HIV/STI Disease Intervention Specialist

Essential Functions

• Performs 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.
• Provides 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.
• Affords psychological support and referrals to individuals following HIV testing, educates 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.
• Coordinates comprehensive case management services of HIV positive individuals and timely linkage to HIV medical care.
• Coordinates comprehensive case management services of individuals being assessed and diagnosed for all stages of syphilis.
• Applies 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.
• 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.
• Follows up with providers reporting STIs in order to complete timely case management and partner services and assure adequate medication treatments.
• Follows up with providers reporting positive HIV tests to establish patient notification, referrals, and facilitate prompt linkage to HIV care.
• 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.
• Affords assistance 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.
• Collaborates 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in education, biology or related field.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of STI/HIV intervention and prevention.
• Detailed medical knowledge of STI’s and HIV.
• 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.