Disease Intervention Specialist

About the role

The Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) conducts comprehensive HIV/STD prevention, intervention, and surveillance activities according to established Texas laws, rules, and regulations. The role involves conducting interviews, re-interviews, and cluster interviews of HIV/STD patients, performing partner and cluster elicitation, and establishing and maintaining relationships with local health care agencies.

Responsibilities

• DISEASE INTERVENTION: Conducts interviews, re-interviews, and cluster interviews of HIV/STD patients following the 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. Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions.
• CASE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES: Conducts case management activities and completes forms accurately and within established time frames. Accurately enters cases into THISIS following established standards. Identifies, pursues, collects, and analyzes the 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. Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions.
• FIELD ACTIVITIES: Conducts field investigation activities following DSHS DIS performance standards. Conducts partner notification. 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 their HIV/STD reporting requirements. Provides education regarding laws and rules that protect public health and ensure safety in the region. Performs venipuncture in the field, as outlined in the performance standards. Documents field investigation activities appropriately. Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions.
• SURVEILLANCE ACTIVITIES: Conducts HIV/STD surveillance activities. Conducts follow-up with health care providers, laboratories, and health care agencies to identify cases and ensure timely treatment/diagnosis and reporting. Establish and maintain professional liaisons to provide HIV/STD reporting. Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions.
• REGIONAL SUPPORT AND DISASTER RESPONSE/RECOVERY: Participates in regional assignments/duties/special initiatives. May be required to work other than normal business hours to respond to public health emergencies; actively participate and/or serve in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response/recovery/Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation- requires completion of at least ICS 100,200, 700 and 800 and may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Maintain compliance with DSHS Policy, Fleet Operations, management and Procedures and Standards, and a current valid Texas Driver's License. Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions.

Requirements

• Knowledge of: HIV/STD disease process, public health intervention principals and processes, and program management; HIV/STD testing, treatment, and reporting policies, guidelines, and laws; OSHA Blood-borne Pathogens Standard for infection control and bio-hazard waste management; rules and regulations regarding the mailing of bio-hazardous specimens; current social, economic and public health programs; minority health issues, and confidentiality laws and HIPAA guidelines.
• Skills in: clear, effective oral and written communication with diverse audiences; organizing and writing reports using standard English grammar and a professional/business writing style; educating small groups and individuals; data entry and word processing and developing and maintaining effective working relationships across organizational, community and cultural lines.
• Ability to: understand and interpret public health laws, policies, and regulations; work in a team setting in close collaboration with others; work effectively with diverse populations; work independently exercising sound judgment; work within a multi-disciplinary team, using tact/diplomacy and assertive communication skills; perform (or be trained to perform) venipuncture to obtain certification and use time management strategies to maximize work productivity and meet deadlines.
• Computer experience and working knowledge of Microsoft Office products.

Qualifications

• Documented work experience in public health, community-based work, population-based initiatives, or community coalition programs.
• At least an associate degree with major coursework in public health, or a related field required.
• Computer experience and working knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
• The application documents the ability to travel 85% of the time to complete essential job functions.

Skills

• Clear, effective oral and written communication with diverse audiences.
• Data entry and word processing.
• Educating small groups and individuals.
• Data entry and word processing.
• Performing venipuncture to obtain certification.
• Understanding and interpreting public health laws, policies, and regulations.
• Working in a team setting in close collaboration with others.
• Working effectively with diverse populations.
• Working independently exercising sound judgment.
• Working within a multi-disciplinary team, using tact/diplomacy and assertive communication skills.
• Using time management strategies to maximize work productivity and meet deadlines.

Benefits

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

Pay

$3,793.41 - $4,582.08 per month

Schedule

Day Shift: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM