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Title: Disease Intervention Specialist - HIV/STI

$23.90 - $39.19 / Posted Thru: 5-26-24

Location: Hybrid - Grand Rapids, MI Office

Purpose:The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of HIV and STI Programs, Division of HIV/STI Programs, Client, and Partner. This Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) functions as a resource for local health jurisdiction(s) regarding sexually transmitted infection program issues, HIV prevention and control strategies. In conjunction with the statewide STI program, the DIS enhances service delivery through consultation, evaluation, and technical assistance impacting on local program activities. The DIS works to prevent the occurrence, interrupt the transmission, and reduce complications of all reportable sexually transmitted infections, including but not limited to: Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, HIV/AIDS, Chancroid, Lymphogranuloma Venereum and emerging infections.

This position will complete complex cases such as pregnant women, congenital syphilis, or neurological syphilis cases when fully trained and fulfilling job expectations for one year as assigned. The DIS handles requests by local health agencies. In addition, this position responds to requests from local schools, community-based agencies, or health departments for informational material.

• Provide direct technical assistance and consultation to community offices or local governments in the improvement of existing, or development of new human services programs.
• Analyze on-going human services program operations and recommends alternative strategies to improve programs.
• Provide social work information and guidance to services staff and agency officials concerning client cases, training, staff development needs and program planning and development.
• Design and implement surveys and other methods of program review and evaluation.

• Conduct community investigations and client interviews for the most complex STI cases such as clients of childbearing age, pregnant persons, and infant cases including those exposed to syphilis and HIV transmission.

• Review, prioritize, and investigate all reports of positive test results indicating the presence of a sexually transmitted infection. Reports are received from laboratories, hospitals, and physicians. Most reports are received electronically through the Michigan Disease Surveillance System (MDSS), Aphirm, and Michigan Integrated Data Application for STI and HIV (MIDASH).
• Perform timely investigations in accordance with standards established by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), local health department(s), and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Interview and counsel clients and inform exposed partners, clusters, and reactors of their risks and the availability of treatment.
• Ensure confidential notification and appropriate medical attention for clients and partners.
• Perform blood draws or rapid testing on clients while working in the community. Required phlebotomy and bloodborne pathogen trainings will be provided.
• Maintain and protect confidential and sensitive health information assigned; including, but not limited to investigation records, interview records, partner services (PS) records, and other sensitive information that must be handled and stored in a secure manner according to established procedures.
• Complete electronic epidemiological reports for cases assigned using the Michigan Disease Surveillance System (MDSS), Aphirm, and Michigan Integrated Data Application for STI and HIV (MIDASH).
• Perform record searches to determine the test subject's STI history and treatment status.
• Enter investigative data including Investigative Records, Case Detail, Case Management Notes, and Dispositions.
• Daily, document STI/HIV clinic and community activities; and compete required epidemiological records and reports.
• Respond to requests from local schools, community-based agencies, or health departments for informational material.
• Assist in the implementation and evaluation of STI/HIV prevention curricula.
• Participate in community outreach activities and events including infection screening activities for syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV testing. These events are often in non-traditional hours and at venues identified through epidemiological analysis.
• Always represent the best interests of MDHHS and MPHI.
• All other duties as assigned.

Education: Possession of a bachelor's degree in any major. Public health or health related preferred.

Experience: No specific amount or type is required.

ImportantSkillsand Characteristics:

• Candidate must possess excellent writing, analytical, and communication skills, including the ability to encourage people to seek medical attention as appropriate.
• Candidate should be self-motivated, able to work independently, and be comfortable and capable of working with diverse populations.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements: Position requires extensive driving and the necessity to work evenings, weekends, and can also require occasional overnight stays. Community investigation and educational outreach requires traveling alone to high-risk areas such as drug houses, bars, adult entertainment establishments, correctional/jail, and mental health facilities. Position requires walking, stair climbing, and lifting up to 15 pounds. Entails possible exposure to infectious agents such as HIV, hepatitis, and tuberculosis. STI investigations require unmarked vehicles for client confidentiality and employee safety.

IMPACT ON PROJECTS, SERVICES AND OPERATIONS: This position has a direct impact on the quality of services provided by MPHI to MDHHS.

"For purposes of employment standards, this classification is "Non-Exempt" from overtime provisions of the fair Labor Standards Act."

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