Position Summary:
Under the direction of the HIV/STD Program Manager and HIV/STD Team Leader/First Line Supervisor, the Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) conducts comprehensive STD/HIV 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 in accordance with DIS performance standards. Enters data into the program’s management information system. Completes epidemiologic and non-epidemiologic paperwork. 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. Other duties as assigned include, but are not limited to, actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Performs other related duties as assigned. Participates, as directed by the HIV/STD Program Manager, in Disease Prevention & Control initiatives, including but not limited to assisting other programs with timekeeping, travel voucher processing, purchasing, budget tracking, and entry of data. Participates, as directed by the Communicable Disease Manager, in Disease Prevention & Control initiatives, administrative in nature, in times of routine and emergency operations. Other duties as assigned include, but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
- Conducts case management activities and completes forms accurately and within established time frames. Accurately enters cases into the STD management information system in accordance with established standards. Completes cae management forms appropriately.
- Identifies, pursues, collects and analyzes information needs of each case. Develops a case management plan for each case to enhance disease intervention outcomes. Documents case management activities and conducts updates weekly.
- Conducts field investigation activities in accordance with DSHS DIS performance standards. Conducts confidential partner notification to individuals who may have been exposed to HIV and/or an STI. 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 HIV/STD reporting requirements. Provides education regarding laws and rules that protect the public health and ensures safety in the region. Performs venipuncture in the field as outlined in the performance standards. Documents field investigation activities appropriately.
- Conducts interviews, re-interviews and cluster interviews of HIV/STD patients in accordance with 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.
- Conducts HIV/STD surveillance activities. Conducts follow-up with health care providers, laboratories, and health care agencies to identify cases, ensure timely treatment/diagnosis and reporting. Establishes and maintains professional liaisons to ensure HIV/STD reporting.
Required Education & Experience:
- Skill in using computer programs and entering data.
- Ability to perform assigned duties in the absence of close supervision.
- Ability to collect and analyze medical and epidemiological information in order to effectively perform STD intervention activities.
- Knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including symptomology, diagnostic techniques, recommended treatment, epidemiology, and prevention methods.
- Knowledge of medical and technical terminology related to STDs.
- Ability to express ideas clearly, accurately and concisely while speaking and in writing.
- Skill in perceiving and reacting sensitively to the needs of others.
- Ability to be attentive and pick out essential information in verbal communication.
- Ability to perform field phlebotomy/venipuncture.
- Skill in performing venipuncture.
- Ability to motivate behavior change for prevention of STDs.
- Ability to identify behavior risks and negotiate HIV/STD risk reduction plans.
- Knowledge of quality assurance for disease monitoring activities.
- Twenty-four college credit hours from an accredited college or university.
- Skills in effective oral and written communication, with diverse audiences.
- Skill in handling difficult situations and delivering adverse information.
- Experience working in the HIV/STD field, or other relevant communicable disease, healthcare, or public health experience.
- Ability to conduct elicitation interviews and perform field investigations.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field relevant to public health (Preferred).
- Knowledge of DIS performance standards.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Knowledge of confidentiality laws and requirements.
- Skill in the application of techniques necessary for STD intervention activities.