Disease Research and Intervention Specialist

The TB Control Program of Public Health-Seattle & King County seeks to fill the Disease Research and Intervention Specialist (DRIS) position. The DRIS will support the Tuberculosis (TB) Control Program research unit with study enrollment and follow up, interviewing and documenting on study forms and performing phlebotomy and other study related tasks in the clinic as well as in the field. The DRIS will also participate in TB outbreak investigations including conducting interview, testing, gathering data and entering and other activities as assigned.

Background

The mission of the Tuberculosis (TB) Control Program is to interrupt the transmission of TB in Seattle and King County. It provides evaluation and treatment to individuals diagnosed with or suspected of active TB and those who were exposed to the infection recently. The research unit conduct programmatically relevant studies concerning diagnosis, clinical management, and prevention of TB infection and disease.

Note: This posting will create a list of qualified candidates that may be considered for selection of additional vacancies of the same position type over the next 6 months. 

Commitment To Equity and Social Justice

Named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.

The county government has a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from all communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.

We recognize that structural racism consists of principles and practices that cause and justify an inequitable distribution of rights, opportunities, and experiences across racial groups. Since declaring Racism is a Public Health Crisis in June 2020, King County and Public Health committed to being intentionally anti-racist and accountable to Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities.

To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/equity-social-justice.aspx

Work Schedule

The typical schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:30 PM - 40 hours a week. Employee may be asked to adjust hours based on community needs. This position is subject to the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is overtime eligible. Occasional weekend/after-hours work may be required, depending on outbreak and emergency events.

Work Location

The primary base location for this position will be at Harborview Medical Center located at 325 9th Ave., Seattle, WA 98104. This position will require frequent home visits to clients.

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. 

• Approach patient that meets study criteria and conduct informed consent.
• Maintain accurate records of interviews.
• Perform phlebotomy for patient.
• Perform study visits according to the study protocol in the clinic as well as in the field.
• Document data gathered for the study using Case Reporting Forms (CRFs).
• Conduct notifiable disease surveillance and investigations, including implementation of disease control measures.
• Build community partnerships and trust around Tuberculosis testing and treatment.
• Assist with documentation and communication on case and outbreak investigations in oral and written formats for internal and external partners, including summaries of case and outbreak investigations, drafting postings for the website, and other materials as needed.
• Conduct work, interviews, and investigations in a culturally competent manner.
• Seek out interpreter services and collaborate with community partners as needed.
• Attends study as well as program related meetings.
• Provide assistance with Tuberculosis surveillance and prevention, and control measures to the public and health care providers.
• Walking, standing, climbing stairs, and carrying up to 20 lbs. (e.g., supplies) without accommodation.

Our ideal candidate will demonstrate the following (Minimum):

• Bachelor’s degree in biological science, health science, social science or closely related fields.
• Demonstrated knowledge of disease surveillance, management, and control and health care systems structure and function.
• Experience with interviewing about sensitive information.
• Demonstrated excellent communication skills that are culturally appropriate, respectful, and non-judgmental.
• Demonstrated proficiency in data entry and data management.
• Experience in recruiting and obtaining informed consent.
• Detail oriented.
• Understanding of basic laboratory and medical terminology.
• Experience talking on the phone with healthcare providers and laboratories.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out assignments and responsibilities reliably in a thorough, accurate, and timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to always maintain confidentiality of protected health information.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate orally clearly and effectively and in writing with supervisor, co-workers, healthcare providers, and the public.
• Comfort in working in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, and Excel).
• Demonstrated ability to work well on a team.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction, and excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure with multiple competing priorities and deadlines.
• Washington State Driver’s License or the ability to provide transportation to work locations with limited or no public transportation services is required.
• Documentation of current BLS CPR certification required.
• Walking, standing, climbing stairs, and carrying up to 20 lbs. (e.g., supplies) without accommodation.

The most competitive applicants will have the following experiences and qualifications (Desired): 

• Experience working in a local or state public health setting.
• Experience supporting communicable disease investigations.
• Community outreach work.
• Phlebotomy (blood draw) skills.
• Proficiency in a language other than English.

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ , people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

Who May Apply

This position is open to all qualified candidates.

Application Process

The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:

• NeoGov Job Application (The responses on your job application should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process)
• Supplemental Questions (The responses to the supplemental questions should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process)
• Resume (Outlining relevant experience)

Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

Necessary Special Requirements

• The selection process may include evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, and testing. You must completely fill out the application with your relevant education and work experience.
• The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR.
• The selected candidate must be able to pass a thorough background investigation and Pre-employment Physical, but findings may not necessarily disqualify an applicant for employment.
• For more information on our selection process, please refer to www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/jobs/hiring. For tips on interviewing, please visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/~/media/audience/employees/learning-and-development/Interview_Tips.ashx?la=en. 
• Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.
• Public Health relies on office automation (Microsoft Office) and web-based enabled tools, therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.
• Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing their mandatory trainings on time and obtaining required immunizations.
• Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.
• When Public Health responds to an emergency, and in accordance with relevant CBA language and/or KC policy and procedures, we may assign duties outside your regular job description. This may involve responding at any time, including nights and weekends, with possible deployment to locations other than the department. 
• If you need a disability accommodation in the application or testing process, please call the contact number listed on the job announcement.

Union Membership

This position is represented by the Local 21 labor union.

Contact

For questions about this recruitment, please contact Salyse Duckworth, HR Analyst at sduckworth@kingcounty.gov.

Salary : $37 - $46