/workplace violence, alerts public safety, and supervisor. Reports abuse allegations immediately.

• Treats others with respect, courtesy, tact, and friendliness and actively attempts to be helpful towards others.  Does not participate in gossip, negativity, or blaming. Understands the importance of appropriate attire/professional appearance and follows policy. Monitors own use of time. Maintains confidentiality (PHI/HIPAA)

• Maintains current Psychiatric Technician (LPT) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license. Alerts supervisor immediately if the State Board of Nursing is investigating a complaint against their license or has placed admonition/stipulation on the license. Is responsible to immediately report any interaction with law enforcement both inside and outside of work. Maintains professional boundaries. 

Other Duties as Assigned:

• perform assigned tasks and duties within the scope of practice for this position  to meet the vision and mission of the agency and/or the department

• High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
• Two (2) years of experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position 
• Maintains current Psychiatric Technician (LPT) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license

Preferred Qualifications:

• relevant years of state service

• experience with employee health or general public health

• Full Background – CBI name check and fingerprint check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, Reference Checks, Professional License verification (licensure requirements), Drug Screen, PREA (Division of Youth Services),Trails check (direct contact with children), CAPS (direct contact with adults – Mental Health Institutes, Regional Centers, Veterans Community Living Centers)
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:

  • Disclose that information on the application.

  • Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.

  • Provide your employee number from your prior State employment.  Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

• Shall not initiate or engage in sexual, social, personal or financial relationships with patients either during or any time after hospitalization, even if the patient requests or initiates such a relationship. All relationships with current or former patients must be disclosed on your application
• successfully pass all modules of the CMHHIP New Employee Orientation core curriculum to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics
• possess the physical ability to successfully complete hospital-adopted physical interventions and CPR; lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist
• stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled take down
• withstand impact on own body using an ASP shield
• rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for using a defensive tactic
• kneel on one or both knees and stand up again with multiple repetitions
• must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety
• seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury
• demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently
• work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations
• ability to read and comprehend the English language; effectively and fluently communicates in English, both verbally and in writing;
• work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold) which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings
• 2-step TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire
• annual influenza vaccination, other vaccinations as required by the State and facility.
  

Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements. 

• Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:

  • Relevant years of state service experience.

A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position.  You must complete the official State of Colorado online application.  Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."

After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing. 

Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications. 

If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.     

Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers  based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated.  You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.

• You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.  

• You can find the official appeal form here. 

• You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:

  • By email ([email protected]), or

  • Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or 

  • Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or

  • Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

• At (303) 866-3300, or

•  Refer to the  Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.

How to apply to the State of Colorado (Youtube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)

The Assessment Process

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans

• Medical and dental health plans

• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account

• Paid life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave

• State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center

• Employee Wellness program

• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more

• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions

• *Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

• We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.

• Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.

• We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.

• Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.

• We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.

• Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment. 

This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to [email protected].

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer

We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities.  The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time).  Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.