Specialist, Disease Intervention

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Department

Job Summary

Under general supervision the Disease Intervention Specialist performs technical Public Health work in the communicable disease detection performing a combination of clinical and public health functions treatment and field work investigation. Responsible for working with testing and counseling persons exposed to infected with or having a positive test for communicable diseases in a variety of clinical community business institutional and home settings. Work also involves providing longitudinal community-based treatment leading contact investigations for communicable diseases in a variety of settings collecting critical information and reporting medical psychological and social information to physicians nurses and health departments identifying and documenting treatment side effects and adherence challenges promoting treatment adherence to prevent transmission and educating patients and community partners about the disease and course of treatment. Contribute to accurate CDC and state surveillance reporting.

This position differs from a traditional Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) role. While the DIS collaborates with public health and clinical partners to support communicable disease prevention efforts the primary responsibilities focus on community-based health education outreach screening services and linkage to care rather than disease investigation case management or partner notification.

This DIS will be part of the Community-based Sexual Health Services team. This DIS will primarily conduct HIV Hepatitis C and sexually transmitted infection prevention education and testing services throughout the Denver metropolitan area. Services are provided through mobile outreach community partnerships and special events to increase access to prevention services and connect individuals to medical care treatment and supportive resources as needed.

Essential Functions:

• TESTING AND COUNSELING
  May perform phlebotomy injections and sputum collection and uses basic and specialized laboratory techniques necessary for the successful implementation and interpretation of clinical tests both in the clinic and in a variety of field settings.
  Interprets test results according to current clinical standards and explains results to the patient accurately and appropriately for that individual.
• Coordinates with medical personnel to facilitate treatment for patent when needed.
• Maintain testing schedules initial and follow up and ensure patients and contacts receive timely evaluations. (25%)
• PATIENT CARE AND FOLLOW-UP
  May administer treatment in a variety of settings including through direct observation as appropriate and documents each encounter.
  Readily recognizes and reports problems or untoward events related to testing medication and/or treatment. May perform vitals in various settings and report to the provider promptly.
  Assists patients to identify barriers to effective testing treatment and prevention and refers them to available resources to address these barriers.
  Support care coordination for patients with complex or multidisciplinary needs including social behavioral or medical challenges.
  Assists with locating patients with communicable diseases who are lost to follow up.
  Maintain consistent communication with patients throughout their treatment course to promote adherence and trust. (25%)
• CONTACT INVESTIGATIONS
  Leads and arrange contact investigations for communicable diseases including identifying individuals who are indicated for testing performing testing and counseling as above and tracking relevant data.
  Plans and implements large contact investigations including determining necessary equipment and staffing responding to data requests and communicating with multiple government and community partners.
  Collaborate with local and surrounding counties and public health departments in implementing case investigations (25%)
• DOCUMENTATION AND REPORTING
  Accurately documents and maintains all clinical activities including testing counseling treatment observation and outreach.
  Tracks progress on assigned cases flag delays or missed follow ups and create plans to address compliance per reporting guidelines.
  Collects and organizes data related to contact investigations adhering to public health reporting guidelines required by local state and CDC reports. (25%)
• GENERAL
  Travel daily to conduct field work.
  Educates clients health care staff community members organizations and businesses about basic public health principles and standards of care to protect public health.
  Assist in conducting trainings transitioning to independent delivery under the mentorship of a Senior DIS.
• Provides culturally responsive and trauma informed care.
• Maintains and develops good professional working relationships with various community-based organizations and agencies.
• Recognizes when assistance from other staff is needed for the implementation of treatment interpretation of tests and follow up care.
  Adhere to infection control safety ethical standards while performing field work and clinical duties while maintaining proper PPE and also ensuring proper mediation and laboratory handling standards.
  Manage workload and time effective to balance multiple cases and program priorities.
  Assists in clinic operations as needed including assisting with lab collection specimen handling and processing delivery of results outreach events and clinic coverage. (0%)
• Fleet vehicle daily maintenance and maintain compliance through yearly Defensive Driving Certification.

Education:

• Associates Degree Associates degree Required or
• 3 years of directly related experience in community or clinical health experience in addition to requirements below Required

Work Experience:

• 1-3 years relevant experience. Required

Licenses:

• DLR-Colorado Drivers License Class R - DMV - Department of Motor Vehicles
• CMA-Certified Medical Assistant - AAMA - American Association of Medical Assistants

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Possesses a detailed knowledge of diseases/conditions specific to the area and interventions related to them.
• Must have exceptional organizational skills and very strong interpersonal skills.
• Computer skills including Word Excel and Power Point preferred.
• Phlebotomy skills
• Medication administration
• Clean driving record
• Bilingual/Spanish preferred.

Shift

Work Type

Salary

Benefits

At Denver Health we take care of the people who take care of our community. Our benefits are built to support your life your family and your future with generous paid time off fully paid parental leave exceptional retirement contributions comprehensive health coverage and nationally recognized well-being programs. We invest in your growth through tuition assistance career advancement pathways and professional development while also offering meaningful financial advantages through loan forgiveness eligibility and employer contributions. When you join Denver Health youre joining a mission-driven organization that invests in you.

Here is a small list of our benefit programs:

• Paid time off starting at 28 days per year inclusive of vacation personal/sick and 7 Holidays
• 100% paid parental leave up to 6 weeks
• Immediate eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution up to 9.5%
• Generous medical dental vision plans in addition to employer paid disability and life insurance.
• Comprehensive well-being programs including on-site employee fitness center located on Denver Health main campus and nationally recognized RESTORE Center
• Free RTD EcoPass (public transportation)
• Childcare discount programs & exclusive perks on large brands travel and more
• Tuition reimbursement & assistance
• Education coaching and professional development opportunities through the Workforce Development Center (WFDC) that support internal career growth and advancement pathways
• Professional clinical advancement program & shared governance
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer free student loan coaching and assistance navigating the PSLF program
• National Health Service Corps (NHCS) and Colorado Health Service Corps (CHSC) eligible employer

About Denver Health

Denver Health is an integrated high-quality academic healthcare system considered a model for the nation that includes a Level I Trauma Center a 555-bed acute care medical center Denvers 911 emergency medical response system 10 family health centers 19 school-based health centers Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety the Public Health Institute at Denver Health Denver Health Medical Plan and Denver Health Foundation.

As Colorados primary and essential safety-net healthcare system Denver Health is a mission-driven organization that has provided millions in uncompensated care for the uninsured each year.

Located near downtown Denver Denver Health is just minutes away from many of the cultural and recreational activities Denver has to offer.

Denver Health is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We value the unique ideas talents and contributions reflective of the needs of our community. All job applicants for safety-sensitive positions must pass a pre-employment drug test once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be considered until the position is filled.