Disease Intervention Specialist

Description:

P UBLIC HEALTH RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

• The Disease Intervention Specialist is responsible for interviewing cases, contacts and others in the community concerning personal behaviors and activities which contribute to disease transmission; to make collateral contacts to obtain pertinent information concerning other individuals who may have been exposed or infected; to ensure compliance with established State and federal laws and regulations related to disease control and prevention.
• Act as patient advocate; educate clients regarding medical and social services available and intervene on their behalf for access to services or resolution of conflict.
• Conduct case investigations on infected patients; documents case histories and possible infection sources.
• Conduct timely vaccine clinics for community members and local businesses during appropriate time of year.
• Assist with Public Health Emergency Preparedness grant immunization requirements.
• Answer disease related questions.
• Keep current with local, national and international disease trends and outbreaks.
• Produce contact reports and tracing records.

I.        KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

 

KNOWLEDGE:

·         This position requires a strict understanding of patient confidentiality, including the ability to conduct interviews without violating confidentiality.

·         Understanding of medical terms and principles of exposure infection, infectious  period, potentially infectious interactions, symptoms of disease; pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic infection.

·         Assist with obtaining current information pertaining to the symptoms, modes of transmission, control, treatment, and effects of the communicable/chronic disease assigned.

·         Understanding of CDC protocols for investigation and intervention with patients who have positive results for a communicable disease.

·         Knowledge of Modern practices and principles of medical disease counseling.

·         Principles and procedures of record keeping; medical documentation; business writing.

·         Universal (Standard) precautions and infection control practices.

 

SKILLS:

 

·         This position requires excellent and sensitive interpersonal, cultural sensitivity, and interviewing skills so that trust can be built and maintained with patients and contacts.

·         Understanding of when to refer individuals or situations to medical, social or supervisory resources.

·         Maintain active surveillance of communicable diseases through Park County.

·         Assist with enforcement of quarantine as needed, with guidance provided by Health Officer and Board of Health.

·         Work in conjunction with Park County DES on countywide emergency protocols.  

·         Ability to interact with the public calmly and effectively.

·         Strong listening, verbal and written communication skills.

·         Ability to work with a high level of detail in a fast paced environment.

 

 Education Education and Experience

Degree (minimum Associates) in Nursing, or degree in Public Health, or degree in other related field.  Experience working in the public health field with 3-5 years is preferred. Experience working with the general public and people of varying backgrounds is needed. Experience working in the public health field would be terrific!

CCertification, Licenses, etc.

Current Montana Driver's License

FEMA IS-700, ICS-100 online courses within 6 months of employment and ICS-200, ICS-300 courses within one year of employment as mandated by the State.