Disease Investigation Specialist - Health Program Specialist 2 #349
Job 349 Disease Investigation Specialist - Health Program Specialist 2
1 Full Time opening in Disease Prevention & Response
Purpose: Performs complex disease investigation work for STD cases in Spokane County. Monitors and works to ensure that individuals at highest risk receive CDC recommended testing and treatment.
Maybe have to directly provide initial client transportation to services. Transportation of clients is only authorized with the use of a company vehicle.
Uses investigative skills to locate and interview people who have recently tested positive for STDs in Spokane County.
- Focus interviews on ensuring correct medical treatment and conducting partner elicitation.
- Enter case level data into the Public Health Information Management System (PHIMS).
- Use investigative database and social media platforms (Jail/Accurint/Facebook) to locate difficult to find individuals.
- Conduct intensive community outreach to identify cluster groups associated with the syphilis outbreak.
- Consult with and advises medical providers on CDC treatment guidelines and SRHD / DOH testing recommendations.
- Serve as backup for HIV/ HCV disease investigations and administers STD Surveillance Network (Ssun) interviews with a subset of cases.
Uses investigative skills to locate and interview individuals potentially exposed to STDs.
- Enter case level data into the Public Health Information Management System (PHIMS).
- Provide risk reduction counseling, referrals, treatment follow-up and partner management services to those who test positive.
- Use investigative database and social media platforms (Jail/Accurint/Facebook) to locate difficult to find individuals.
Provides or refers Original Patients, Partners, and others at high risk to syphilis, HIV and CT/GC testing and treatment.
- Monitor receipt of appropriate testing and treatment.
- Record testing and treatment completion in (PHIMS) and other applicable logs.
- Provide onsite and offsite testing and oral treatment for cluster groups and transient/difficult to locate individuals who would otherwise go untreated.
Provides education for medical provider groups and clinics regarding recommended testing and treatment for STDs and accessing Expedited Partner Therapy.
- Present and describe locally created datasets to describe Spokane and E. WA epidemiological characteristics.
- Speak with the media regarding communicable disease issues, when designated.
- Advise content of medical provider alerts and letters.
Analyzes communicable disease data to understand and recommend appropriate public health interventions.
- Prepare or assist with preparation of reports and recommendations related to STD case investigation.
- Ensure that appropriate data collection and analysis occurs for DIS activities, community projects, and Quality Improvement.
- Assists with coordination of special projects, Logic Model reporting, and other program reports as needed.
Other Duties as assigned.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field required. Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered provided the individual’s background demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position.
- Three years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree.
Required Licensure/Certification:
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Valid motor vehicle operator’s license and current auto insurance is required to complete essential functions of the position.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to interact with, educate and gain information from the professional health care community.
- Ability to listen, observe, communicate, interview, understand, confront, and build trust with clientele.
- Ability to work in a proactive team environment in a position that requires a high level of autonomy and accountability.
- Ability to discover and evaluate community needs and make recommendations on how to respond creatively to those needs.
Environmental Factors:
- Indoors, sedentary with 4-6 hours/day sitting or standing.
- Ability to navigate client sites (unpaved walkways, stairs, narrow hallways, etc.) on a regular/occasional basis.
- 4-6 hours/day keyboarding or typing at a computer terminal.
- Communication skills to interact effectively with people.
- Comprehend and process verbal communication.
- Visual acuity to read small print.
- Ability to carry up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis.
- Ability to type, file and complete forms with or without accommodation.
- Ability to operate a vehicle or otherwise access multiple sites in a timely manner.
E.O.E.