Disease Intervention Specialist

Full Job Description

Requirements

• Investigates and follows up on a wide range of reportable communicable diseases to ensure appropriate prevention, treatment, control, and reporting; discusses findings with the team and records all findings appropriately.
• Participates in surveillance, case and outbreak investigations, and response to limit the spread of diseases.
• Interviews and counsels clients who are at risk for or have a communicable disease.
• Coordinates with public health and community providers to maintain quality control of surveillance data.
• Communicates with medical providers and necessary stakeholders to ensure appropriate follow-up is completed.
• Responds to calls from members of the public, health care providers, childcare centers, schools, and other stakeholders regarding communicable disease concerns; responds to phone and email inquiries from the public and medical providers.
• Provides consultation, outreach, and patient education about communicable diseases to a diverse community.
• May conduct directly observed therapy with tuberculosis (TB) patients in the field, via video or in the clinic; deliver monthly medication to latent TB patients in the field or in the clinic.
• Prepares, submits, and maintains detailed records for Local, State, and Federal agencies.
• Prepares technical reports, presentations, correspondence, and other written materials; enters data into a web-based electronic database.
• May assist in TB contact investigations and Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) of medications as needed.
• Responsible for processing human biologic specimens collected for submission needing laboratory testing.
• Participates in departmental emergency planning and response activities.
• Promotes public health within the community.
• Takes personal responsibility in providing exceptional customer service in order to promote and maintain a positive Public Health image, constructive working environment, and foster pride and professionalism in the workplace and community.
• Performs other duties as required.

Supervision Exercised: This classification does not have supervisory authority and requires no supervision or direction of others.

Supervision Received: Receives intermittent supervision. This classification normally performs the job by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor is expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must have knowledge of communicable disease etiology, manifestations, progression, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Understanding of medical and drug terminology and laboratory testing procedures.
• Expertise in prioritizing and organizing multiple tasks and the ability to complete projects in a timely manner.
• Must be detail-oriented and ensure accuracy in work. Ability to enter data in applicable databases timely and accurately.
• Ability to conduct interviews of a highly personal nature and the ability to maintain a calm demeanor. 
• Adept at maintaining the security of sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with others. Ability to provide excellent customer service. 
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Required Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Three years of customer service or administrative experience.
  • Associate’s degree in a related field may substitute for one year of the required experience. 
  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for two years of the required experience. 

Preferred Education & Experience

• Associate degree in public health, biological science, nursing or related field.
• One year of experience in a community health setting.
• One year of experience in disease investigation, public health, healthcare, community health, or communicable disease surveillance.
• Clinical and patient education experience.
• Phlebotomy skills and experience in specimen collection are highly desirable to support field investigations and clinical outreach efforts.

Licenses/Certificates

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Medical Assistant Certification preferred.
• Must obtain and maintain a valid CPR Certification within ninety days of employment.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.

Additional Information

Work environment may contain potential exposure to infections, blood, and contagious diseases. Duties may be performed in stressful situations and with people acting under stress. May be required to work outside of normal business hours. Rotates day-call to cover surveillance activities with other CD staff. Some travel may be required; work may be assigned in various locations. Public Health employees are responsible for providing proof of vaccinations and/or tuberculosis testing as applicable to the specific position and must provide proof of completion of required vaccinations/testing or proof of initiation within sixty days of hire date.

The classification specification above is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and minimum qualifications; specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and environmental conditions will vary depending on the needs of the department/office and the particular assignment. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources Department.