What are the responsibilities and job description for the Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) RN position at Sullivan County Regional Health Department?
Duties/Responsibilities:
§ Field Work: A DIS is to ensure treatment of all reported chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis infections and HIV test result notification as well as offer partner services to named contacts. This is done by telephone, mail, Internet, and visiting the person at home or work. *
§ Interviewing: Persons infected with an STI or HIV are interviewed to assure comprehension of the infection and to offer partner services. *
§ Partner Elicitation: State regulations require DIS to follow all clients reported to the department of health with a known or suspected STI, including HIV, regardless of the permission of the health care provider. *
§ Educational Presentations: A DIS is expected to be a resource for HIV and STI information for their clients and community. Sullivan County DIS’s are expected to perform Educational Presentations to key community stakeholders and providers on a systematic basis throughout the year. *
§ Provider Visits: DIS are to visit hospitals and private medical doctors in the area at least annually to build rapport in order to expedite the reporting and intervention efforts. *
§ Laboratory Visits: DIS are to visit reference laboratories within Sullivan County that perform HIV/STI testing at least annually. *
§ Conducts nursing assessments, health histories, performs appropriate lab test and physical exams, obtains appropriate swab cultures, venipunctures and applies the appropriate medical treatment according to nursing protocols in clinic, homes, schools, and other community settings.
§ Provide appropriate treatment to cases and/or contacts of Sexually Transmitted Infections in accordance with the CDC’s 2021 STI Treatment Guidelines. This treatment could include the dispensing or injection of antibiotics.
§ Assess individuals for immunization opportunities and provide needed immunizations as allowed by the program requirements.
§ Educates patients on strategies to maintain or enhance their health status.
§ Documents the care and educational services provided to patients in appropriate systems
§ National Electronic Disease Surveillance System Base System (NBS) is an application designed for the management, surveillance, and reporting of STI’s. NBS will be accurately maintained with cases and contacts being entered as the program requires.
§ Conduct DOT for the TB Program on an as needed basis.
§ Coordinates the delivery of medical and social services to support patient well-being
§ Represents SCRHD professionally on committees & meetings pertaining to HIV/STI prevention.
§ Maintains proficiency for Emergency Preparedness response and assists with outbreak investigations as needed.
§ Maintains a basic understanding of SCRHD’s performance excellence objectives and how the goals identified by the STI/HIV Program align with the Mission, Vision, and Values of SCRHD.
§ Must be available to respond to public health emergencies and disasters.
§ Maintain updated alerting profile in Tennessee Health Alerting Network (TnHAN) and respond appropriately to all alerts.
§ Demonstrates a team-oriented effort in operation and growth of SCRHD.
§ Completes all required trainings.
§ Adheres to all Sullivan County employment policies.
§ Performs any other duties as assigned by supervisor.
* Extracted from the Tennessee Department of Health HIV/STD Prevention Program Guidelines: February 2016
Qualifications/ Skills/ Abilities:
§ Graduate of an accredited school with nursing diploma who is currently licensed to practice as a professional nurse in the appropriate state.
§ Experience in communicable disease case investigation and contact tracing is recommended but not required.
§ Phlebotomy skills
§ Preferred for candidates to have knowledge of trauma, the Adverse Childhood Experiences study (ACEs) resilience and the effect of trauma on individuals. Employees at SCRHD serve to support trauma responsive workplace practices and an effective service delivery to those who are trauma survivors. SCRHD has made a commitment to promoting trauma informed care. This includes helping all employees develop an understanding of trauma and how it affects individuals as well as patients. It is important to incorporate an understanding about trauma into our work with clients and with each other.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $29.52 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Medical Specialty:
- Infectious Disease
- Public Health
Ability to Commute:
- Blountville, TN 37617 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Blountville, TN 37617: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $30