Disease Intervention Specialist

DIVISION: Division of Disease Control (DDC)

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) through its STD Control program located within the Division of Disease Control works to control the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Philadelphia including gonorrhea chlamydia syphilis and HIV. The program providesâwalk in testing and treatment for STIs works to controlthe spread of STIs by offering confidential services including referral testing and treatment to the sex partners of people with an STI provides education urine-based screening and treatment for gonorrhea and chlamydia in all Philadelphiapublic high schools provides advice and consultation to doctors nurses and other community partners about the diagnosis and treatment of STIs and providesâfree male and female condoms.

Responsibilities:

• Counsel patients with STDs HIV and/or other infectious diseases by conducting field investigative activities to locate and refer for examination people suspected of having these diseases.
• Manage assigned individuals diagnosed with STDs in accordance with established STD Program protocols including interviewing individuals ongoing analysis of source/spread/cluster relationships rapid response to Supervisory directives identification of high-risk locations for subsequent screening activities and timely case closure. Assures exhaustive case management and documentation.
• Conduct timely field investigative activities to locate individuals with suspected or confirmed STD infection and assure appropriate examination/treatment. Document all activities in accordance with STD Program protocols.
• Obtain clinical specimens from patients including blood (phlebotomy) urine and pharyngeal specimens in field and clinic settings in accordance with established protocols.
• Provide screening and education at high-risk venues such as bars bathhouses crack houses and other locations.
• Provide STD presentations at health fairs schools community-based organizations and local state and national conferences regarding STDs.
• Participate in a variety of STD Program activities including screening/education/referral services at Family Court Philadelphia Prisons Youth Study Center and STD Clinics for example.
• Staff Mobile Units and assist in recruitment of high-risk individuals (e.g. prostitutes and drug users) conducting specimen collection and processing of paperwork and specimens.
• Support the Philadelphia High School STD Screening program by providing presentations urine specimen processing student follow-up and interviews and other activities.
• Transport specimens (blood urine etc.) to the Public Health Laboratory as needed.
• Transport patients to and from public health centers and other medical facilities.
• Provide targeted outreach at sites throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding counties to individuals at high risk of STDs and other communicable diseases.
• Complete the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) STD Employee training and achieve at least 80% on each of the module tests and the comprehensive exam.
• Be available attend and complete the one-week out-of-town CDC-sponsored training.
• Complete HIV Counseling training provided by the Philadelphia AIDS Activities Coordinating Office (AACO).
• Complete Phlebotomy training and training in other (urine sputum pharyngeal fecal etc.) specimen collection/handling/transport techniques for clinic and field settings including routine implementation of universal precautions to avoid accidental infection and specimen contamination.
• Complete training and demonstrate competence in the use of the STD Control Programs STD Computer Information Database (SCID) a web-based computerized system used to document/monitor/manage nearly all aspects of STD Program operations.
• Participate in Emergency Preparedness response training and demonstrate a willingness to perform assigned role/s.
• Respond to public health emergencies.
• Available to other STD Control staff and occasionally STD Clinic staff for translation services should the DIS be bilingual.
• Perform related duties as required.

Skills:

• Valid drivers license automobile insurance and insurance rider (to allow for the transportation of patients) required. This documentation must be submitted to the employer and updated annually.
• Ability to perform all specified duties and tasks.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated respect for the confidentiality and privacy of health data.
• Ability to interact sensitively effectively and professionally with people from diverse cultural socioeconomic and educational backgrounds.
• Equally comfortable working individually and within a team environment.
• Willingness and flexibility in accepting direction.
• Bilingual skills preferred.
• Be able to work a non-traditional work schedule.

Experience:

• One year of work experience in a public health field preferred but not required.
• Previous phlebotomy experience is desired but not required as training will be provided.

Education Requirement:

• Bachelors degree preferred but not required.

Salary:

Salaryiscommensuratewith experience and qualifications. This position comes with a comprehensive benefits package consisting of medical and dental coverage as well as paidsick vacation and personal time.

Position Salary:$51500

PHMC is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.

Required Experience:

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