Disease Intervention Specialist I

State of Oklahoma • Tulsa, OK

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of a Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) is to intervene in the spread of HIV and syphilis. This position locates and interviews patients and their sexual partners to gather information on infections or exposures to HIV and STDs. Duties include recommending testing/screening and referring positive patients to care; consulting with private/public providers to obtain information on treated cases; performing diagnostic and treatment techniques; seeking permission to apply epidemiological process to private patients; assisting in statewide screening programs on STDs and HIV to ensure timely reporting of positive findings; and providing medical consultation to clinics, county health departments, prisons and jails and Indian Health Services (IHS) on STDs and HIV. Disease Intervention Specialist plays a critical role in diagnosis as well as screen people who have been exposed to it.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science, health science, social science, or a closely related field, or three years of experience as an SHHRS Community Intervention Specialist or four years experience in performing duties such as HIV, Hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted infection public health investigations, testing, or preventive programs, or as a public health nurse, phlebotomist, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Applicants must be willing and able to perform all job-related travel normally associated with this position and possess a valid driver’s license.
• If education, certification or licensure is required to meet qualifications, applicants must provide documentation at the time of application.
• All applicants are subject to a background check and must be legally authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.
• Knowledge of various types of communicable diseases; of state and federal laws concerning the treatment and reporting of various types of infections or exposure to various diseases; of medical and epidemiological aspects of diseases; of laboratory procedures used in the diagnosis of disease or infections; and of the principles of interviewing and training.
• Ability to work with groups and individuals; to provide information concerning communicable diseases; and to interview and gather information.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrates knowledge of and supports mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
• Works effectively in team environment, participating and assisting their peers.

Responsibilities

• Provides treatment consultation to clinics and county health departments on sexually transmitted diseases, and other communicable diseases.
• Consults with local health officers, private physicians, school officials, and others on the prevention and control of communicable diseases.
• Participates in the development of various programs, preparation of field procedures and information, and other activities related to program direction.
• Provides training and information on assigned programs in schools, public and private facilities, and to the general public.
• Interviews patients and contacts to gather information concerning infections or exposure to various types of communicable diseases; consult with private physicians to stimulate case reporting, obtain information on treated cases, provide information on diagnostic and treatment techniques, and secure permission to apply epidemiological process to private patients.
• Assists in statewide screening programs on sexually transmitted diseases through coordination of laboratory efforts to assure timely reporting of positive findings indicative of such diseases.
• Participates in special projects with federal and local public health agencies; cooperates with volunteer health groups in disease prevention and control programs.
• Being present at the office is an essential function of the job.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums.
• A wide choice of insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations.
• Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses and/or dependent care.
• Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match.
• 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave the first year for full time employees.
• 11 paid holidays a year.
• Student Loan repayment options & tuition reimbursement.
• Employee discounts with a variety of companies and venders.
• Longevity Bonus for years of service

What This Job Offers

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