Disease Intervention Specialist

Position Summary The purpose of this job is to conduct complex field investigations aimed at disrupting the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV and reducing their associated morbidity. This is accomplished by facilitating the treatment and counseling of affected individuals, eliciting information about their partners, and performing testing and treatment follow‑up with those partners. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Initiates and completes case investigations by interviewing disease patients, their sex partners, or others who may have information and by examining medical records or other pertinent information to determine the origins and potential spread of reportable STDs and HIV. Reduces the transmission of reportable sexually transmitted diseases and HIV by performing field investigations to locate clients and partners of those infected. Performs counseling to clients to provide disease education, risk reduction, and sex and needle sharing partner elicitation. Notifies sex and needle sharing partners of their exposure, need for testing, and/or treatment, and provides education related to medical aspects of disease transmission and risk reduction. Conducts HIV rapid testing specimen collection and provides clients counseling for both positive and negative results. Meets performance measures/metrics and best practices established by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Creates and maintains detailed records as well as timely entry of information into federal/state disease information systems as required by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function. Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications Experience with disease control and investigation, including field investigations, partner services, and counseling. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to manage multiple projects and maintain confidentiality. Education and Experience Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Health Education or related field. 1 to 3 years of related experience. Licenses or Certifications Valid driver’s license. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of: Medical terminology. Communicable disease control guidelines for various diseases and conditions. Laboratory testing procedures and quality control measures. General office practices and administrative procedures, records management and administration techniques. Common business software applications. Skill in: Communicating verbally and in writing to meet the needs of the audience. Providing counseling sessions. Collecting, organizing, and analyzing complex and/or technical data. Operating and maintaining laboratory equipment. Developing and maintaining effective work relationships. Ability to: Process and handle confidential information with discretion. Create and present reports. Manage multiple projects and stay organized. Handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure and maintain effective interpersonal relationships. Recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems. Regularly use a computer, software, phone and related office equipment. Work Environment and Physical Demands Office or similar indoor environment – Frequently or Often. Vehicle – Sometimes. Exposures: Individuals who are hostile or irate – Sometimes; Communicable diseases – Sometimes. Physical demands include carrying, pushing, pulling or otherwise moving objects up to 10 pounds occasionally, sedentary work most of the time. Hours and Salary Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., occasionally evenings and weekends. Starting Salary $28.65/hr-$35.25/hr; commensurate with training & experience. EEO Statement THE CITY OF COLUMBIA IS A MERIT, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: MALE / FEMALE. THE CITY OF COLUMBIA REQUIRES PRE‑EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING. The City of Columbia participates in the federal E‑Verify work authorization program. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Columbia, MO