HIV/STD Prevention - Health Annex - Disease Intervention Specialist

 HIV/STD DISEASE INTERVENTION SPECIALIST (DIS)

Under the direction of the HIV/STD Prevention Division Director, the HIV/STD Disease Intervention Specialist reduces the complications of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, through surveillance, case detection through screening, treatment, partner services, case management, and education.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for performing partner services and case management to individuals who are infected with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, and to other persons who are at increased risk for infection to prevent transmission of these diseases and to prevent complications.
• Responsible for providing case management which includes interviewing individuals diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) and/or HIV infection.  Provides information and counseling concerning testing, treatment, prevention education, partner referrals and additional patient referrals.
• Assists individuals following HIV testing to provide for psychological needs, referrals, education, information on transmission, behavior/harm reduction risks, testing procedures and results in clinical, field and community settings.
• Conducts ongoing follow-up with HIV-positive individuals regarding duty-to-inform laws, community referrals and high-risk intervention.
• Responsible for coordination of comprehensive case management services of HIV positive individuals and timely linkage to HIV medical care.
• Responsible for coordination of comprehensive case management services of individuals being assessed and diagnosed for all stages of syphilis. Applying analytical and investigative skills for effective case management.
• Conducts timely case investigations with individuals for STI and HIV testing, harm reduction, behavior modification and partner services, in both clinical and outreach settings.  Detailed documentation of investigations in required state database.
• Maintains frequent communication with area physicians and health providers to confirm treatment, locate patients in need of therapy, requests information and assists with treatment of individuals showing symptoms of, or diagnosed with, STI’s.
• Responsible for following up with providers reporting STIs in order to complete timely case management and partner services and assure adequate medication treatments.
• Responsible for following up with providers reporting positive HIV tests to establish patient notification, referrals, and facilitate prompt linkage to HIV care.  Conducts ongoing follow-up with HIV-positive individuals regarding duty-to-inform laws, partner services, community referrals and high- risk intervention.
• Ensures compliance with established State and federal laws and regulations related to disease control and prevention.
• Encourages and/or conducts partner services and interviews for positive STI/HIV tests, locates and notifies transmission contacts according to disease priority using investigative skills learned through Centers for Disease Control and Prevention epidemiology training including field visits.
• Maintains detailed records including surveillance reports, case investigation notes, client demographics and epidemiological information on individuals tested and/or interviewed using a variety of state databases.
• Maintains ability to work independently and to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Maintains ability to respond in a calm and diplomatic manner to unprovoked or erratic behavior patterns of clients.
• Performs phlebotomy or rapid serology testing on patients needing or requesting HIV counseling and testing, syphilis and/or hepatitis testing.
• Assists with research and preparation of special education projects for community providers, as well as high-risk groups and develops public awareness, outreach, and advertisement programs.
• Coordinates with community organizations for collaborative outreach events.
• Maintains current knowledge of local, national and international disease trends and outbreaks, local resources and new issues related to HIV/STI prevention and treatment.
• Conducts presentations at local schools, treatment facilities, jails, and community corrections regarding HIV/STI prevention and treatment.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in education, biology or related field
• Knowledge of principles and practices of STD/HIV intervention and prevention
• Detailed medical knowledge of STI’s and HIV
• Knowledge of universal precautions
• Ability to perform phlebotomy
• Knowledge of STI/HIV related laws, regulations, and related operations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to efficiently multi-task on a daily basis
• Analytical and investigative skills
• Organized and detail oriented
• Knowledge of confidentiality guidelines
• Ability to be on 24-hour call

DIFFICULTY OF WORK:

The HIV/STD Disease Intervention Specialist performs work that is of substantial intricacy involving many variables when providing information and counseling on testing, treatment, prevention and referrals to individuals diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases and/or HIV infection.  Judgment is needed when providing care in the field concerning safety issues.

RESPONSIBILITY:

The HIV/STD Disease Intervention Specialist provides substantial contribution by conducting timely field investigations with individuals for behavior modifications and partner elicitations.  Work is reviewed for adherence to instructions and soundness of judgment.

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

The HIV/STD Disease Intervention Specialist maintains frequent contact with other County employees, community organizations, physicians, health care providers and the general public regarding HIV and STD education and prevention.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The HIV/STD Disease Intervention Specialist works in a standard clinical setting and in the field having the ability to move around freely and sit for periods of time.  The HIV/STD Disease Intervention Specialist has the ability to lift up to twenty pounds with some pushing and/or pulling loads with frequent bending and reaching over head with some exposure to temperature extremes and chemicals with frequent exposure to dangerous equipment and frequent exposure to the potential for blood/needle sticks.

SUPERVISION:

None

LICENSING:

• CDC Epidemiology, HIV Prevention Counseling and Referral, Phlebotomy, Oraquick and Insti rapid HIV testing certifications.
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) certification upon employment as required for all public health staff
• Valid Driver’s License to operate a County owned vehicle

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:

HIV/STD Prevention Division Director

HOURS:

8:00 am – 4:30 pm and as needed, 37.5 hours per week

Ability to be on 24-hour call

EEO CATEGORY:

0802

WORKERS’S COMP CODE:

8832