Valencia Augustine-Scott, MPH, REHS IV
Sacramento,CA
Summary
Experienced professional with a robust public health, environmental health, and hazardous substances engineering background. Skilled in advanced project management, program measurement, and NIH grant management. Expertise in managing diverse health programs, ensuring regulatory compliance, including IRB processes, and optimizing operational efficiency. Proven ability in grant writing, stakeholder communication, and conducting field inspections. Proficient in healthcare administration, patient care coordination, and promoting health equity. Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office and data analysis software (SPSS, SAS, STATA, R). Dedicated to improving public health outcomes through strategic program management and innovative solutions. Strong communicator and collaborator, able to work effectively with multi-disciplinary teams and stakeholders to achieve positive health outcomes.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
REHS IV Supervisor and Emergency Responder
Kern County Public Health
Bakersfield, CA
05.2022 - 06.2023
- Managed employees performing retail food inspections in compliance with the California Retail Food Code and relevant laws
- Developed NIH grant proposals to secure additional funding
- Reviewed EHS trainee letters and evaluated training programs according to CDPH guidelines
- Developed effective communication plans for program stakeholders
- Interpreted and maintained knowledge of public health regulations, including revising the county ordinance
- Conducted enforcement and compliance hearings with facility operators
- Developed strategies to improve program efficiency, increasing production by 50%
- Prepared monthly reports summarizing key program metrics
- Managed primary and sub-program budgets and prepared documents for state grants and audits
- Performed statistical and time task analyses to drive program changes
- Developed emergency response guidelines and competency programs
- Represented Kern County in various industry and regulatory meetings
- Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication.
Registered Environmental Health Specialist III
Kern County Public Health
Bakersfield, CA
09.2021 - 05.2022
- Conducted field inspections and audits of operations and regulatory compliance records for Hazmat, CalArp, and Solid Waste LEA and Medical Waste
- Provided direction and leadership to staff as they performed regular, independent inspections within assigned programs to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations
- Managed chemical, industrial hygiene, blood-borne pathogen, hazardous waste, and all corresponding documentation including HMBPs, contingency plans, staff training, response plans, SPCC plans, Risk Management Plans & hazardous waste manifests that include reporting to the DTSC
- Collaborated with HR to enforce workplace safety through work ergonomics & safety practices based on OSHA & EPA standards
- Acted as a liaison with various organizations, including California Air Regional Board, CalRecycle, and State Water Resources Control Board to ensure facilities are meeting state minimum standards
- Participated in Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) initial and 5-year reviews of CalARP facilities located in Kern to reduce the risk of a release
- Reviewed various Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices (RAGAGEP) ranging from CGA, API, IIAR, NFPA, ASME, ANSI, etc., to ensure facilities are operating based on industry standards
- Performed inspections for Program 1, Program 2, Program 3, and Program 4 CalARP facilities concerning the required prevention program elements
- Responded to hazardous materials releases at fixed facilities and roadways, including identification of unknown hazmat, Technical Reference for Fire Departments, ICS, Structures, enforcement, and remediation
- Worked with various regulatory agencies such as Local Fire Departments, Air Pollution Control Districts (CARB), County Ag Commissioner, EPA, Cal-OSHA, Fish and Wildlife/OSPR, DOGGR, Cal-Fire.
REHS I/II Food, Land, Water & Solid Waste
Kern County Public Health
Bakersfield, CA
02.2017 - 08.2021
- Led inspections, reviewed plans, investigated violations, complaints, and prepared reports for Food, Hotel, Pool, Body Art, Medical Waste, and Solid Waste programs
- Reviewed documents such as Environmental Impact Reports (EIR), operator policies, safety training, manifests, Education and Training Certifications incoming/outgoing wastes, emergency documents/plans, and operator registrations to ensure consistency with issued permits, current practices conducted at the facility, and compliance with state minimum standards
- Led as an Environmental Health community service outreach personnel at various community outreach events
- Interpreted regulations pertaining to local, state, and federal jurisdictions which included but not limited to: LEA revisions, amendments, and working with Kern County Public Works for remediation of multiple closed, inactive, and abandoned sites
- Assisted with sourcing locations and stakeholders for the "Waste Hunger Not Food" program and interpret the SB 1383 law associated with the program
- Developed public safety programs for effective permitting processes
- Conducted inspections and enforcement for food facilities concerning proper holding temperatures for food, vector issues (rodents, flies, and roaches, etc.), and overall hygienic practices conducted at the inspected facility
- Conducted inspections and enforcement for landfills/composting sites to ensure the prevention of litter, vector propagation, hazardous waste management, equipment maintenance, regulatory thresholds for pathogen reduction and metal concentration for compost, and diversion of recyclables
- Conducted inspections and enforcement for medical waste facilities concerning the management, handling, and disposal of biohazardous/pharmaceutical/sharps waste.
Human Services Technician III
Kern County Human Services
Bakersfield, CA
01.2015 - 05.2017
- Reviewed and evaluated applications to determine eligibility for Medicaid, Medicare, and other public assistance programs
- Utilized state regulations to analyze information, numerical and narrative data from interviews, educational, and medical records, consultation with other professionals, and diagnostic evaluations to assess clients' abilities, needs, and eligibility for services
- Monitored case status updates from local and state offices regarding timely application approval and denial decisions and provided recommendations
- Resolved complex cases requiring special attention due to conflicting information or unusual circumstances
- Participated in meetings with stakeholders regarding changes in eligibility criteria or application processes
- Worked closely with team members to deliver project requirements, develop solutions, and meet deadlines
- Demonstrated self-reliance by meeting and exceeding workflow needs
- Demonstrated leadership by making improvements to work processes and helping to train others
- Prepared written responses addressing questions raised by external auditors concerning eligibility determination processes
- Trained new team members on office procedures and daily duties.
Public Health Community Wellness Educator
Kern County Public Health
Bakersfield, CA
05.2014 - 01.2015
- Integrated public health strategies to maximize effectiveness within Kern County's community wellness unit
- Led initiatives in Kern County's "Call to Action" campaign, specifically overseeing the Early Childhood Education workgroup
- Orchestrated programs and health resource dissemination for community engagement, including disease prevention and health equity campaigns
- Supported the Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Program (NEOP) by implementing strategies to promote healthy eating and physical activity
- Developed exhibits, posters, displays, and workshops for the Kern County Community Wellness Unit
- Conducted comprehensive research on health issues and contributed to the creation of public information materials, including reports, website enhancements, bulletins, and news releases for the "Call to Action" initiative
- Ensured adherence to Institutional Review Board (IRB) guidelines for research integrity
- Collaborated with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on initiatives addressing community health and wellness.
- Facilitated workshops on topics such as stress management, exercise physiology, nutrition awareness, and substance abuse prevention.
- Participated in professional development activities to stay abreast of current trends in wellness education.
- Collaborated with local organizations to coordinate community events focused on promoting healthy lifestyles.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress utilizing electronic medical record system.
- Developed and implemented wellness program initiatives to reduce health risks among target population.
- Conducted and coordinated health needs assessments and other public health surveys.
- Encouraged collaboration between multiple stakeholders involved in health promotion efforts.
UCLA Care Extender
UCLA Medical Center
Los Angeles, CA
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Contributed to teams in diverse healthcare departments such as cancer research, radiology, and pediatrics.
- Conducted patient interviews to gather health history, vital signs, and information about current medical issues
- Verified incident reports to determine root causes and appraised corrective actions.
- Sterilized instruments and disposed of contaminated supplies in adherence to OSHA regulations
- Printed and filed examination data records according to HIPAA patient standards
- Coordinated services with medical and office staff to improve patient satisfaction, engagement, and compassionate care
- Promoted continuity of care by accurately and completely communicating patient status to fellow caregivers
- Collaborated with radiologists, sonographers, and other healthcare team members to streamline patient care, with a focus on cancer research.
Education
Master's - Public Health with a specialization in Health Promotion and Education
National University
05.2019
Bachelor's - Environmental Science with emphasis in Natural Sciences
University of California, Riverside
08.2009
Skills
- Advanced Project Management
- NIH Grant Management
- IRB Processes
- Healthcare Administration
- Data Analysis (SPSS, SAS, STATA, R)
- Interpersonal Skills
- Health Equity Promotion
- Patient Care Coordination
- Stakeholder communication
- Analytical skills
Affiliations
- American Public Health Association
- California Environmental Health Association
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
- Young Women in Leadership and Science
Certification
- Registered Environmental Health Specialist
- USA Management Grant Writing Certification
- 40-Hour Hazwoper Certification
- CSTI Emergency Response and Hazardous Materials Certification
- Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act Certification
- Medical Waste and Body Art Bloodborne Pathogen Certification
- Hazardous Waste Management CalRecycle/LEA: Health and Safety Certification
- Ammonia Operator Certification
- CalRecycle/LEA: Solid Waste Technical Document Review Certification
- First Responder Awareness and Operations Certification
- Ammonia Operator I
Personal Information
Title: MPH, REHS IV
Awards
2019 Public Health Award for Compassion and Leadership from Kern County Environmental Health
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
REHS IV Supervisor and Emergency Responder
Kern County Public Health
05.2022 - 06.2023
Registered Environmental Health Specialist III
Kern County Public Health
09.2021 - 05.2022
REHS I/II Food, Land, Water & Solid Waste
Kern County Public Health
02.2017 - 08.2021
Human Services Technician III
Kern County Human Services
01.2015 - 05.2017
Public Health Community Wellness Educator
Kern County Public Health
05.2014 - 01.2015
UCLA Care Extender
UCLA Medical Center
01.2009 - 01.2011
Master's - Public Health with a specialization in Health Promotion and Education
National University
Bachelor's - Environmental Science with emphasis in Natural Sciences
University of California, Riverside
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