Disease Intervention Specialist - STI HIV Prevention - Public Health

Job Summary

The Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) is responsible for conducting all aspects of sexually transmitted infection (STI) and human immunodeficiency (HIV) investigations under the direction of the STI HIV Prevention and Harm Reduction Program Manager (PM). Work includes individualized education and referrals for additional care. This may include linkage to care for testing and treatment, partner elicitation and notification, related administrative services to support the program, as well as assisting with other department staff in conducting case investigations. The DIS is a non-licensed public health professional with applied expertise in client-centered interviews, collection of enhanced surveillance and community assessment data, and partner notification and referral services. In addition, DIS will participate in field investigation and other field-based activities including specimen collection, directly observed therapy, community outreach, collaboration with medical providers, and navigation of health care systems to ensure patient evaluation and treatment. Relevant program areas can include STI, HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and other communicable diseases, outbreak investigation, emergency preparedness and response, as well as Harm Reduction Syringe Services, as well as other programmatic duties as assigned.

Our department values our community’s diversity and seeks ways to promote equity and inclusion within the organization and with the public. Our department also encourages applications from candidates with knowledge, ability and experience working with a broad range of individuals and communities with diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds.

This position reports directly to the Program Manager of the STI HIV Prevention and Harm Reduction Program and will work an 8-hour schedule Monday through Friday.

This is a full-time represented position. It is represented by Local 335.

This position has the option of a remote/hybrid work schedule possibility. However, the candidate selected must reside in OR or WA. No Exceptions.

CLASSIFICATION DISTINCTIONS

The Disease Intervention Specialist is a stand-alone job classification. Incumbents employ judgment, discretion and independence in the accomplishment of work. Work is performed under general supervision and is reviewed by the Program Manager through periodic conferences and reports and through the adequacy and accuracy of the resultant records, reports, and functions. The DIS role differs from the Community Health Worker (CHW) in that DIS professionals have ground-level expertise in essential skills such as case investigations, communication, interviewing, counseling, case analysis, and provider and community engagement.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or GED equivalent and two (2) years of experience, training, or applicable community experience in counseling or health outreach.

Must have or be able to obtain Washington State Medical Assistant - Phlebotomist certification within first year of hire.

Some positions may require oral and written fluency in both English and the language of the community being served.

Any satisfactory combination of education, experience and training which ensures the ability to perform the work will be considered.

Knowledge of: Principles, policies, procedures, methods, and techniques specific to infectious disease control, prevention, and public health; principles and practices of field investigation; interviewing and motivational counseling techniques and principles; confidentiality guidelines; communicable disease etiology, manifestations, progression, diagnosis, and treatment; medical and drug terminology; laboratory testing procedures; lab report analysis for infectious diseases; epidemiology, contact investigation, tracing, and notification of communicable diseases; all types of sexually transmitted diseases, particularly reportable sexually transmitted infections; their health effects, methods of transmission, prevention, treatment, and effect on families and social institutions; availability of community resources and methods to ensure that patients are linked to care; record keeping procedures and basic statistical methods; personal safety techniques; harm reduction principles.

Ability to: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, clients, and the public; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; work independently and as part of a team; relate to a wide variety of people of varying ages, socioeconomic backgrounds and needs; apply concepts of cultural sensitivity; maintain records; operate computer software and other office equipment; follow written and verbal instructions; prepare and present written materials and oral presentations for the public.

Other Requirements:

Successful completion of Disease Intervention Specialist national certification within 12 months of hire (if applicable).

Must have or be able to obtain Washington State Medical Assistant - Phlebotomist certification within first year of hire.

Must adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines, including but not limited to timely completion of mandatory trainings.

Must adhere to the Department employee immunity policy and provide documents as requested.

Some positions may require verbal and/or written proficiency in a second language.

Must successfully pass a criminal history background check which may include state or national fingerprint records check, pursuant to RCW 43.43.830.

Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license and possess and maintain current auto insurance and an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

Selection Process:

Resumes and other documents must be attached together in the 'Resume Upload' section of the application. Multiple files are allowed, but all applicant attachments must be uploaded simultaneously, as there is no way to edit or append uploaded materials after submitting the application.

Application Review (Pass/ Fail) - An online application is required. Attaching a resume does not substitute for a completed application; incomplete applications will not pass the application review. Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Practical Exam (Pass/Fail) - This recruitment may require a practical exam which will be job related and may include, but not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement. Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Oral Interview - The interview will be job related and may include, not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement. Top candidate(s) will continue in the process.

Employment references will be conducted for the final candidates and may include verification of education.

Examples of Duties

KEY OR TYPICAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Conducts case investigations through interpretation of laboratory results for standard health tests; investigates reported, suspected, and potential cases of infections, including STIs and HIV; determines the origins and potential spread of communicable disease; ensures testing and treatment are completed by contacts.

Conducts interviews of clients diagnosed with or potentially exposed to sexually transmitted and other communicable diseases; provides confidential counseling, referral to testing and other services for clients and named contacts of potentially infected persons; analyzes electronic medical records to ensure adequate treatment has been completed per Center for Disease Control (CDC) STI Treatment Guidelines and Washington State Notifiable condition guidelines; conducts follow-up and referrals to ensure examination and treatment compliance for infected, exposed, and at-risk individuals; performs partner el