Case Investigator, Bureau of Communicable Diseases

About the role

The Bureau of Communicable Disease (BCD) monitors and analyzes trends in disease data and provides consultation to the medical community and the public on the recognition, prevention, and control of communicable diseases. BCD is responsible for the surveillance, prevention, and control of over 70 infectious diseases including foodborne, enteric, waterborne, respiratory (including COVID-19), zoonotic, and vector-borne diseases.

Responsibilities

• Investigate cases of reportable diseases and outbreaks of infectious or novel conditions
• Conduct patient/provider interviews, contact tracing and health record abstractions
• Provide patient and public education
• Triage telephone inquiries
• Perform communicable disease case investigations
• Perform medical chart reviews and abstractions
• Conduct patient and provider telephone interviews
• Identify and follow up with contacts of people with communicable diseases
• Provide public health recommendations to patients and contacts
• Conduct outbreak investigations
• Perform data collection and analysis
• Evaluate risk factors or high-risk transmission settings
• Assist with communicable disease prevention initiatives
• Participate in the DOHMH's Surveillance and Epidemiology Emergency Response Section's preparedness and response activities

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of communicable disease surveillance and epidemiologic investigations
• Experience with structured interviews, medical terminology and conducting electronic health record reviews
• Comfortable discussing sensitive topics including sexual activity and drug use
• Experience working with healthcare providers
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Proficient with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software

Benefits

• Premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually
• Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund
• Public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement
• Tax-deferred savings program
• Robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers

Minimum Qualifications

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above
• OR High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above
• OR Education and/or experience which is equivalent to the above
• All candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in the first bullet above