Disease Intervention Specialist - MSM, LGBTQIA+ and/or Non-Binary Culture KSA

Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

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This Work Matters!

We seek leaders achievers and doers who bring skill and passion to a challenging and evolving environment. At the Multnomah County Health Department we are all inspired by the mission: We work with communities to advance health equity protect the most vulnerable and promote health and wellness for everyone and we uphold the values: Compassion and Care Empowerment Racial Equity Creativity and Integrity. We create a culture of respect trust and understanding for the highly diverse population we serve in our communities.

The Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) works to prevent and reduce reportable sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including HIV in Multnomah County. The position will provide case investigation of reportable STDs and HIV according to Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Multnomah County Health Department (MCHD) and Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) protocols; receive and manage non-negative test results for reportable STDs such as HIV syphilis gonorrhea chlamydia and hepatitis C in addition to outreach services already provided; and through contact tracing functions identify locate notify and refer for examination and/or treatment the sex partners of persons infected or potentially infected with sexually transmitted disease(s) including field visits Internet searches etc. to locate people who may be hard to reach.

MSM LGBTQIA2S and/or Non-Binary Culture Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSA): This position requires knowledge and experience working with individuals identifying as men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women LGBTQIA and/or Non-Binary in order to meet the health needs of clients from a diverse culture or community background with compassionate communication and empathy specifically gay bisexual and/or other men who have sex with other men (MSM) bathhouse cultural awareness sensitivity and competency.

As the Disease Intervention Specialist you will:

• Receive and manage review non-negative test results for reportable STDs including HIV and other test results as designated by the STD Medical Director

• Complete case investigation partner services and linkage to other needed services including HIV care to persons reported to have a positive lab result for Chlamydia gonorrhea syphilis and/or HIV

• Identify locate notify and refer for examination and/or treatment the sex partners of persons infected or potentially infected with sexually transmitted disease(s) including field visits to locate people who may be hard to reach

• Continually educate clients members of the public and internal and external partner agencies on the importance of testing treatment provision of full information and data and healthy sexual and personal behaviors to limit STD transmission and improved health

• Provide STD HIV and HCV screening counseling testing education and referral at community test sites downtown and off-site community test sites and community screening events as assigned

• Document clinical visits in the Electronic Health Record to meet department and partner reporting standards

• Support Harm Reduction Center and associated activities

• Review charts and lab forms enter data into lab database confirm positive results and provide results via phone to clients follow-up with clients who need treatment or do not call for results as directed

• Provide callers with sexual health/health promotion and related information

• Reconnect with patients or sexual partners to confirm conflicting or incomplete information and data; solve related problems or conflicts within data or personal contacts to achieve resolution

• Performs STD HIV and HCV prevention education and health promotion activities with medical communities public and private schools and community groups

• Work in field settings including home visits and outreach at parks homeless camps and syringe exchange sites.

• Assist the STD Data Analyst to compile and conduct qualitative and quantitative research

• Assist with the training of students residents fellows interns etc.;

• Design and deliver presentations to various diverse groups public organizations etc.

As the Disease Intervention Specialist you will also work in a culturally appropriate manner with each of the populations most affected by STDs HIV and HCV within Multnomah County and the State of Oregon.

Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County we dont just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. As a Health Department employee you will create a work culture of respect trust and understanding for the highly diverse populations the Health Department serves in the office and in the community. Every employee shares the responsibility for promptly bringing to the Countys attention conduct that interferes with providing a work environment free of illegal discrimination and harassment.

Multnomah County offers an exceptional benefits package including employer-funded retirement savings; health and dental insurance at very low cost to full-time employees and their dependents; paid parental leave; wellness programs; a focus on work-life balance; and much more. Find more details on our benefits website.

Salary/Pay: Please be advised that the pay range listed for this position is intended to provide general guidance on the earning potential for the role. However actual compensation will be determined in accordance with the Oregon Equal Pay Law and will take into account factors such as the candidates relevant experience and education. Candidates should expect that initial offers will be made within the listed pay range and may not be at or near the top of the range.

Hybrid Teleworking: At this time this position is designated to hybrid telework meaning you will be working remotely (from home) most of the time and you will be required to attend meetings and events in the community including evenings and weekends occasionally. As with all telework positions employees may be required to come into the office on occasion. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. Currently all employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; the county cannot support ongoing telework from other locations. The onsite work location for this position is Gladys McCoy Building 619 NW 6th Avenue Portland OR 97209.

TO QUALIFY:
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience volunteering education and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant.

Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills*:

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

• 2 years of experience at a level equivalent to Community Health Specialist and one year of experience in conducting health-related investigation.

• Advanced knowledge and experience working with individuals identifying as men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women LGBTQIA and/or Non-Binary in order to meet the health needs of clients from a diverse culture or community background with compassionate communication and empathy.

• A valid state issued Drivers License.

• Ability to successfully pass a background investigation which may include being fingerprinted. Employment is contingent on passing a background investigation.

Preferred Qualifications/ Transferable Skills*: You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.

• Bachelors degree in Public Health Biology Social Services OR

• Masters degree in Public Health or Social Work

• Possession of or the ability to obtain a certificate of training in Introduction to Sexually Transmitted Disease Intervention

• Public Health Science skills - ability to understand basic epidemiology and disease transmission concepts and explain medical and health information accurately and understandably to clients with low health literacy

• Ability to work independently in a field setting including driving along and visits to client homes.

• Effective communication skills in working with patients community members and co-workers. Communication must be effective positive and respectful and include skills such as active listening empathy courtesy cultural sensitivity and the ability to assist patients and community incorporate health care recommendations and appropriately modify health behaviors

• Ability to create trust with the clients community members and co-workers. One aspect of creating trust is to offer meaningful access and equal quality to individuals from the cultural and linguistic population served based on an understanding of each populations distinct needs

• Ability to demonstrate competency in use of computer for internet partner notification internet searches and email; entering information into the STD DIS database for case management utilizing ORPHEUS for Chlamydia reporting and record searches and scheduling patient appointments in the MCHD Epic practice management system

*Transferable skills: Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education work experience (including the military) or life experiences that are relevant for this position. Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position.

SCREENING AND EVALUATION:
The Selection Process: For details about how we typically screen applications review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows:

• Initial review of minimum qualifications

• An evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates

• Consideration of top candidates/interviews

• Background reference and education checks

The Application Packet: You must submit all requested items below. Failure to do so will be deemed as an incomplete application.

1. A completed online application.
2. A resume that explains all related experience (paid or unpaid) and training
3. Responses to the following supplemental questions:

a. Do you possess or have the ability to obtain an appropriate and valid drivers license

b. Briefly describe your skills and experience that qualify you for this job. Include work history volunteer history and shared life experience.
c. Please describe your experience working with sexually explicit material including visiting sexually explicit web sites and attending events at bars or clubs in a sexually charged atmosphere.
d. Please describe your experience working with diverse populations such as ethnically diverse racially diverse gay/lesbian youth and drug -using populations. What skills and experience would enable you to successfully work with diverse populations as a Disease Intervention Specialist
e. Disease investigation includes two main components: (a) Interviewing individuals diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease and (b) Performing case investigations to identify and notify sex partners of their exposure. Please describe your skills and experience that would enable you to accomplish these two job components.

Note: The application resume and cover letter should demonstrate your work experience/ skills and how it is related to those shown in the overview and To Qualify sections of the job announcement. Please be thorough as these materials may be scored and determine your eligibility for an interview. Please be mindful of checking your email inbox for messages from the Recruiter as you may be emailed requesting additional information. If a response is not received in a timely manner your application may not be considered.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
Type of Position: This hourly position is eligible for overtime.
Type: Represented
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Schedule: Monday to Friday 9:00am - 5:30pm

Our Commitment to Safety Trust and Belonging: Multnomah County is committed to developing nurturing and continually improving workforce equity by identifying and addressing the structural and policy barriers to equal employment opportunity faced by our employees and communities. County employees across the organization have stepped forward to develop a strategic plan and help create a workplace where everyone can reach their full potential. Learn more by reading our Workforce Equity Strategic Plan and exploring our Core Competencies for all County employees

Serving the Public Even During Disasters: Everyday Multnomah County staff work together to serve as a safety net for our communities. During a disaster this safety net becomes even more critical. All County employees have a role in serving the public during inclement weather natural disaster or other types of community emergency response. During these emergency responses while typically there begins with a call for volunteers county employees may ultimately be reassigned from their current position to a role in the emergency response in order to support the critical needs presented by our communities. For more information please visit the Disaster Service Worker Information page.

Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County we dont just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability veteran or protected veteran status genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for your reference. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request priority protected veteran referrals.

Veterans Preference: Under Oregon Law qualifying veterans may apply for veterans preference. Review our veterans preference page for details about eligibility and how to apply.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter below in advance to request assistance. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may contact the recruiter through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711.

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