Public Health Disease Intervention Specialist I

Class Concept

This is professional work involving the identification and location of high-priority sexually transmitted disease case suspects, contacts, and associates through field investigation to ensure rapid examination and treatment of those at risk. Employees have multi-county or region-wide responsibility. Employees conduct personal interviews to obtain case-related information; explain the disease process, treatment, prevention, and legal requirements; analyze epidemiologic information to determine need and priorityfor follow-up activities. Employees provide education, consultation, and technical assistance to health department staff on interview techniques, records, treatment procedures, specimen collection, quality control, culture preparation and interpretation, and assist in performing diagnostic examinations on suspected cases. Employees establish and maintain effective working relationships with the medical community and assist in the presentation of informational and educational programs. Also identified at this level is the notification, counseling, and referral of persons infected with HIV and their sex or needle- sharing partners. Employees interview clients to discuss HIV positive results and legal requirements for partner notification provide counseling and risk reduction education, refer to medical resources, assess clients' need for longer-term counseling or support services, and provide follow-up. Employees assist in the evaluation of the quality and impact, of partner notification system. Employees report to a regional supervisor.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases or AIDS, their symptoms, complications, and epidemiology.
• Working knowledge of principles and practices of specific investigative methods, interviewing and supportive counseling techniques
• Ability to establish rapport and effective communications with clients, family members, and others involved.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local public health laws, rules, and regulations which are applicable to sexually transmitted diseases.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely in oral or written form
• Ability to plan and execute work

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience in public health investigation and/or disease control activities; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.