DISEASE INTERVENTION SPECIALIST

Essential Duties

• Conducts public health investigations involving persons diagnosed with or exposed to Hepatitis B and C to prevent further transmission of disease as required by program standards and guidelines established by local, state, and federal entities
• Interviews clients diagnosed Hepatitis B and C to provide education and elicit information that would lead to the testing and treatment of others who may be at risk for infection
• Documents surveillance data and investigative activities in accordance with program standards for timeliness, accuracy, and completeness
• Analyzes medical history and interprets laboratory test results to classify investigations and to ensure the delivery of appropriate medical care and treatment
• Conducts advanced and comprehensive analysis of sexual, social, medical, and epidemiological data collected during investigations to determine source/spread relationships and identify exposure gaps and other indications that additional interventions are necessary to prevent further disease transmission
• Conducts local field work necessary for assigned investigations by locating and motivating persons diagnosed with or at risk of infection to seek medical examination and treatment, or re-engage these persons back into Hepatitis care
• Performs phlebotomy and facilitates other specimen collection for laboratory testing in a variety of settings
• Proactively recognizes and provides recommendations in relation to investigative outcomes, trends in patient populations, gaps in service, problem indicators, and opportunities for programmatic improvement

Associated Job Duties

• Collaborates with local health departments, community-based organizations, health systems, and private medical providers by promoting appropriate public health practices for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Hepatitis B and C based on CDC recommendations and program guidance
• Under the direction of program leadership, contributes to various program support activities, including mentoring and training new DIS, assisting with the evaluation of program operations, representing the DIS perspective in meetings with leadership, and completing other tasks related to continuous quality improvement
• Attends and participates in meetings and training activities to maintain high levels of proficiency and to assure the delivery of appropriate and high-quality investigative activities
• Participates in community outreach activities, including screening events, health fairs, educational presentations, and other community events as needed
• Participates in public health emergency preparedness exercises and in the response to public health emergencies, as directed
• Participates in a minimum of two H.O.P.E. events (community service) totaling a minimum of eight (8) hours annually
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Completion of a high school degree is required.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience as a DIS is strongly preferred. A minimum of 4 years of other directly relevant patient-care work experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Must possess a valid United States driver’s license and reliable automobile with insurance. If moving into the state of Indiana, the license must be updated to Indiana state within 60 days of living in the state.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Develops and maintains expertise in all program-relevant areas, including but not limited to: STD/HIV/Hepatitis fundamentals, screening and treatment recommendations, disease prevention and intervention strategies, phlebotomy and specimen collection, cultural competency, and national, state, local, and organizational policies and performance standards. Training is provided.
• Ability to establish and maintain favorable interpersonal relationships with diverse populations.
• Ability to interact with health care professionals, programs, personnel, and community members outside of the program as arepresentative of MCPHD, conducting all business in a professional, collaborative, and nonjudgmental manner.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills in order to effectively work cooperatively with all levels of staff and community members.
• Advanced knowledge of and ability to apply the use of computers, mobile devices, and systems for investigative purposes and for the collection, analysis, and management of data.
• Ability to manage a wide variety of tasks and responsibilities simultaneously with accuracy and close attention to detail with frequent changes and strict deadlines.
• Ability to collect, describe and analyze information to effectively solve problems, identify missing 3 information, and inform decision-making.

Working Environment

• Standard office and clinic settings, with additional duties in the field (varied community settings). Onthe-job duties require talking, hearing, sitting, and walking.
• Travel is required frequently, the majority of which is limited to the Central Indiana area, exposing incumbent to hazards inherent to vehicular travel and field work.
• Must be able to perform job duties in environment with moderate noise level (examples: business office with computers and printers, light traffic). Potential exposure to communicable diseases, combative patients and their associates in stressful situations.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds