Disease Intervention Specialist I/II

Montgomery County•Dayton, OH

10d

About The Position

Under the direction of the Disease Intervention Supervisor, the Disease Intervention Specialist I is responsible for investigating reports of sexually transmitted diseases; conducting counseling/interview sessions, gathering elicit partner contact information, collecting specimens, and providing testing. This role involves interviewing and counseling for communicable diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Virus (AIDS), providing educational, behavioral, and risk reduction messaging to targeted population(s). Interviewing sessions consist of contact elicitation for active disease intervention or partner notification per PHDMC policy. The specialist coordinates disease intervention activities and advises local health departments and health care agencies, when appropriate, to assure optimum disease intervention. They also assist with collecting and compiling data, planning and developing community health-related programs, and referring and locating services for clients. Community engagement through outreach and recruitment efforts, fostering public relationships and partnering with community groups to network and promote healthy outcomes are also key aspects of the role. Additionally, the specialist may assist with training new or less experienced staff members in quality disease intervention activities and demonstrates accountability through accurate documentation of all disease intervention and related activities. Obtaining human biological specimens, performing venipuncture for disease testing, and appropriately labeling and transporting specimens are also responsibilities. The role requires acquiring knowledge of, reviewing, and complying with rules, regulations, policies, and current findings relating to disease and the Ohio Department of Health’s STD/HIV Prevention Unit. Active participation in professional growth through attendance at meetings, trainings, workshops, self-instructional courses, and webinars is expected. The specialist may also participate on interview panels and in applicant selection processes and supports PHDMC goals, mission, vision, values, and objectives through daily tasks and special projects.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Health and Human Services, Social Work, Social and Behavioral Sciences, or another related social services field.
Five years’ experience working with culturally and economically diverse populations, including all genders and ethnicities; gay/bisexual/transgender populations, and people living with chronic disease, substance users and persons with mental health diagnosis.
Familiarity with public health program implementation and evaluations.
Ability to gain certification of venipuncture training by the American Red Cross or other qualified training facility within 12 months of hire, HIV Counseling, Testing and Referral (CTR) within (6) months of hire and PASSPORT to Partner Services training within three (3) months of hire.
Understands and acknowledges that Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County uses evidence-based and evidence-informed public health practices based on scientific research including health promotion theory and practice, environmental health measures, and communicable disease control measures including vaccination, isolation, and quarantine practices, and medicine for treatment and prevention of disease, among others.
Understands and acknowledges the use of tobacco or nicotine products in any form including replacement therapy products and prescription medications used to treat smoking addiction for anyone hired after January 1, 2014, is prohibited.
Valid State of Ohio driver’s license and insurance on any personal vehicle that will be used for work.

Nice To Haves

Education/training in social work, health promotion/education, public health, health sciences or related field.
Motivational Interviewing and strengths-based case management.
One (1) year experience demonstrating the knowledge and background of HIV/STDs.
One (1) year experience interviewing and conducting case note documentation.

Responsibilities

Conducts interviews and counseling for communicable diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Virus (AIDS), providing educational, behavioral, and risk reduction messaging to targeted population(s).
Conducts interviewing sessions consisting of contact elicitation for active disease intervention or partner notification per PHDMC policy.
Coordinates disease intervention activities and advises local health departments and health care agencies, when appropriate, to assure optimum disease intervention.
Assists with collecting and compiling of data, the planning and developing of community health-related programs; and referring and locating services for clients.
Assists with community engagement through outreach and recruitment efforts, fostering public relationships and partnering with community groups to network and promote healthy outcomes.
Assists with training new or less experienced staff members in quality disease intervention activities in accordance with the Quality Assurance Guidelines for Disease Intervention Specialists and program policy.
Demonstrates both individual and program accountability by establishing and maintaining accurate, legible, appropriate, and thorough documentation of all disease intervention and related activities.
Obtains human biological specimens when needed/required.
Performs venipuncture to collect serological specimens (if venipuncture certified) for disease testing in accordance with program guidelines and supervisory direction.
Appropriately labels specimens for identification purposes and transports specimens to appropriate testing facility.
Acquires knowledge of, reviews, and complies with rules, regulations, policies, and current findings relating to disease and Ohio Department of Health’s STD/HIV Prevention Unit.
Is an active participant in professional growth through attendance at meetings, trainings, workshops, self-instructional courses, and webinars regarding disease intervention activities.
May participate on interview panels and in applicant selection process.
Supports PHDMC goals, mission, vision, values, and objectives through daily tasks and special projects.
Required to play an active role during a public health emergency, crisis, outbreak, incident, or event in which the Health Commissioner deems additional personnel resources are warranted. This may include changes in responsibilities and working locations/hours.
Completion of Incident Command System 100 and National Incident Management System 700 courses within 90 days of hire.