Disease Intervention Specialis Jobs

Program Specialist II - Under the direction of the HIV/STD Program Manager and HIV/STD Team Leader/First Line Supervisor, the Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) conducts comprehensive STD/HIV 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 in accordance with DIS performance standards. Enters data into the program's management information system. Completes epidemiologic and non-epidemiologic paperwork. 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. Other duties as assigned include, but are not limited to, actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.
Essential Job Functions
(30%) Disease Intervention
Conducts interviews, re-interviews and cluster interviews of HIV/STD patients in accordance with 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.
(25%) Case Management Activities
Conducts case management activities and completes forms accurately and within established time frames. Accurately enters cases into the STD management information system in accordance with established standards. Completes cae management forms appropriately. Identifies, pursues, collects and analyzes 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.
(30%) Field Activities
Conducts field investigation activities in accordance with DSHS DIS performance standards. Conducts confidential partner notification to individuals who may have been exposed to HIV and/or an STI. 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 HIV/STD reporting requirements. Provides education regarding laws and rules that protect the public health and ensures safety in the region. Performs venipuncture in the field as outlined in the performance standards. Documents field investigation activities appropriately.
(10%) Surveillance activities
Conducts HIV/STD surveillance activities. Conducts follow-up with health care providers, laboratories, and health care agencies to identify cases, ensure timely treatment/diagnosis and reporting. Establishes and maintains professional liaisons to ensure HIV/STD reporting.
(5%) Other Functions
Performs other related duties as assigned. Participates, as directed by the HIV/STD Program Manager, in Disease Prevention & Control initiatives, including but not limited to assisting other programs with timekeeping, travel voucher processing, purchasing, budget tracking, and entry of data. Participates, as directed by the Communicable Disease Manager, in Disease Prevention & Control initiatives, administrative in nature, in times of routine and emergency operations. Other duties as assigned include, but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Knowledge Skills Abilities
Knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including symptomology, diagnostic techniques, recommended treatment, epidemiology, and prevention methods.
Knowledge of medical and technical terminology related to STDs.
Knowledge of DIS performance standards.
Knowledge of confidentiality laws and requirements.
Knowledge of quality assurance for disease monitoring activities.
Skill in the application of techniques necessary for STD intervention activities.
Skill in handling difficult situations and delivering adverse information.
Skill in perceiving and reacting sensitively to the needs of others.
Skill in using computer programs and entering data.
Skill in performing venipuncture.
Skills in effective oral and written communication, with diverse audiences.
Ability to express ideas clearly, accurately and concisely while speaking and in writing.
Ability to identify behavior risks and negotiate HIV/STD risk reduction plans.
Ability to collect and analyze medical and epidemiological information in order to effectively perform STD intervention activities.
Ability to conduct elicitation interviews and perform field investigations.
Ability to be attentive and pick out essential information in verbal communication.
Ability to perform assigned duties in the absence of close supervision.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to perform field phlebotomy/venipuncture.
Ability to motivate behavior change for prevention of STDs.
Registration Or Licensure Requirements
Valid Texas Class C Driver License or equivalent
Initial Selection Criteria

• Twenty-four college credit hours from an accredited college or university.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field relevant to public health (Preferred).
• Experience working in the HIV/STD field, or other relevant communicable disease, healthcare, or public health experience.

Additional Information
Req 567211

• Position requires 50% travel in personal vehicle, most of which occurs during the work day. Evening, weekend, or overnight travel may be occasionally required as well.
• DSHS is a tobacco free workplace.
• Employee must provide proof of current automobile insurance.
• Compliance with DSHS Immunization Policy required: serologic evidence of immunity to, or documented evidence of vaccination against measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), Tdap, annual vaccination against influenza, and hepatitis B.

MOS Code
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 68S, HM, 870, 4E0X1. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx
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