Disease Intervention Specialist - Health - PAT II

Description To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function of the position satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Tippecanoe County provides reasonable accommodations to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities who require accommodation to complete the application process or perform essential functions of the job, unless those accommodations would present an undue hardship. Incumbent serves as Disease Intervention Specialist for the Health Department, responsible for identifying, treating, and preventing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Tippecanoe County. DUTIES: Travels to clinics and health centers to interview individuals diagnosed with STDs and/or HIV infection, including conducting testing and phlebotomy, recording laboratory results, providing counseling, providing information on treatments, cure testing, and prevention, contacting infected individuals for treatment, instructing patients in proper use of medications, and obtaining related information as needed to locate and identify contacts. Documents and files all information as needed. Contacts all sex/needle sharing partners of infected individuals according to disease priority and location, providing information, making referrals to testing and medical services, and providing other assistance as needed. Contacts other health departments to provide information on partners residing within their area, and contacts partners in own area as requested. Provides STD/HIV counseling and testing in Tippecanoe County on regular basis, and in surrounding counties as requested. Evaluates individual case files and makes appropriate social/medical referrals. Performs Phlebotomy for testing purposes in the clinic, office, or in field, observing universal precaution techniques. Maintains frequent communication with area physicians and other health providers to request and provide information and assist with treatment of individuals showing symptoms of or diagnosed with STDs. Enters data on computer relating to communicable disease reports, lab reports, and related information. Records and compiles a wide variety of STD/HIV related data and prepares report, files, documents, and related statistics as required by State Board of Health, Center for Disease Control, and other regulating/funding agencies. Performs related duties as assigned. Requirements I. JOB REQUIREMENTS: High school diploma/GED. Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications including disease intervention specialist training and HIV testing and counseling certification. Thorough knowledge of accepted principles and practices of STD/HIV intervention and prevention, including ability to effectively interview, counsel, and test individuals, provide information, assistance, and referrals as appropriate, and maintain complete and accurate documentation as required. Thorough knowledge of STD/HIV-related laws, regulations, and related operations, methods, principals, and safety measures, with ability to effectively design and implement prevention/intervention programs accordingly. Ability to effectively investigate and locate partners of infected individuals, evaluate needs, and provide assistance as appropriate. Thorough knowledge of phlebotomy and ability to follow accepted techniques to draw blood while observing universal health precautions. Ability to accurately assess individuals’ understanding of STD/HIV, their activities, and the nature and stage of their infection when necessary, including ability to ensure accuracy and reliability of information collected from them, their partners, and other sources. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, clients, other county departments, community organizations, ISDH, medical personnel, service providers, other municipalities health personnel, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities, and disabilities. Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and ability to properly use standard office equipment, including computer, keyboard, telephone, copier, and fax machine. Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of department information and records according to state requirements. Ability to comply with all employer and department policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug free workplace, and personal conduct. Ability to competently serve the public with diplomacy and respect, including occasional encounters with irate/hostile persons. Ability to work alone with minimum supervision and with others in a team environment. Ability to work on several tasks at the same time and work rapidly for long periods, occasionally under time pressure. Ability to understand, memorize, retain, and carry out written or oral instructions and present findings in oral or written form. Ability to occasionally work extended hours and travel out of town, sometimes overnight. Ability to respond swiftly and rationally to emergencies from off duty status. Possession of a valid driver's license and demonstrated safe driving record. II. DIFFICULTY OF WORK: Incumbent conducts STD intervention and prevention duties in accordance with generally applicable guidelines and established procedures and requirements, exercising judgment to effectively interview, assess, and obtain treatment for individuals, develop and maintain screening programs, and prepare and present educational materials. Incumbent’s work involves both administrative and disease prevention/intervention duties, including a wide variety of individual situations and requiring careful consideration of complex circumstances and frequently changing variables, including field work in unpredictable situations. III. RESPONSIBILITY: Incumbent provides STD intervention and prevention services including interviewing and assessing infected individuals, locating and counseling partners, and providing education, testing, and treatment assistance as needed. Goals and general objectives of Incumbent’s work are known, with highly unusual and/or sensitive problems discussed with supervisor and/or other government officials as needed. Work is reviewed for soundness of judgment, continuing progress toward objectives, and compliance with all applicable policies and requirements. IV. PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS: Incumbent maintains frequent contact with co-workers, clients, other county departments, community organizations, ISDH, medical personnel, service providers, other municipalities health personnel, and the public for a variety of purposes, including coordinating and developing programs and services, reporting information, assessing and treating individuals, and providing assistance and education. Incumbent reports directly to Nursing Supervisor and/or Bookkeeper/Secretary. V. PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: Incumbent performs duties in an office/clinic setting and in the field, including sitting/walking at will, sitting/standing/walking for long periods, lifting/carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds, reaching, close/far vision, color/depth perception, handling/grasping objects, hearing sounds/communication, and driving. Incumbent may be exposed to blood borne pathogens through handling contaminated needles, bodily fluids, and medical equipment/supplies, for which precaution must be taken at all times to prevent injury/infection to self and others. Incumbent occasionally works extended hours, travels out of town, sometimes overnight, and responds to emergencies from off duty status.

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