Congregate Residential Settings Investigator, Bureau of Communicable Diseases

City of New York • New York City, NY

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Bureau of Communicable Disease (BCD) oversees surveillance and investigations of more than 70 reportable conditions, including Legionnaires’, respiratory viral, enteric, vector-borne and invasive bacterial diseases. The Congregate Residential Settings Investigator positions sit in BCD’s Investigation and Response Unit.

Requirements

• Experience with communicable disease investigation and response, including conducting structured interviews and medical chart reviews
• Knowledge of infection prevention and control principles and practices
• Familiarity with medical terminology
• Experience working in or with congregate settings
• Experience in health education and outreach, including giving presentations
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Proficient with word processing and spreadsheets
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Notify congregate settings of or respond to inquiries regarding cases or outbreaks of infectious diseases in their settings. Provide infection prevention and control guidance, resources and risk communication tailored to individual congregate settings.
• Conduct site visits to guide or implement public health interventions, facilitate communication, or assess infection prevention and control needs, as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain relationships with partners in the NYC Health Department and other city and NY State agencies who oversee or work with congregate settings. Maintain updated points of contact for these partners and for NYC congregate facilities.
• Coordinate respiratory virus testing at facilities when testing resources are available and if requested by facilities.
• Conduct data cleaning and quality assurance related to documentation of congregate residential setting outbreak or case investigations as needed.
• Plan and participate in education and outreach regarding prevention of communicable diseases, with a focus on congregate settings. Create or review guidance or outreach materials (e.g. flyers, presentations).
• Provide investigation and outreach support to other BCD units, including the Respiratory Pathogen and Community Outreach and Health Education Units, as needed.
• Conduct communicable disease investigation, surveillance, and response. Interview patients, contacts, health care providers, and congregate setting points of contact. Conduct medical chart reviews and abstractions.
• Triage and respond to telephone inquiries regarding infectious disease issues.
• Participate in the Health Department’s Incident Command System to support emergency response activities as needed.

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