HIV/STI Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS)

HIV STI Disease Intervention Specialist

The HIV STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections) Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) position supports the organization's mission of assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating communicable disease surveillance and control programs for HIV and STI. The primary duties are to conduct investigations related to HIV and STI disease intervention services within Delaware County, including disease intervention work in the field. This will include travel in your personal vehicle and/or a county vehicle.

Essential Duties:

• Coordinates and plans DIS team members surveillance and case investigations/partner services and follow-up of STI, and HIV cases reported in Delaware County utilizing information from the Pennsylvania National Electronic Data Surveillance System (PA-NEDSS) in accordance with STI and HIV Program guidance.
• Conducts post-test counseling and partner services for positive HIV test results as requested in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines to ensure that clients are aware of their HIV status.
• Provides medical, social, and prevention intervention service referrals and linkages for STI, high-risk HIV negative and HIV positive clients in accordance with CDC, and HIV and STI Program guidelines to meet client needs.
• Provides CD4 and viral load testing services for clients who have no other means to pay for the testing, or in situations where this testing facilitates timely linkage to care in accordance with HIV Program guidance.
• Conducts investigative follow-up of high priority clients identified for Preexposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and assures these clients are referred and linked to services in accordance with HIV Program guidance.
• Provides recommendations to organizations/agencies on STI and HIV disease treatment based on current CDC Treatment Guidelines to ensure that clients are receiving the highest standards of care.
• Ensures that STI and HIV cases are reported in a timely manner in accordance with HIV Program Guidance.
• Responsible for completing and transmittal of timely and complete HIV case reports, HIV testing data, and partner services data through the appropriate systems, including PA-NEDSS.
• Ensures that exchanges of client HIV-related information comply with Act 148 and the CDC and Department Data Security and Confidentiality Policies.
• Collects blood, urine, and extra genital specimens for testing according to Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) protocols for the purpose of identifying individuals with HIV and/or STI.
• Documents all relevant STI and HIV activities on assigned investigations in PA-NEDSS (or other reporting formats, if required) including, but not limited to: surveillance and partner services investigative activities, testing information, contacts and suspects initiated for follow-up, investigative notes, risk assessments and client interventions to meet CDC performance measures.
• Distributes DCHD approved educational materials and reporting requirements related to STI, HIV, and related conditions to hospitals, health care personnel, and other community partners for the promotion of STI and HIV prevention messages, as well as to ensure timely and complete reporting of these conditions in Delaware County.
• Alerts the Supervisor to requests for information and potential media news items related to STI and HIV Programs.
• Maintains professional competencies and skills through participation in educational programs, seminars, conferences, meetings, and webinars approved by the PA DOH.
• Other related duties, as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher.
• Knowledge of infectious diseases including STIs and their treatment preferred
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Customer service experience
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to maintain confidential information and handle confidential matters
• Bilingual ability a plus
• Current CPR / First Aid certification preferred
• Valid driver's license and ability to pass a background check
• Ability to interact appropriately and effectively with a wide range of persons
• Ability to follow protocol, procedures, and established guidelines
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing circumstances and needs
• A strong work ethic and ability to manage a demanding and changing workload
• Strong relationship-building skills

*The selected candidate will be required to obtain, at their own expense, 3 forms of clearance, including PA State Police Criminal History Record Check; PA Child Abuse History; and FBI Criminal History Background Check including finger printing prior to employment.

**Delaware County Health Department requires all employees to have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination in the past 2 years. Proof of vaccination must be submitted before a candidate's start date, if hired.

Additional Information:

Delaware County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, membership in an employee organization, political affiliation, or status as a veteran in the recruitment, selection, or hiring of its workforce. Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. EEO/AA