Disease Intervention Specialist Health Department
This position is responsible for a disease investigation for HIV and Syphilis within the jurisdiction of Region 1, as defined by ODH. This includes counseling, education, referrals and data entry. This position shall also actively participate in trainings, community groups, and taskforces intended to identify and assess barriers to disease prevention, analyze program needs, and implement appropriate interventions.
Responsibilities
Provides clients who test positive for HIV or Syphilis within the jurisdiction of Region 1, as defined by ODH with counseling, referrals (linkage to care), and partner notification services. Conducts complete sexual health histories of clients and partners. Elicits partner notifications and works to identify and communicate with named partners utilizing tools such as Facebook, Google and Lexis Nexis. Works with TLCHD Reproductive Health and Wellness Clinic in addressing the HIV/STI prevention needs of Region 1.
Conduct pre and post-test HIV counseling at counseling and testing sites, reproductive health and wellness clinics, and in other settings. Addresses concerns of clients, answers questions and maintains strict confidentiality of all information obtained included but not limited to risk behavior, demographics and test results.
Provides education on PREP and PEP and makes necessary referrals to internal and external agency partners as needed. Assist clients with accessing services when needed.
Participates in outreach events that will raise awareness regarding STI prevention.
Attend internal and external meetings
Notifies identified sexual/needle sharing partners of persons testing positive for HIV and Syphilis of the possibility of exposure and refers to appropriate testing services. Communicate with clients and partners via phone, mail and text in a confidential and respectful manner.
Consults with health care providers and other agencies having impact on disease interventions; Discusses lab results and treatment options with providers
Enters all interview/case records into the ODRS database and closes out cases after all partner notification services are exhausted. Completes ODH Data to Care NIC (Not in Care) list follow up and documentation.
Maintains logs on HIV and syphilis cases.
Attend appropriate trainings, as recommended by ODH, to ensure motivational interviewing and all partner services skills meet program standards and current. Follows CDC Quality Assurance Standards for Passport to Partner Services.
Participate in regional HIV/STI Prevention Community Planning Group and other groups as requested (such as the Congenital Syphilis Review Board).
Adheres to protocols required by ODH in regard to sexually transmitted infections such as Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. This may include conducting quality assurance visitations to ensure accurate and appropriate screening, reporting and laboratory procedures.
Performs phlebotomy (blood draws) and collects other human biological specimens at the TLCHD and in the field as necessary for HIV and Syphilis testing and treatment. Adheres to all clinical protocols and universal precautions. Transports specimens to the Health Department. Transports persons to the Health Department when necessary.
Participates in local and statewide task forces to identify and assess barriers to disease prevention, analyze program needs, and implement appropriate interventions. Promotes prevention of HIV and STI’s include PREP, PEP and safer sex practices.
Works to achieve all Performance Measures for HIV and STI as established by ODH.
Communicates with clients and the public through calls and emails and directs calls to appropriate staff as necessary.
- Adheres to PHAB core competencies including, but not limited to: T1: 1.3.3, 1.6.4-1.6.6, 1.8.2, 1.8.4, 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.2.5, 2.4.5, 3.1.5, 3.2.1-3.2.6, 3.4.2, 4.1.4, 5.3.3, 5.3.4, 7.10.5, 8.4.2. and 8.8.6.
Participates in quality improvement efforts and achieving PHAB accreditation requirements. This position will be responsible for using quality improvement (QI) processes and/or techniques to improve the effectiveness of the assigned public health program.
Attends and participates in conferences, seminars, trainings, or related education classes as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in health, social work or closely related field.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s), including their social impact.
- Excellent verbal and written skills including public speaking, group facilitation, and negotiation.
- Ability to utilize electronic medical record keeping system, ODRS, Lexis Nexus, and other similar software.
- Knowledge of data gathering and analysis techniques, program outcomes, and process evaluation.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and demonstrated ability in word processing, statistics and agency. EHR must successfully complete the Passports to Partners training, required within one year of hire
- CTR and HIV test training must be completed within one year of hire
- Active National DIS Certification (or equivalent recognized state/national DIS credential) at the time of hire preferred. If not certified at hire, the employee must successfully obtain the DIS Certification within six (6) months of achieving the mandated two (2) years of minimum DIS field experience. See
- All new hires must successfully complete department-provided phlebotomy training and achieve hands-on competency verification within the first ninety (90) days of employment.
- Ability to attend outreach events outside of normal business hours as needed.
- Must have and maintain throughout employment a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and be insurable under the Lucas County Commissioners Risk Management.