Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS)

About the role

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

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). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the HIV/STD Program Supervisor, the Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS), conducts comprehensive HIV/STD prevention, intervention, and surveillance activities according to established Texas laws, rules, and regulations. Maintains confidentiality in all aspects of duties. Conducts HIV/STD interviews and investigations following DIS performance standards. Enters data into the TB, HIV, and STD Integrated System (THISIS). Completes epidemiological and non-epidemiological documentation. Performs venipuncture. Establishes and maintains relationships with local health care agencies, health care providers, laboratories, correctional facilities, and other organizations to facilitate HIV/STD screening, diagnosis/treatment, and reporting in the region. Promotes the agency and maintains a good working relationship with internal and external stakeholders.

• DISEASE INTERVENTION: Conducts interviews, re-interviews, and cluster interviews of HIV/STD patients following the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) DIS performance standards.
• CASE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES: Conducts case management activities and completes forms accurately and within established time frames.
• FIELD ACTIVITIES: Conducts field investigation activities following DSHS DIS performance standards.
• SURVEILLANCE ACTIVITIES: Conducts HIV/STD surveillance activities.
• REGIONAL SUPPORT AND DISASTER RESPONSE/RECOVERY: Participates in regional assignments/duties/special initiatives.

Requirements

• Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver’s license, or equivalent from another state, reflecting an acceptable driving record following Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures.
• Obtain a Phlebotomy certification within six months of employment.
• Certified Health Education Specialist is preferred but not required.
• 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.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in public health, or a related field preferred.
• Computer experience and working experience with Microsoft Office products.
• The application documents the ability to travel 85% of the time to complete essential job functions.

Qualifications

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.

Pay

The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines, with a range of $3,793.41 - $4,582.08 per month.

Schedule

This position is office-based, Monday-Friday, 8:00 – 5:00 pm, with up to 85% travel required to complete essential job functions.