Disease Intervention Specialist

Job Summary:

The Disease Intervention Specialist will perform investigations, partner notifications, and follow-up on individuals who have been diagnosed with infectious targeted diseases or may be at risk. The specialist will rapidly identify individuals who do not know they may be infected and assist them to rapidly receive treatment and stop the disease from spreading and prevent serious health problems caused by the disease.

The specialist will provide education, counseling, and assistance to the community for targeted disease research and evaluation. This includes performing venipuncture/blood withdrawals to define and intervene in the spread of communicable and chronic diseases of public health, providing STI and HIV testing, notifying and communicating test results, providing referrals and resources for treatment, and providing prevention education.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide education, counseling, and assistance to the community for targeted disease research and evaluation.
• Perform venipuncture/blood withdrawals to define and intervene in the spread of communicable and chronic diseases of public health.
• Provide STI and HIV testing.
• Notify and communicate test results.
• Provide referrals and resources for treatment.
• Provide prevention education.
• Document all testing encounters.
• Screen clients for all supportive service needs that may be necessary and refer as appropriate.
• Perform a variety of investigative duties, including counseling related to the prevention and control of communicable diseases.
• Consult with physicians, the medical team, laboratories, community groups, schools, volunteer agencies, and other organizations to enlist and maintain their cooperation in a program of communicable disease prevention.
• Interview cases, contacts, and others in the community concerning personal behaviors and activities which contribute to disease transmission and determine solutions with the medical team.
• Ensure compliance with established State and Federal laws and regulations related to disease control and prevention.
• Function as a patient advocate and counsel clients on available resources.
• Keep current with local, national, and international disease trends and outbreaks.
• Prepare for and/or participate in quality assurance audits.
• Build relationships with providers of services including physicians, clinics, and the public.
• Maintains awareness of community changes which could impact service delivery.
• Participates in ongoing trainings to increase skill level as both a presenter and an active audience member.
• Conducts community outreach and networks with other service providers developing new venues for the program to participate in.
• Perform diagnostic tests as directed by physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Epidemiology or Public Health and Policy, or a field related to assigned area.
• At least 3-5 years previous public health experience or equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or training approved by Human Resources.
• Certified Phlebotomist or Medical Assistant or Registered Nurse preferred.
• Certified Venipuncture required within 90 days of hire plus a total of 20 hours of supervised training on the job.
• Complete Counseling, Testing, and Referral (CTR) Module 1-3 within 90 days of hire.
• Complete Passport to Partner Services within 6 months of hire.
• Complete 'PrEP Navigation' within 6 months of hire.

Working Conditions:

Normal business hours, some additional hours may be required.

Travel Required:

None generally required.

Working Environment:

Climate controlled office.