DISEASE INTERVENTION SPECIALIST 1 - 04082025-67008

Job Information

State of Tennessee Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, LOCAL HEALTH DIVISION, PUTNAM COUNTY

A Motor Vehicle Records screening will be conducted prior to employment

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in social work or another related field.

Substitution of Experience for Education: Qualifying full-time professional health program field experience as a disease specialist that has completed "ISTDI" or "Passport to Partner Services" DIS training that involves investigation, prevention or treatment of individuals with communicable diseases may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of four years.

Necessary Special Qualifications: A valid motor vehicle operator's license is required.

Overview

The Disease Intervention Specialist 1 (DIS 1) is critical to the control of the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV infection in Tennessee. The classification requires the ability to learn, comprehend, and apply current and extensive knowledge of STI/HIV to STI/HIV case investigations, diagnostic and treatment criteria; exceptional communication skills for effective interactions with persons with STI/HIV and their sexual contacts, medical providers, and community organizations; and the ability to learn and conduct disease intervention activities in diverse and adverse situations and environments. The classification must possess analytical skills that with training can be applied to diverse situations, including confidential medical records and reports. The DIS 1 differs from the DIS 2 in that an incumbent of the latter may function in a supervisory capacity.

Responsibilities

• Handles STI/HIV prevention and treatment activities, and STD surveillance, including on a multi-county level. Provides client-centered STI/HIV education and prevention counseling to persons diagnosed with STI/HIV.
• Conducts interviews with persons diagnosed with STD/HIV to provide contact tracing and testing and treatment services to persons exposed to STI/HIV. Provides referrals to care as a result of the case investigation, including but not limited to STI treatment, OB/GYN follow up, counseling and therapy services as indicated, and domestic violence reduction assistance.
• Analyzes STI infection trends in patients and case investigations to inform the direction and outcome of the patient care and investigation completeness and effectiveness.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with persons with STI/HIV and their sexual contacts, community-based organizations, local medical providers, and community leadership and stakeholders.
• Assures private physicians, local health departments, and other providers administer appropriate treatments in accordance with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) STI Treatment Guidelines. Advises providers regarding referrals to appropriate counseling and testing services (CTS) and partner services for persons infected with or exposed to STI/HIV.

Competencies (KSA's)

Competencies:

• Nimble Learning
• Manages Complexity
• Plans and Aligns
• Being Resilient
• Manages Conflict

Knowledge:

• Customer and Personal Service
• Psychology
• Information Technology
• Public Safety and Security
• Biology

Skills:

• Active Listening and Learning
• Critical Thinking
• Speaking
• Time Management
• Social Perceptiveness

Abilities

• Deductive Reasoning
• Information Ordering
• Written Comprehension
• Problem Sensitivity

Tools & Equipment

• Computer
• Telephone
• Printer
• Copier
• Other Office Equipment as Needed

TN Driver Standards

State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:

• A valid driver's license
• For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.

Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.

**Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.