Case Investigator, Bureau of Communicable Diseases

City of New York • Long Island City, NY

12d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Division of Disease Control’s mission is to safeguard the health of New Yorkers through identification, surveillance, treatment, control, and prevention of infectious diseases. The Bureau of Communicable Disease (BCD) monitors and analyzes trends in disease data and provides consultation to the medical community and the public on the recognition, prevention, and control of communicable diseases. BCD is responsible for the surveillance, prevention, and control of over 70 infectious diseases including foodborne, enteric, waterborne, respiratory (including COVID-19), zoonotic, and vector-borne diseases. Reporting to the Disease Investigation Unit’s Team Lead and working with a team of Public Health Epidemiologists, City Research Scientists and Clerical Associates, you will investigate cases of reportable diseases and outbreaks of infectious or novel conditions. You will conduct patient/provider interviews, contact tracing and health record abstractions. You will provide patient and public education. You will triage telephone inquiries.

Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
• High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of communicable disease surveillance and epidemiologic investigations
• Experience with structured interviews, medical terminology and conducting electronic health record reviews
• Comfortable discussing sensitive topics including sexual activity and drug use
• Experience working with healthcare providers
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Proficient with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software

Responsibilities

• Conduct communicable disease case investigations
• Perform medical chart reviews and abstractions
• Conduct patient and provider telephone interviews
• Triage incoming telephone inquiries
• Provide patient and public education
• Identify and follow up with contacts of people with communicable diseases
• Provide public health recommendations to patients and contacts
• Conduct outbreak investigations
• Perform data collection and analysis
• Evaluate risk factors or high-risk transmission settings
• Assist with communicable disease prevention initiatives
• Participate in the DOHMH's Surveillance and Epidemiology Emergency Response Section's preparedness and response activities

Benefits

• Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs that lessen your payments or even fully forgive your full balance.
• Premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
• Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
• A public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
• A tax-deferred savings program
• A robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.
• Job Security

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level