Disease Prevention Specialist

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community • Scottsdale, AZ

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Under general supervision of the Public Health Epidemiology Program Manager, this position performs a mix of public health responsibilities, including investigating communicable diseases, enforcing public health standards, educating the community, and participating in emergency response activities. This role has mixed responsibilities for gathering data related to public health concerns and active cases, determining and locating individuals who may have a communicable disease or have been exposed to reportable diseases, and implementing interventions to prevent and control disease spread. This job class is treated as FLSA Exempt.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; For enrolled Community members without a GED, must obtain a GED.
• One (1) year of experience in field investigations involving the collection of sensitive personal data and preparation of investigative reports.
• One (1) year of experience in health promotion, public health, medical technology, health sciences, or a health-related field.
• Two (2) to four (4) years of experience investigating, reporting, and conducting follow-up for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), including case investigations, contact tracing, documentation, and coordination with medical providers in compliance with reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize, or rapidly learn to utilize, public health disease surveillance and reporting systems, including MEDSIS, PRISM, and ASIS, with the ability to obtain and maintain authorized access.
• Completion of ICS 100, 200, and 300
• Completion of American Red Cross Shelter Training
• Completion of Disease Investigator training courses
• Completion of a Health Education and/or Health Promotion training, approved by the Public Health Clinical Services Practice Administrator, to enhance skills necessary to inform and educate the Tribal Community
• Extensive background check and drug screening.
• Employees in, and applicants applying for, jobs providing direct services to children are subject to the “Community Code of Ordinances”, Chapter 11, “Minors”, Article X. “Investigation of Persons Working with Children”.
• New hires in non-clinical roles with the CPR/BLS requirement must provide valid certification prior to first day of employment or complete course within 60 days of hire.
• Ensures all patient information is kept confidential and complies with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations and SRPMIC HHS policies and procedures.
• Will be required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s degree in public health, Health Care Administration, or a closely related discipline preferred.
• Preferred to possess and maintain a valid Arizona Operator’s License.

Responsibilities

• Investigates complaints, conducts inspections, and gathers data related to public health concerns.
• Investigates alleged violations of the sanitary code and local health ordinances.
• Conducts investigations for health nuisances and environmental factors.
• Advises on visible health violations and refers the findings to Public Health Epidemiologist.
• Investigates active cases to identify individuals who may have or have been exposed to reportable diseases.
• Conducts telephone and field investigations to locate, interview, and refer individuals for diagnosis and treatment.
• Assesses environmental conditions in homes or workplaces to identify factors contributing to disease spread.
• Communicates with medical providers, produces data reports, and educates patients and providers regarding interventions.
• Interviews patients to obtain epidemiological information, including risk factors and prior disease history.
• Maintains required disease reporting and documentation in compliance with local, state, tribal, and federal public health laws and reporting standards.
• Provides the community with public health law enforcement, prevention education, and contact tracing services.
• Responds to public inquiries regarding health laws and standards.
• Creates, maintains, and updates case investigation documents, records, and reports.
• Prepares case histories and investigation summaries.
• Maintains essential records and files in accordance with confidentiality and privacy regulations.
• Utilizes REDCap, MEDSIS, PRISM, and ASIIS for disease reporting and surveillance.
• Participates in emergency response training as scheduled.
• Is available to respond as directed during public health emergencies.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned to maintain and enhance departmental operations.

Benefits

• Ensures all patient information is kept confidential and complies with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations and SRPMIC HHS policies and procedures.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED