Disease Intervention Specialist

Description

With general directions and supervision, perform STD prevention and containment activities to reduce transmission of STDs and their resultant complications for persons residing in or receiving services in communities served by ESHD.

Duties & Qualifications

The DIS will perform: STD/HIV risk assessment counseling and testing to ESHD STD clinic clients; ensure that mandated laboratory and case reports are submitted by health care providers and subsequently reported to IDPH; provide counseling, sex partner notification and referral to persons reported with and/or exposed to early syphilis, gonorrhea or Chlamydia; provide notification and follow-up, when appropriate, persons reported with a positive STD test; and collaborate with other community based organizations to conduct programs and activities that promote sexual health among ESHD residents. Performs duties of a professional nature in a local health department, assists in field investigations and surveys within a sexually transmitted disease control program; observes procedures followed in epidemiological investigations and maintains confidential records on individual patients; Accepts progressively responsible assignments in the detection, and control of sexually transmitted diseases. Conducts epidemiological investigations on cases and suspected cases of sexually transmitted diseases; locates and refers patients to appropriate diagnostic facilities for proper medical follow-up. Performs a variety of informational and educational activities involved in the control of sexually transmitted diseases to schools and general public.

*Position is contingent upon continued funding of present grants.

Required Skills, Education, & Experience:

• Baccalaureate degree with courses relating to health;
• Or Associate Degree in Nursing. Must submit an Illinois R.N. License;
• At least 3 years of experience in STD Prevention, Counseling and Testing, Partner Services;
• Detailed knowledge of the theory and practice of sexually transmitted disease control;
• Face to face counseling and sex partner referral for persons reported with early syphilis;
• Ability to maintain satisfactory working relationships with state and local health officials and community organizations, other employees, patients, family members, health personnel, and other professionals;
• Ability to become progressively adept at performing epidemiological investigations, including collection of blood and other specimens under a standing or specific medical orders
• Capable of working with individuals and groups to promote good health and disease prevention;
• Requires thorough knowledge, skills and experience working with and utilizing community resources;
• Submit STD Risk Assessment Survey’s to the IDPH STD Section within 21 days of the clinic visit for at least 90 percent of eligible clients receiving services at ESHD and submit a monthly report to the Department indicating the number of persons receiving services ;
• Ensure that at least 80% of Chlamydia and gonorrhea cases reported form ESHD are entered in I-NEDSS within 30 days of positive laboratory test result;
• Ensure that at least 80% of persons residing in the ESHD who are reported with gonorrhea and treated by a health care provider located the ESHD area receive counseling and are offered partner services by ESHD DIS staff within 30 days of positive test result. The result of counseling and partner services will be entered into I-NEDSS within 30 days of receipt of the positive test result. ESHD staff will generate a monthly report using I-NEDSS to calculate counseling outcomes and timeliness and will submit the report to IDPH;
• Demonstrate successful completion of the Home Study Course (HSC) furnished by the IDPH STD Section. Successful completion of the HSC is defined as achieving a score of at least 80% on each of the HSC module exams and the final exam; At least three years of experience in completing the United States Centers for the Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Introduction to STD Intervention and provide documentation to the Grantee’s STD program; and attend training classes recommended by IDPH STD section;
• Ability to conduct effective assessment interviews and develop care plans;
• Ability to develop and implement treatment procedures (individual care plans);
• Computer literacy at the user level required;
• Candidates must own a dependable automobile and possess a valid driver’s license and auto insurance;
• Adhere to policies and procedures, confidentiality, and HIPPA;
• Will accept any other duties as assigned by ESHD;
• Drug-Free Environment;
• Drug Screening is Required.

Salary : $40,000 - $41,999