Referral And Tracking Coordinator

The DHS Office of the Medical Director (OMD) is committed to improving the health and well-being of homeless persons in NYC. The goals of this office also include increasing homeless persons’ chances of succeeding in permanent housing and independent living, as well as decreasing their morbidity and mortality. The Office of the Medical Director works with shelter and clinical providers to improve the clinical assessment process, improve linkage to and retention in care, improve coordination with hospitals and other health care facilities, improve data sharing, seek funding for new initiatives, and monitor DHS clients’ health status and clinical services. In addition, the Office of the Medical Director is responsible for managing responses to medical emergencies.
The Department of Homeless Services is recruiting for one (1) City Research Scientist I to function as a Referral and Tracking Coordinator, who will:

• Assist in developing and maintaining the new institutional referral data system: develop system requirements, work with IT to develop the system, test, and coordinate user testing. Implement and provide training to shelter and hospital staff in the use of the data system, by developing training content and webinars.

• Develop a system to track infectious diseases of public health significance reported to DHS by DOHMH, including tuberculosis, salmonella, influenza, shigella, and others. Work with DOHMH on data matching.

• Participate in developing and maintaining an electronic and automated data system for tracking COVID-19 cases, manage and analyze COVID-19 data. Develop/participate in developing an electronic data system for COVID-19 cases referred from hospitals.

• Perform data QA, analyze, and review related data, identify and resolve data problems, and develop systems for standard resolutions and decision-making and communicate with shelters, hospitals and long-term care facilities, and DOHMH on identified issues.

• Provide regular training and technical assistance to shelter providers on the hospital discharge process, follow-up on hospitalized clients and monitor implementation of the program.

• Identify referred clients with complex needs for follow-up.

• Participate in the coordination of emergency response as needed, and be one of the points of contact with DOHMH on emergency response and follow-up in infectious diseases of public health significance.

• Develop and maintain relevant infection control documents.

1. For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health) A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.
To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have:
1. A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or
2. A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in "2" above. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in "1" and "2" above.
NOTE:
Probationary Period
Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.

LOAN FORGIVENESS
The federal government provides student loan forgiveness through its Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) to all qualifying public service employees. Working with the DSS/HRA/DHS qualifies you as a public service employee and you may be able to take advantage of this program while working full-time and meeting the program’s other requirements.
Please visit the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program site to view the eligibility requirements:
https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
In addition, the Human Resources Administration/Department of Social Services offers competitive salaries and the following benefits:
Generous Pension Plans (The New York Employees' Retirement System);
401(k) and Roth 457 Retirement Savings Programs;
U.S. Savings Bonds Flexible Spending Program;
Health Benefits, Dental, Vision Coverage, Prescription Drug Program;
Training and Professional Development;
Opportunity for Scholarship; College Savings Program;
Paid Holidays and Generous Annual Leave.

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PLEASE NOTE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE FOR THIS POSITION $64,140 - $70,554

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.