OFFICE SPECIALIST (UMP)

Position Overview

This position is an essential team member for a fast paced, high volume, critical program with 6-day operations Monday-Saturday including several holidays. Under general direction, this position performs complex technical functions within the Newborn Screening Program; serves as a direct liaison with physicians, medical specialists, and parents; provides explanation of newborn screening guidelines and policies to physicians and other health care providers; communicates newborn screening test results and recommendations; assists with data documentation and maintenance; maintains newborn screening registries.

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

1.  Coordinates and performs daily duties involved with, follow-up and data management in support of the statewide Newborn Metabolic Screening Program, including explanation of low-level test results through written and telephone communications with birthing hospitals, medical specialists, physicians, parents and related agencies, and provision of guidance related to directions for further testing.  

    
2.  Serves as a direct liaison with physicians, metabolic specialists, parents and statewide local health departments and assists with in-depth technical assistance and follow-up tracking to ensure compliance with testing and treatment protocols, and coordinates interagency management of children with confirmed metabolic, endocrine and hemoglobin disorders by assisting with referrals, and triages to appropriate staff members.

3.  Maintains registries of information on all infants suspect for, or diagnosed with a disorder identified through newborn screening.

    
4.  Responds to daily inquiries regarding program policies.

5.  Confirms updated educational information, which contains an explanation of program policies and rules, is available and distributed to health care providers and the public throughout the state.

    
6.  Performs duties as assigned or required related to newborn hearing screening data entry, record keeping, and data reporting.

7.  Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to two years of secretarial/business college and one year of office experience, or completion of high school and three years of office experience, or three years of independent business experience.

*Qualifying state employees in the employee Upward Mobility Program, may complete combinations of specific proficiency tests and training programs leading to a certificate of proficiency in lieu of the stated requirements for this classification.

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.