Disease Intervention Specialist

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

Brief Job Description:

Under the direction of the HIV/STD Program Supervisor, the Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS), conducts comprehensive HIV/STD prevention, intervention, and surveillance activities according to established Texas laws, rules, and regulations. Maintains confidentiality in all aspects of duties. Conducts HIV/STD interviews and investigations following DIS performance standards. Enters data into the TB, HIV, and STD Integrated System (THISIS). Completes epidemiological and non-epidemiological documentation. Performs venipuncture. Establishes and maintains relationships with local health care agencies, health care providers, laboratories, correctional facilities, and other organizations to facilitate HIV/STD screening, diagnosis/treatment, and reporting in the region. Promotes the agency and maintains a good working relationship with internal and external stakeholders. Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions. Member of the Incident Command Structure in response to public health emergencies. Must comply with HHS, DSHS, and Texas Department of Public Safety applicable policies/procedures/standards. This position is office-based, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am- 5:00 pm.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

DISEASE INTERVENTION: Conducts interviews, re-interviews, and cluster interviews of HIV/STD patients following the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) DIS performance standards. Performs partner and cluster elicitation. Identifies screening opportunities. Interprets and follows all laws, requirements, and guidelines regarding HIV/STD Program procedures. Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions. (30%)

CASE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES: Conducts case management activities and completes forms accurately and within established time frames. Accurately enters cases into THISIS following established standards. Identifies, pursues, collects, and analyzes the information needs of each case. Develop a case management plan for each case to enhance disease intervention outcomes. Documents case management activities and conducts updates weekly. Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions. (25%)

FIELD ACTIVITIES: Conducts field investigation activities following DSHS DIS performance standards. Conducts partner notification. Consults with local agencies, private physicians, and individuals to ensure rapid and confidential examination, treatment, and services for clients. Consults with labs, hospitals, correctional facilities, and other institutions regarding their HIV/STD reporting requirements. Provide education regarding laws and rules that protect public health and ensure safety in the region. Performs venipuncture in the field, as outlined in the performance standards. Documents field investigation activities appropriately. Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions. (30%)

SURVEILLANCE ACTIVITIES: Conducts HIV/STD surveillance activities. Conducts follow-up with health care providers, laboratories, and health care agencies to identify cases and ensure timely treatment/diagnosis and reporting. Establish and maintain professional liaisons to provide HIV/STD reporting. Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions. (10%)

REGIONAL SUPPORT AND DISASTER RESPONSE/RECOVERY: Participates in regional assignments/duties/special initiatives. May be required to work other than normal business hours to respond to public health emergencies; actively participate and/or serve in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response/recovery/Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation- requires completion of at least ICS 100,200, 700 and 800 and may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Maintain compliance with DSHS Policy, Fleet Operations, management and Procedures and Standards, and a current valid Texas Driver's License. Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of: HIV/STD disease process, public health intervention principals and processes, and program management; HIV/STD testing, treatment, and reporting policies, guidelines, and laws; OSHA Blood-borne Pathogens Standard for infection control and bio-hazard waste management; rules and regulations regarding the mailing of bio-hazardous specimens; current social, economic, and public health programs; minority health issues, and confidentiality laws and HIPAA guidelines.

Skills in: clear, effective oral and written communication with diverse audiences; organizing and writing reports using standard English grammar and a professional/business writing style; educating small groups and individuals; data entry and word processing and developing and maintaining effective working relationships across organizational, community and cultural lines.

Ability to: understand and interpret public health laws, policies, and regulations; work in a team setting in close collaboration with others; work effectively with diverse populations; work independently exercising sound judgment; work within a multi-disciplinary team, using tact/diplomacy and assertive communication skills; perform (or be trained to perform) venipuncture to obtain certification and use time management strategies to maximize work productivity and meet deadlines.

Computer experience and working knowledge of Microsoft Office products.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver’s license, or equivalent from another state, reflecting an acceptable driving record following Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures.

Obtain a Phlebotomy certification within six months of employment.

Certified Health Education Specialist is preferred, but not required.

Certified in Public Health is preferred, but not required.

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. The application documents one year of work experience in public health, community-based work, population-based initiatives, or community coalition programs.

2. At least an associate degree with significant coursework in public health or a related field is required.

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in public health, or a related field preferred.

3. Experience using computers, Microsoft Office, and database management systems.

Additional Information:

Note: Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application but may be provided as supplemental materials. All fields on the application must be filled-in completely. Applicants must provide information relevant to the required experience for this position in the job history sections of the application. -or- Information on application must clearly state how applicant meets initial selection criteria in the summary of experience section of the application.

Prior to beginning employment, employees/applicants who indicate they hold a degree from an institution of higher education must provide an original college transcript indicating they earned a Bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university or foreign degree determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 form