Disease Intervention Specialis

Job Description:
Disease Intervention Specialist:

Under the supervision of the HIV/STD Program Manager and under the direction of the Team Lead/First Line Supervisor, the Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) performs moderately complex public health work. Work involves conducting HIV-STD control, through active surveillance, investigations, contact elicitation and notification. Ensures statutory disease reporting, investigates disease outbreaks, establishes, and maintains a consultative relationship with PHR-11 Local Health Departments, clinics, private physicians, contractors, family planning providers and other organizations that participate in the Department of State Health Service HIV/STD Program's treatment, control, and prevention of communicable diseases. Conducts in-service education for local health care providers and may train others. The DIS is responsible for the above activities in the 14 counties of HIV STD public health region 11 jurisdiction.

Employee must maintain an acceptable driving record that meets the standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and safely operates either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle to conduct state business in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-, Fleet Operations Management and Procedures, and Texas motor vehicle traffic and driver licensing law. Employee must have a valid Class C Texas driver’s license, or equivalent license from another state. Attend work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy.

Perform other duties as assigned to include but not limited to employee actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. In the event of a natural disaster staff serving in the DSHS Multi-Agency Coordination Center, State Operations Center, regional and/or local operation centers, joint field offices, Disaster District Operation Centers will be deployed to an affected area of the state during the response to assist in recovery from an all-hazard event. Essential Job Functions:
(60%) Independently conducts STD/HIV investigations and Prevention Counseling and Partner Elicitation (PCPE) sessions, interviews/counsel’s patients and performs partner referrals in a culturally competent manner which best contributes to the interruption of disease transmission while ensuring client confidentiality. Provides services in English and/or Spanish as appropriate to clients' needs. Performs active disease surveillance activities through phone calls, performing on-site inspections to ensure reporting, responds to case reports. Participates in collection of data, data analysis, program evaluation and assists with recommendations and program reporting. Assists Team Lead in conducting DIS field audits and STD/HIV investigations on adverse dispositioned field records for final approval.
(20%) Plans and conducts HIV/STD presentations to meet the needs of the department and other service providers. Presents current information to the medical community and conducts educational sessions for diverse audiences as necessary. Submits plan of actions, daily activities, travel reimbursement, time and leave in an accurate and timely manner.
(10%) Establishes and maintains collaborative working relationships with regional officials, agencies, and individuals who impact the program, including co-workers. Serves as a liaison with community-based organizations and assists with activities to identified target groups.
(5%) Performs phlebotomy activities.
(5%) Other Duties as Assigned: Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of HIV/STD, modes of transmission, prevention, and disease intervention principles
Knowledge of principles and practices of public health, and the structure and functions of public health organizations.
Knowledge of Medical Terminology.
Knowledge of confidentiality in Surveillance situations.
Knowledge of agency rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of computer operation including Microsoft Word, Window applications, and email.

Skill in effective verbal and written communications.
Skill in being resourceful and applying initiative to assigned tasks with minimal supervision.
Skill in the use of electronic data and/or word processing equipment and software.
Skill with data collection and retrieval methods, data base management principles and quality assurance principles and procedures.
Skill in phlebotomy for specimen collection.

Ability to work effectively in a team setting.
Ability to deal tactfully with professional personnel as well as public.
Ability to assist in developing policies, procedures, and educational materials.
Ability to be resourceful and apply initiative to assigned tasks with minimal supervision.
Ability to work with confidential records and information.
Ability to travel away from assigned headquarters and function effectively from other locations as necessary.

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