Disease Research & Intervention Specialist - King County

LOCATION: Seattle, WA

CLOSING DATE: September 4, 2020

OPPORTUNITY TYPE: Job

JOB #: 16181

POSTED: August 4, 2020

Description:

Summary

 

Public Health – Seattle and King County values diverse perspectives and life experiences. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and veterans.

The Disease Research & Intervention Specialist (DRIS) provides client-focused HIV/STD screening, assesses potential client risk behaviors for acquiring/transmitting HIV, hepatitis and other STDs, and explores harm reduction methods to promote and support client sexual health. The DRIS conducts all phases of disease investigation with most of this position concentrated in syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and some patient/partner locating, interviewing and linking to treatment/testing/care, partner counseling and referral services.

This position may also contribute to the work of a CDC-funded demonstration project, Pharmacy Integration into PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis [PrEP]) and ART (antiretroviral therapy) Provision and Retention (PIPAR). The goal of PIPAR is to improve patient uptake and retention in HIV treatment and PrEP through partnerships with pharmacy and community-based agencies throughout Washington State through direct provision and data to care interventions. The Disease Research & Intervention Specialist (DRIS) will work closely with a Program Manager, pharmacy partners, and community-based agencies by re-linking people living with HIV (PLWH) to testing/care/medication if and when they discontinue ART.

This position involves regular, timely, data entry into disease surveillance databases. This recruitment may be used to hire up to 4 positions in STT, TLT, Career Service roles for the next 12 months ending 8/30/2021.

For more information about the Prevention Division or Sexual Health Clinic see:
Public Health - Seattle and King County
Public Health – Sexual Health Clinic at Harborview
 
Job Duties
  • This position may include some or all the following duties depending on the needs of the program.

  • Investigating reports of person diagnosed with a STD/HIV from within King County, with an emphasis on syphilis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia.
  • Investigations will include outside sources such as medical clinics, physicians’ offices, hospitals, laboratories and correctional facilities. The majority of this work will be completed on site, and is conducted through remote access to electronic health records or via telephone calls.
  • Interpret laboratory test and other diagnostic testing results, inform patients of results, and link positive patients to treatment/care.
  • Locate patients and their sex/injection equipment sharing partners through investigative processes, including field visits at times.
  • Interview patients diagnosed with STDs/HIV and elicit detailed information about personal behaviors, including partner names, contact and other information necessary to complete an investigation.
  • Contact patients with an untreated STD and notify exposed partners to arrange for examination, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment.
  • Conduct HIV pre- and post-testing and counseling; perform venipuncture for blood testing and collect STD specimens.
  • Investigation of cases of persons living with HIV who discontinue ART medications in Washington State through direct engagement with clients, medical clinics, pharmacies, physicians’ offices, hospitals, laboratories, and correctional facilities.
  • Investigation into factors for PrEP discontinuation among HIV negative persons thought to be at increased risk for acquiring HIV.
  • Provide PrEP navigation services.
  • Provide patients with information about potential health risks related to STDs/HIV and assist in developing a plan to reduce future risk for acquiring/transmitting STDs/HIV.
  • Maintain detailed records regarding interactions with patients/partners.
  • Assure confidentiality of all records, data, and information as required by section, department, state and/or federal regulation.
Skills/Eligibility:
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

 

  • Experience navigating and using electronic health records and/or other client level data repositories.
  • Demonstrated interviewing and elicitation (the act of obtaining, drawing out, or bringing out responses of others) skills.
  • Knowledge of HIV and STD transmission modes, symptoms and implications.
  • Demonstrated ability to provide medical information in a clear and concise manner.
  • Knowledge and demonstrated application of motivational interviewing skills.
  • Knowledge and demonstrated application of behavior change theory and risk reduction strategies.
  • Knowledge of HIV pre- and post-test guidelines and demonstrated education/counseling skills.
  • Experience with data entry.
  • Demonstrated ability to protect PHI and other confidential information.
  • Demonstrated ability to follow procedures/protocols and apply them to unpredictable situations.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to function with minimal direct supervision.
  • Phlebotomy experience or willingness to be trained.
  • Experience with computer applications including Word, Excel, and Access.
  • Possess a valid WA State driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire.
  • Must be available to work during Sexual Health Clinic hours (Monday-Friday, 7:30am-6:00pm). Hours are subject to change based on the needs of the community and HIV/STD Program.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bilingual Spanish

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Documentation of current BLS CPR certification with AED training required prior to time of hire. CPR/AED Heartsaver courses do not meet this requirement.

 

Supplemental Information

 

  • This selection process may include but is not limited to: evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, testing and interviewing. For more information on our selection process, please refer to www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/jobs/hiring.
  • Staff may be required to play a role as a first responder in the event of a Public Health emergency.
  • Public Health relies on office automation (Microsoft Office) and web-based enabled tools, therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.
  • Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions
  • The selected candidate must pass a thorough background investigation.
  • Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law
  • Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing their mandatory trainings on time.
How to Apply:


WHO MAY APPLY “This position is open to all qualified applicants.”

WORK LOCATION: This position will work at the Public Health Sexual Health Clinic located within Harborview Medical Center, at the Ninth and Jefferson Building, 908 Jefferson St, 11th Floor Seattle, WA.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:

  • NEOGOV/Government Jobs on-line or paper application.
  • Supplemental questions.
    • You may attach multiple documents if you wish with your application by either:
    • Attaching multiple documents/files in the resume attachment section
    • Copying and pasting information from one or more documents into the text resume section of the application.
  • Please do not email resumes to the contact of this recruitment, as you must complete ALL application materials to be considered for this position. Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application.
  • Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

Note: Online applications are preferred. However, if you cannot apply online, go to www.kingcounty.gov/jobs for other options.
If you need accommodation in the recruitment process or an alternate format of this announcement, please inquire directly with the contact listed on the job announcement or the department’s Human Resources Service Delivery Manager.

CONTACT: For more information about the application process, please contact Debbie Baker at debbaker@kingcounty.gov, 206-263-4053.

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