HIV/STI Disease Intervention Specialist

Allen County Indiana•Fort Wayne, IN

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the STI Clinical Services and Case Management Division Director, the HIV/STI Disease Intervention Specialist reduces the complications of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, through surveillance, case detection through screening, treatment, partner services, case management, and education. This role involves performing partner services and case management for individuals infected with or at risk for STIs, including HIV, to prevent transmission and complications. It includes interviewing, providing information and counseling on testing, treatment, prevention, and referrals, and assisting individuals post-HIV testing with psychological needs, education, and harm reduction in various settings. The specialist also conducts follow-up with HIV-positive individuals regarding duty-to-inform laws, community referrals, and high-risk intervention, and coordinates comprehensive case management and linkage to HIV medical care. Additionally, they coordinate case management for syphilis diagnoses, apply analytical skills for effective case management, conduct investigations for testing, harm reduction, and partner services, and maintain detailed documentation in state databases. Frequent communication with healthcare providers is essential for confirming treatment, locating patients, and assisting with treatment of individuals with STIs. The role ensures compliance with state and federal laws, encourages partner services, locates and notifies transmission contacts, and maintains detailed records using state databases. The specialist must be able to work independently and as part of a team, respond calmly to erratic behavior, and perform phlebotomy or rapid serology testing. They also assist with research, prepare educational projects, develop public awareness programs, coordinate with community organizations, and maintain current knowledge of disease trends and resources. Presentations at local institutions are also part of the role.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in education, biology or related field
Knowledge of principles and practices of STI/HIV intervention and prevention
Detailed medical knowledge of STI’s and HIV
Knowledge of universal precautions
Ability to perform phlebotomy
Knowledge of STI/HIV related laws, regulations, and related operations
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to efficiently multi-task on a daily basis
Analytical and investigative skills
Organized and detail oriented
Knowledge of confidentiality guidelines
Ability to be on 24-hour call

Nice To Haves

CDC Epidemiology certification
HIV Prevention Counseling and Referral certification
Phlebotomy certification
Oraquick certification
Insti rapid HIV testing certification
National Incident Management System (NIMS) certification upon employment as required for all public health staff

Responsibilities

Performing partner services and case management to individuals who are infected with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, and to other persons who are at increased risk for infection to prevent transmission of these diseases and to prevent complications.
Providing case management which includes interviewing individuals diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) and/or HIV infection.
Providing information and counseling concerning testing, treatment, prevention education, partner referrals and additional patient referrals.
Assisting individuals following HIV testing to provide for psychological needs, referrals, education, information on transmission, behavior/harm reduction risks, testing procedures and results in clinical, field and community settings.
Conducting ongoing follow-up with HIV-positive individuals regarding duty-to-inform laws, community referrals and high-risk intervention.
Coordination of comprehensive case management services of HIV positive individuals and timely linkage to HIV medical care.
Coordination of comprehensive case management services of individuals being assessed and diagnosed for all stages of syphilis.
Applying analytical and investigative skills for effective case management.
Conducting timely case investigations with individuals for STI and HIV testing, harm reduction, behavior modification and partner services, in both clinical and outreach settings.
Detailed documentation of investigations in required state database.
Maintaining frequent communication with area physicians and health providers to confirm treatment, locate patients in need of therapy, requests information and assists with treatment of individuals showing symptoms of, or diagnosed with, STI’s.
Following up with providers reporting STIs in order to complete timely case management and partner services and assure adequate medication treatments.
Following up with providers reporting positive HIV tests to establish patient notification, referrals, and facilitate prompt linkage to HIV care.
Ensuring compliance with established State and federal laws and regulations related to disease control and prevention.
Encouraging and/or conducting partner services and interviews for positive STI/HIV tests, locating and notifying transmission contacts according to disease priority using investigative skills learned through Centers for Disease Control and Prevention epidemiology training including field visits.
Maintaining detailed records including surveillance reports, case investigation notes, client demographics and epidemiological information on individuals tested and/or interviewed using a variety of state databases.
Maintaining ability to work independently and to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
Maintaining ability to respond in a calm and diplomatic manner to unprovoked or erratic behavior patterns of clients.
Performing phlebotomy or rapid serology testing on patients needing or requesting HIV counseling and testing, syphilis and/or hepatitis testing.
Assisting with research and preparation of special education projects for community providers, as well as high-risk groups and developing public awareness, outreach, and advertisement programs.
Coordinating with community organizations for collaborative outreach events.
Maintaining current knowledge of local, national and international disease trends and outbreaks, local resources and new issues related to HIV/STI prevention and treatment.
Conducting presentations at local schools, treatment facilities, jails, and community corrections regarding HIV/STI prevention and treatment.
Performing all other duties as assigned.