Disease Intervention Specialist

About the role

PHMC serves as both a direct service provider to individuals, families, and communities across the region and an intermediary agent, managing large-scale contracts, government and philanthropic partnerships, and multidisciplinary initiatives. This position is within the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH), Division of Disease Control (DDC), specifically the STD Control program, which works to control the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Philadelphia.

The Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) is a core public health role responsible for investigating communicable diseases and preventing the spread of STDs and HIV. Duties are primarily field-based, often in high-risk urban areas, and include client interviews, partner services, contact tracing, field investigations, specimen collection, community outreach, and collaboration with medical providers. The position may also involve deployment to other Health Department programs for outbreak response.

This is a full-time, grant-funded position contingent upon sustained funding. The role reports to supervisory staff within the STD Control Program, which operates under the Division of Disease Control, PDPH.

Responsibilities

• Counsel patients with STDs, HIV, and/or other infectious diseases by conducting field investigative activities to locate and refer individuals suspected of having these diseases.
• Manage assigned individuals diagnosed with STDs in accordance with established STD Program protocols, including interviewing, analyzing source/spread/cluster relationships, responding to supervisory directives, identifying high-risk locations, and ensuring timely case closure.
• Conduct timely field investigative activities to locate individuals with suspected or confirmed STD infection and ensure appropriate examination/treatment. Document all activities per STD Program protocols.
• Obtain clinical specimens (blood via phlebotomy, urine, pharyngeal specimens) in field and clinic settings following established protocols.
• Provide screening and education at high-risk venues such as bars, bathhouses, crack houses, and other locations.
• Deliver STD presentations at health fairs, schools, community-based organizations, and local, state, and national conferences.
• Participate in STD Program activities, including screening, education, and referral services at Family Court, Philadelphia Prisons, Youth Study Center, and STD Clinics.
• Staff Mobile Units and assist in recruiting high-risk individuals (e.g., sex workers, drug users), conducting specimen collection, and processing paperwork and specimens.
• Support the Philadelphia High School STD Screening program by providing presentations, processing urine specimens, conducting student follow-up and interviews, and other activities.
• Transport specimens (blood, urine, etc.) to the Public Health Laboratory as needed.
• Transport patients to and from public health centers and other medical facilities.
• Provide targeted outreach at sites throughout Philadelphia and surrounding counties to individuals at high risk of STDs and other communicable diseases.
• Complete the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) STD Employee training, achieving at least 80% on each module test and the comprehensive exam.
• Attend and complete the one-week, out-of-town CDC-sponsored training.
• Complete HIV Counseling training provided by the Philadelphia AIDS Activities Coordinating Office (AACO).
• Complete Phlebotomy training and training in other specimen collection/handling/transport techniques (urine, sputum, pharyngeal, fecal) for clinic and field settings, including universal precautions.
• Complete training and demonstrate competence in using the STD Control Program’s STD Computer Information Database (SCID).
• Participate in Emergency Preparedness response training and perform assigned roles during public health emergencies.
• Provide translation services for other STD Control staff and occasionally STD Clinic staff if bilingual.
• Perform related duties as required.

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license, automobile insurance, and insurance rider (to allow for the transportation of patients) required. Documentation must be submitted to the employer and updated annually.
• Ability to perform all specified duties and tasks.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated respect for the confidentiality and privacy of health data.
• Ability to interact sensitively, effectively, and professionally with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds.
• Comfortable working individually and within a team environment.
• Willingness and flexibility in accepting direction.
• Ability to work a non-traditional schedule, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
• Bilingual skills preferred.

Qualifications

• One year of work experience in a public health field preferred but not required.
• Previous phlebotomy experience desired but not required, as training will be provided.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental coverage.
• Paid sick, vacation, and personal time.

Pay

$51,500 per year.

Schedule

Full-time, Monday through Friday. Employees are expected to work in the office or in the field full-time, with variable hours including early mornings, nights, and weekends.