Disease Intervention Specialist

Montgomery County•Norristown, PA

2d•Remote

About The Position

The Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) is a crucial member of the Division of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention. The primary focus of this role is to conduct disease surveillance, case investigations and contact tracing (CICT), case management, and outbreak control and prevention of reportable and notifiable diseases. All activities are carried out in accordance with federal, state, and local guidelines to prevent and control both communicable and non-communicable diseases. This position plays a vital role in divisional operations that support public health efforts to prevent and control the spread of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Responsibilities include conducting CICT for reportable and notifiable diseases, while maintaining up to date knowledge of these conditions. Cross-program competency is expected, particularly in divisional programs including Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Healthcare Associated Infections and Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Sexually Transmitted Disease (HIV/STD). There are multiple openings, with specific positions focusing on Emerging and Re-Emerging Diseases, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STD) / Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and Waterborne Illnesses. Compensation may be adjusted higher based on directly related experience.

Requirements

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in public health, health education, or a related field.
One (1) year of relevant experience in public health.
Must be available to serve as the divisional representative on-call during after-hours and weekends, on a rotational and emergency basis.
Must be able to respond to infectious disease emergencies promptly on a 24/7 basis as guided by OPH management.
Must be able to adjust to changing priorities and manage time effectively while handling a busy and complex workload.
Requires occasional travel throughout Montgomery County and Southeastern PA, state-wide travel, and national travel based on need; must have a valid state driver's license and reliable means of transportation.
This position requires the following clearances as a condition of employment: Child Abuse History Clearance, PA Criminal Record History, and FBI Fingerprint Clearance.

Nice To Haves

Cross-program competency is expected, particularly in divisional programs including Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Healthcare Associated Infections and Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Sexually Transmitted Disease (HIV/STD).

Responsibilities

Collect epidemiological information to support case investigation, contact tracing (CICT), and broader epidemiological investigations, with approximately 85% of communications conducted via phone with healthcare providers, residents, and public health partners.
Provide expert guidance to healthcare providers and public health partners on disease control measures, while counseling residents and contacts on public health interventions such as testing, treatment, vaccination, and prevention strategies.
Conduct sensitive and confidential phone interviews with residents to assess clinical symptoms, risk factors, and treatment history, and to identify potentially exposed contacts—ensuring all communications adhere to HIPAA and public health privacy standards.
Maintain subject matter expertise in a designated infectious disease program area, while demonstrating proficient knowledge across all divisional programs and reportable diseases to effectively support cross-program investigations and collaborative public health efforts.
Deliver expert epidemiological guidance and recommendations to clinical laboratories, healthcare providers, and facilities to support effective disease identification, prevention, control, and response efforts.
Conduct epidemiological and qualitative research to gather relevant information on exposure, risk factors, and disease transmission using investigative tools and trusted sources.
Maintain accurate, real-time documentation of activities and interactions to support effective communication, case tracking, and informed decision-making.
Monitor and evaluate data to identify patterns among cases and detect social and behavioral trends, providing insights that inform program development, strengthen prevention strategies, and support effective outbreak response.
Utilize Digital Tools for Data Management by leveraging Microsoft 365 applications—such as Forms and Excel—for efficient data collection, organization, and analysis.
Manage electronic surveillance systems and databases through inputting and maintaining both quantitative and qualitative data in electronic surveillance systems, databases, and tracking platforms to support comprehensive trend analysis and public health reporting.
Provide disease education and outreach to individuals, families, and organizations with accurate, culturally sensitive information to help prevent the spread of disease and support risk reduction behaviors.
Perform all other duties as assigned within the scope and range of job responsibilities.