DISEASE INTERVENTION SPECIALIST 1 - 04232024- 57193

Job Information

Opening Date/TimeTue 04/23/2024 12:00AM Central TimeClosing Date/TimeMon 04/29/2024 11:59PM Central TimeSalary (Monthly)$4,975.00Salary (Annually)$59,700.00Job TypeFull-TimeCity, State LocationClinton, TNDepartmentHealthState of Tennessee Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, LOCAL HEALTH DIVISION, ANDERSON COUNTY

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in social work or other related field.

Substitution of Experience for Education: Qualifying full-time professional health program field experience as a disease specialist that has completed "ISTDI" or "Passport to Partner Services" DIS training that involves investigation, prevention or treatment of individuals with communicable diseases may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of four years.Necessary Special Qualifications: A valid motor vehicle operator's license is required.

Examination Method: Education and Experience, 100%, for Preferred Service positions.

Summary

Summary: Under general supervision, is responsible for professional public health field contact work of average difficulty; and performs related work as required.

Distinguishing Features: The Disease Intervention Specialist 1 (DIS 1) is critical to the control of the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and HIV infection in Tennessee. The position requires current and extensive knowledge of STD/HIV, diagnostic and treatment criteria, exceptional communication skills for medical consultation, effective patient interactions, and the ability to perform under diverse and adverse situations and environments. The DIS 1 must possess the ability to analyze highly confidential and technical medical records and reports.

This is the entry level class in the DIS sub-series. The DIS 1 will typically have multi-county responsibilities for intervention activities, disease surveillance, and consultation. The DIS 1 establishes and maintains effective working relationships with patients and their partners, community leadership and stakeholders, the medical community, and community-based organizations. Guided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) STD Treatment Guidelines, the DIS 1 routinely advises private physicians, local health departments, and other providers regarding appropriate diagnostics, treatments and follow-up activities for persons with STDs. The CDC guidelines are used by the DIS 1 to advise providers regarding the delivery of appropriate counseling and testing services (CTS) and partner services for persons infected with or exposed to STD and/or HIV. This class differs from the DIS 2 in that an incumbent of the latter may function in a supervisory capacity.

Responsibilities

Getting Information:

1. Interviews patients diagnosed with a communicable disease to determine the source and spread of the disease.
2. Locates disease suspects and refer them to the appropriate diagnostic facility for examination and needed treatment.
3. Conducts field investigation of disease suspects and contacts.
4. Links electronic lab results with appropriate patient to begin case investigation.
5. Conducts preliminary analysis of medical history and patient demographics.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge:

1. Demonstrates proficiency in performing venipuncture and Tuberculosis skin tests according to guidelines and procedures.
2. Attends and completes all required training.
3. Demonstrates proficiency in collecting urine specimens according to guidelines and procedures.
4. Reviews departmental policies and procedures to keep current of any changes, revisions or additions.

Assisting and Caring for Others:

1. Performs venipuncture, urine specimen collection and Tuberculosis skin tests according to guidelines and procedures.
2. Observes patients during field visits for compliance with prescribed treatment regimens including direct observation of treatment (DOT).
3. Provides expedited partner-delivered therapy according to guidelines.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others:

1. Provides risk reduction or behavioral counseling to groups to reduce the risk of transmitting communicable disease.
2. Facilitates problem solving to provide risk reduction to individuals to reduce the risk of transmitting communicable disease.

Scheduling Work and Activities:

1. Schedules community events and activities.
2. Schedules audits with state and private entities as appropriate.
3. Schedules appointments for patients.

Documenting/Recording Information:

1. Records disease investigation activities in electronic surveillance systems.
2. Records disease investigation activities in patient medical records.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards:

1. Determines if patient received adequate treatment.
2. Conducts laboratory and hospital surveillance activities to ensure they are following policies.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships:

1. Develops rapport with patients and community partners.
2. Maintains professional working relationships with co-workers and community partners.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization:

1. Develops and maintains an ongoing working relationship with laboratories, health care providers and community-based organizations.
2. Interacts with others and serve as a Health Department representative.

Interacting With Computers:

1. Enters data into surveillance and case management systems to maintain information for field records, laboratory results and task lists.
2. Utilizes computer systems to enter data or process information for reports and presentations.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment:

1. Transports patients for evaluation and treatment as needed.
2. Utilizes personal vehicle for extensive authorized travel.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others:

1. Explains tests, procedures and results to appropriate individuals according to guidelines.

Processing Information:

1. Verifies treatment based on test results.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work:

1. Prioritizes and conducts tasks based on grant objectives, importance and urgency.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others:

1. Handles complaints, settles disputes and resolves conflicts or otherwise negotiate with others.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates:

1. Maintains positive, constructive and cooperative communication by telephone, in written form, in email or in person with supervisors, peers or subordinates.

Competencies

Competencies:

1. Learning on the Fly
2. Problem Solving
3. Priority Setting
4. Time Management
5. Conflict Management
6. Action Oriented
7. Perseverance
8. Written Communications
9. Customer Focus
10. Interpersonal Savvy

Knowledge:

1. Biology
2. Clerical
3. Communications and Media
4. Customer and Personal Service
5. Education and Training
6. Medicine and Dentistry
7. Public Safety and Security
8. Therapy and Counseling

Skills:

1. Active Learning
2. Active Listening
3. Critical Thinking
4. Reading Comprehension
5. Speaking
6. Writing
7. Coordination
8. Instructing
9. Negotiation
10. Persuasion
11. Service Orientation
12. Social Perceptiveness
13. Judgement and Decision Making
14. Time Management

Abilities:

1. Deductive Reasoning
2. Flexibility to Closure
3. Inductive Reasoning
4. Information Ordering
5. Number Facility
6. Oral Comprehension
7. Oral Expression
8. Perceptual Speed
9. Problem Sensitivity
10. Selective Attention
11. Time Sharing
12. Written Comprehension
13. Written Expression
14. Arm-Hand Steadiness
15. Control Precision
16. Finger Dexterity
17. Manual Dexterity
18. Multilimb Coordination
19. Reaction Time
20. Response Orientation
21. Wrist-Finger Speed
22. Dynamic Flexibility
23. Stamina
24. Static Strength
25. Trunk Strength
26. Auditory Attention
27. Depth Perception
28. Near Vision
29. Peripheral Vision
30. Speech Clarity
31. Speech Recognition
32. Visual Color Discrimination

Tools & Equipment

1. Computer
2. Scanner
3. Printer
4. Copier
5. Fax
6. Telephone
7. Other office equipment as needed.

TN Driver Standards

State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:

• A valid driver's license
• For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.

Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.

**Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.