DISEASE INTERVENTION SPECIALIST II

Job Role Summary

A Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) is a public health professional who investigates and intervenes in the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV. Investigations involve client-centered interviewing, facilitation of partner services and contact tracing, collection and reporting of enhanced surveillance data, fieldwork and specimen collection, collaboration with medical providers, and navigation of healthcare systems to ensure patient evaluation and treatment.

A DIS II is an advanced DIS who applies a higher level of knowledge and expertise to the recurring casework and support functions of the DIS role, mainly focusing on syphilis casework. DIS II conducts investigations of higher complexity related to syphilis to ensure that unusual or challenging circumstances are met with appropriate action and administrative guidelines are met. DIS II contributes to various program support activities, such as guiding new DIS through established training plans, conducting analysis of complex cases, assisting with the evaluation of program operations, providing leadership and mentorship within the DIS team, representing the DIS perspective in meetings with STD program leadership, and other tasks related to continuous quality improvement.

Associated Job Duties

• Conducts public health investigations involving persons diagnosed with or exposed to reportable STDs, including HIV, to prevent further transmission of disease as required by program standards and guidelines established by local, state, and federal entities.
• Interviews clients diagnosed with STDs or HIV to provide education and elicit information that would lead to the testing and treatment of others who may be at risk for infection.
• Documents surveillance data and investigative activities in accordance with program standards for timeliness, accuracy, and completeness.
• Analyzes medical history and interprets laboratory test results to classify investigations and to ensure the delivery of appropriate medical care and treatment.
• Conducts advanced and comprehensive analysis of sexual, social, medical, and epidemiological data collected during investigations to determine source/spread relationships and identify exposure gaps and other indications that additional interventions are necessary to prevent further disease transmission.
• Conducts local field work necessary for assigned investigations by locating and motivating persons diagnosed with or at risk of infection to seek medical examination and treatment.
• Performs phlebotomy and facilitates other specimen collection for laboratory testing in a variety of settings.

Associated Job Duties

• Proactively recognizes and provides recommendations in relation to investigative outcomes, trends in patient populations, gaps in service, problem indicators, and opportunities for programmatic improvement.
• Collaborates with local health departments, community-based organizations, health systems, and private medical providers by promoting appropriate public health practices for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of STDs and HIV based on CDC recommendations and program guidance.
• Under the direction of program leadership, contributes to various program support activities, including mentoring and training new DIS, assisting with the evaluation of program operations, representing the DIS perspective in meetings with leadership, and completing other tasks related to continuous quality improvement.
• Attends and participates in meetings and training activities to maintain high levels of proficiency and to assure the delivery of appropriate and high-quality investigative activities.
• Participates in community outreach activities, including screening events, health fairs, educational presentations, and other community events as needed.
• Participates in public health emergency preparedness exercises and in the response to public health emergencies, as directed.
• Participates in a minimum of two H.O.P.E. events (community service) totaling a minimum of eight (8) hours annually.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Completion of a high school degree.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience as a DIS is preferred. A minimum of 3 years of other directly relevant work experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Must possess a valid Indiana driver’s license and a reliable automobile with insurance.

Licenses/Certifications Required

Must possess a valid Indiana driver's license and a reliable automobile with insurance.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Develops and maintains expertise in all program-relevant areas, including but not limited to: STD/HIV fundamentals, screening and treatment recommendations, disease prevention and intervention strategies, phlebotomy and specimen collection, cultural competency, and national, state, local, and organizational policies and performance standards. Training is provided.
• Ability to establish and maintain favorable interpersonal relationships with diverse populations.
• Ability to interact with health care professionals, programs, personnel, and community members outside of the program as a representative of MCPHD, conducting all business in a professional, collaborative, and nonjudgmental manner.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills in order to effectively work cooperatively with all levels of staff and community members.
• Advanced knowledge of and ability to apply the use of computers, mobile devices, and systems for investigative purposes and for the collection, analysis, and management of data.
• Ability to manage a wide variety of tasks and responsibilities simultaneously with accuracy and close attention to detail with frequent changes and strict deadlines.
• Ability to collect, describe, and analyze information to effectively solve problems, identify missing information, and inform decision-making.

Working Environment

• Standard office and clinic settings, with additional duties in the field (varied community settings). On-the-job duties require talking, hearing, sitting, and walking.
• Travel is required frequently, the majority of which is limited to the Central Indiana area, exposing incumbent to hazards inherent to vehicular travel and field work.
• Must be able to perform job duties in environment with moderate noise level (examples: business office with computers and printers, light traffic). Potential exposure to communicable diseases, combative patients and their associates in stressful situations.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.