Racine, County of (WI)
Disease Intervention Specialist
Racine, County of (WI), Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, United States
The Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) promotes and protects the health of populations using ground‑level investigative skills to address public health communicable disease threats as part of a team. This position provides communicable disease control through investigative interviews, case analysis, contact tracing, exposure notification, medication adherence monitoring, disease prevention and etiology education, other disease control efforts, outbreak response, and emergency response. This position may also provide health promotion and screening activities for communicable and chronic diseases. This position collaborates with partner agencies to ascertain community health needs, align community resources, provide for community engagement activities, and ensure clients are linked to care through relationships with healthcare providers.
Key duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Communicable Disease (CD) Control / Surveillance and Investigation
Implements communicable disease prevention and control programs and services, including CD surveillance and investigation into reportable communicable diseases. Provides outreach, education, referrals, and technical assistance on communicable disease prevention and control to individuals, health care providers, community organizations, community partners, and the public. Conducts telephone calls with persons suspected or confirmed with a communicable disease to perform the following as necessary: Complete case interviews, elicit contacts, monitor case and/or contacts, implement control measures (e.g., isolation and quarantine), initiate referrals, and educate on disease etiology and methods to reduce spread. Helps enforce quarantine and isolation laws and principles with individuals, businesses, health care providers, community partners, and community organizations. Develops and implements effective, efficient, and equitable plans of care for families and individuals who will be receiving services for a period of time e.g., tuberculosis case; conducts home visits for clients to ensure medication adherence i.e., Directly Observed Therapy (DOT). Assists with and/or leads investigations of suspected foodborne, waterborne, and airborne outbreaks; collaborates with leadership for outbreak response and prevention activities. Works to ensure compliance with ch. DHS 145, relating to prevention, monitoring, conducting epidemiological investigations, and control of CDs, including outbreaks. Provides for accurate data collection and entry into electronic records and databases; provides for data searches, report writing, and other functions using various information systems. Maintains accurate and detailed records and reports according to guidelines and requirements of appropriate programs, grants, and statutes. Engages community partners and organizations to address health promotion and prevention services, foster cooperation, and prevent duplication of services. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with staff, local, state, and regional agencies, organizations, community groups, and the public. Helps improve public recognition and awareness of CDs and other illnesses of public health importance and helps implement community‑based initiatives to prevent CDs. Collaborates with Environmental Health for outbreak response and prevention activities. Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention / Human Health Hazard Control
May conduct surveillance activities on lead poisoning prevention and control in accordance with state, local, and division guidelines and policies. May provide case management for lead cases as needed. May provide lead education to health care providers, community organizations/partners, and the public. May conduct public health or chronic disease screenings and provides appropriate education and referrals. Ensures linkages of individuals to needed personal health services. Assists with other chronic disease and injury prevention programs as well as grants. Emergency Preparedness and Response
Participates in implementation of response strategies to address public health emergencies. Participates in public health preparedness exercises as appropriate. Acts as a first responder in a natural disaster or any public health, chemical, biological, nuclear, or radiological event. Maintains a general knowledge of the National Incident Management System (ICS 100, 200, 700, 800) and higher‑level courses as assigned by Health Officer. Health Promotion
Helps with processes for and dissemination of relevant and accurate information and evidence‑informed health prevention guidance to the public health system and community. Provides educational presentations and workshops on a range of topics related to public health and communicable disease. Helps implement use of a variety of accessible, transparent, and inclusive methods of communication to convey and to receive information from the public and stakeholders. Leadership and Organizational Competencies
Uses principles of public health law, including local and state laws, in the planning, implementation, and enforcement of public health initiatives. Implements processes within public health programs that create health equity. Participates in health strategy initiatives to enhance the effectiveness of the public health system. Participates in the development and implementation of strategic and operational plans related to emerging public health issues. Implements and maintains the technology needed to support public health operations while simultaneously protecting personally identifiable information and other confidential health information, pursuant to ss. 19.21 and 146.82, Stats. Other duties
Maintains records and privacy (HIPAA and HITECH). Maintains adequate records and statistics, enters data, prepares reports, and reports all findings of investigations and inspections to the Community Health Supervisor and appropriate authorities. Answers questions or complaints from the general public. Attends meetings and trainings to keep abreast of recent research, concepts, equipment, federal, state, and local requirements, and educational techniques. Serves as a member of various health‑related community committees, as required. Maintains a safe work environment and follows all safety rules and regulations. Utilizes various policies and procedures, forms, and tools to perform duties as assigned. Consults with other local and state health departments and agencies. Works variable weekday and weekend hours according to division/emergency needs. Works as part of a team to work toward accomplishing program and division objectives. Utilizes computers for daily work. Inventories, requisitions, orders, and stocks supplies as needed. Provides needed backup to the other staff members as needed. Performs other duties as assigned. SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the direction of the Community Health Supervisor. Employee is expected to perform normal work assignments in accordance with established work procedures and division policies with a minimum amount of supervision. Tools and Equipment Used
All standard office equipment i.e., computers, modems, printers, copy machine, telephone, fax machine, etc. Other equipment may be used during a home visit. Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Worker is exposed to blood, respiratory secretions, and other body fluids for which universal precautions apply. Personal protective equipment is available and shall be worn. Potential exposure to hostile individuals and settings. Physical settings in the community may be unsanitary and potentially dangerous and the employee is occasionally exposed to these conditions. Employee may work near mechanical moving parts, in high/precarious places, in wet and humid conditions, near hot grease and stove flames, and near airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment may be moderate at times. Personal protective equipment is available and shall be worn. Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to travel to a variety of locations to evaluate public and environmental health problems and to access facilities and/or sites which may not be handicap accessible. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, or hear. The employee may be regularly required to walk, bend, stand, squat, twist, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and traverse a variety of ground and structures. The employee is required to use hands and fingers to handle and operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee may have to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. Analytical/Assessment Skills
Knowledge of principles and practices of communicable disease prevention and control, including disease investigations, data collection, health promotion and preventive health care Utilization of evidence‑based decision making Application of ethical principles in use of data e.g., confidentiality Analytical skills in reaching objective conclusions about communicable and chronic disease services and programs Very adept in using word processing, spreadsheets, computerized program databases, and other technological tools Policy Development/Program Planning Skills
Knowledge of quality improvement processes Use of public health evidence for plans, policies, programs, and services Communication Skills
Written and oral linguistic and cultural proficiency; strong interviewing skills Ability to assess literacy of populations served and communicate with a diversity of people Ability to accurately and efficiently complete data entry, prepare and write reports, keep accurate and detailed records, summarize information Knowledge of health education principles, theories, and practices Ability to evaluate and organize health education materials and equipment Ability to make presentations to small and large groups Cultural Competency Skills
Understanding of concept of diversity and can describe the community served by the division Articulates impact of cultural influences on and diversity in program and services Knowledge of social determinants of health and health equity Excellent interpersonal skills Community Dimensions of Practice Skills
Ability to engage the community Ability tomaintain effective working relationships, collaborations, and partnerships with staff, local, state, and regional agencies, organizations, community groups, and the public Consistently demonstrates willingness to engage in teamwork (collaboration, cooperation) and utilize time management skills (prioritization, multi‑tasking, flexibility, adaptability) to achieve program and division goals; must demonstrate strong organizational skills Ability to exhibit a professional, positive attitude and work ethic Public Health Science Skills
Knowledge of and ability to interpret standards, skills, statutes, administrative code, and ordinances pertaining to communicable diseases, outbreaks, lead poisoning, and any other applicable community health programs Knowledge of public health principles, including foundational public health services, essential public health services, and core functions of public health Knowledge of communicable disease, vector, water, rodent, air quality, lead, and other health hazard control techniques The ability to understand medical terms and principles of exposure, infection, and infectious periods Knowledge of principles of biological and chemical sciences relative to cause‑and‑effect relationships Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment reasonably and accurately in interpretation of statutes, codes and ordinances based upon public health principles Meets requirements and standards of the programs, grants, and applicable policies, procedures, and laws Considerable knowledge of the laws regulating the confidentiality of client information, including the ability to conduct interviews without violating confidentiality (including HIPAA Rules, Privacy Rules, and Security Rules). The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
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Implements communicable disease prevention and control programs and services, including CD surveillance and investigation into reportable communicable diseases. Provides outreach, education, referrals, and technical assistance on communicable disease prevention and control to individuals, health care providers, community organizations, community partners, and the public. Conducts telephone calls with persons suspected or confirmed with a communicable disease to perform the following as necessary: Complete case interviews, elicit contacts, monitor case and/or contacts, implement control measures (e.g., isolation and quarantine), initiate referrals, and educate on disease etiology and methods to reduce spread. Helps enforce quarantine and isolation laws and principles with individuals, businesses, health care providers, community partners, and community organizations. Develops and implements effective, efficient, and equitable plans of care for families and individuals who will be receiving services for a period of time e.g., tuberculosis case; conducts home visits for clients to ensure medication adherence i.e., Directly Observed Therapy (DOT). Assists with and/or leads investigations of suspected foodborne, waterborne, and airborne outbreaks; collaborates with leadership for outbreak response and prevention activities. Works to ensure compliance with ch. DHS 145, relating to prevention, monitoring, conducting epidemiological investigations, and control of CDs, including outbreaks. Provides for accurate data collection and entry into electronic records and databases; provides for data searches, report writing, and other functions using various information systems. Maintains accurate and detailed records and reports according to guidelines and requirements of appropriate programs, grants, and statutes. Engages community partners and organizations to address health promotion and prevention services, foster cooperation, and prevent duplication of services. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with staff, local, state, and regional agencies, organizations, community groups, and the public. Helps improve public recognition and awareness of CDs and other illnesses of public health importance and helps implement community‑based initiatives to prevent CDs. Collaborates with Environmental Health for outbreak response and prevention activities. Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention / Human Health Hazard Control
May conduct surveillance activities on lead poisoning prevention and control in accordance with state, local, and division guidelines and policies. May provide case management for lead cases as needed. May provide lead education to health care providers, community organizations/partners, and the public. May conduct public health or chronic disease screenings and provides appropriate education and referrals. Ensures linkages of individuals to needed personal health services. Assists with other chronic disease and injury prevention programs as well as grants. Emergency Preparedness and Response
Participates in implementation of response strategies to address public health emergencies. Participates in public health preparedness exercises as appropriate. Acts as a first responder in a natural disaster or any public health, chemical, biological, nuclear, or radiological event. Maintains a general knowledge of the National Incident Management System (ICS 100, 200, 700, 800) and higher‑level courses as assigned by Health Officer. Health Promotion
Helps with processes for and dissemination of relevant and accurate information and evidence‑informed health prevention guidance to the public health system and community. Provides educational presentations and workshops on a range of topics related to public health and communicable disease. Helps implement use of a variety of accessible, transparent, and inclusive methods of communication to convey and to receive information from the public and stakeholders. Leadership and Organizational Competencies
Uses principles of public health law, including local and state laws, in the planning, implementation, and enforcement of public health initiatives. Implements processes within public health programs that create health equity. Participates in health strategy initiatives to enhance the effectiveness of the public health system. Participates in the development and implementation of strategic and operational plans related to emerging public health issues. Implements and maintains the technology needed to support public health operations while simultaneously protecting personally identifiable information and other confidential health information, pursuant to ss. 19.21 and 146.82, Stats. Other duties
Maintains records and privacy (HIPAA and HITECH). Maintains adequate records and statistics, enters data, prepares reports, and reports all findings of investigations and inspections to the Community Health Supervisor and appropriate authorities. Answers questions or complaints from the general public. Attends meetings and trainings to keep abreast of recent research, concepts, equipment, federal, state, and local requirements, and educational techniques. Serves as a member of various health‑related community committees, as required. Maintains a safe work environment and follows all safety rules and regulations. Utilizes various policies and procedures, forms, and tools to perform duties as assigned. Consults with other local and state health departments and agencies. Works variable weekday and weekend hours according to division/emergency needs. Works as part of a team to work toward accomplishing program and division objectives. Utilizes computers for daily work. Inventories, requisitions, orders, and stocks supplies as needed. Provides needed backup to the other staff members as needed. Performs other duties as assigned. SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the direction of the Community Health Supervisor. Employee is expected to perform normal work assignments in accordance with established work procedures and division policies with a minimum amount of supervision. Tools and Equipment Used
All standard office equipment i.e., computers, modems, printers, copy machine, telephone, fax machine, etc. Other equipment may be used during a home visit. Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Worker is exposed to blood, respiratory secretions, and other body fluids for which universal precautions apply. Personal protective equipment is available and shall be worn. Potential exposure to hostile individuals and settings. Physical settings in the community may be unsanitary and potentially dangerous and the employee is occasionally exposed to these conditions. Employee may work near mechanical moving parts, in high/precarious places, in wet and humid conditions, near hot grease and stove flames, and near airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment may be moderate at times. Personal protective equipment is available and shall be worn. Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to travel to a variety of locations to evaluate public and environmental health problems and to access facilities and/or sites which may not be handicap accessible. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, or hear. The employee may be regularly required to walk, bend, stand, squat, twist, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and traverse a variety of ground and structures. The employee is required to use hands and fingers to handle and operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee may have to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. Analytical/Assessment Skills
Knowledge of principles and practices of communicable disease prevention and control, including disease investigations, data collection, health promotion and preventive health care Utilization of evidence‑based decision making Application of ethical principles in use of data e.g., confidentiality Analytical skills in reaching objective conclusions about communicable and chronic disease services and programs Very adept in using word processing, spreadsheets, computerized program databases, and other technological tools Policy Development/Program Planning Skills
Knowledge of quality improvement processes Use of public health evidence for plans, policies, programs, and services Communication Skills
Written and oral linguistic and cultural proficiency; strong interviewing skills Ability to assess literacy of populations served and communicate with a diversity of people Ability to accurately and efficiently complete data entry, prepare and write reports, keep accurate and detailed records, summarize information Knowledge of health education principles, theories, and practices Ability to evaluate and organize health education materials and equipment Ability to make presentations to small and large groups Cultural Competency Skills
Understanding of concept of diversity and can describe the community served by the division Articulates impact of cultural influences on and diversity in program and services Knowledge of social determinants of health and health equity Excellent interpersonal skills Community Dimensions of Practice Skills
Ability to engage the community Ability tomaintain effective working relationships, collaborations, and partnerships with staff, local, state, and regional agencies, organizations, community groups, and the public Consistently demonstrates willingness to engage in teamwork (collaboration, cooperation) and utilize time management skills (prioritization, multi‑tasking, flexibility, adaptability) to achieve program and division goals; must demonstrate strong organizational skills Ability to exhibit a professional, positive attitude and work ethic Public Health Science Skills
Knowledge of and ability to interpret standards, skills, statutes, administrative code, and ordinances pertaining to communicable diseases, outbreaks, lead poisoning, and any other applicable community health programs Knowledge of public health principles, including foundational public health services, essential public health services, and core functions of public health Knowledge of communicable disease, vector, water, rodent, air quality, lead, and other health hazard control techniques The ability to understand medical terms and principles of exposure, infection, and infectious periods Knowledge of principles of biological and chemical sciences relative to cause‑and‑effect relationships Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment reasonably and accurately in interpretation of statutes, codes and ordinances based upon public health principles Meets requirements and standards of the programs, grants, and applicable policies, procedures, and laws Considerable knowledge of the laws regulating the confidentiality of client information, including the ability to conduct interviews without violating confidentiality (including HIPAA Rules, Privacy Rules, and Security Rules). The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
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