What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Health Case Investigator position at Dent County Health Center?
About Dent County Health Center:
The Dent County Health Center is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of our community through education, prevention, and accessible health services. We strive to protect public health, reduce health disparities, and respond to community health needs with integrity and compassion.
Job Summary:
The Public Health Case Investigator plays a crucial role in controlling the spread of infectious diseases within Dent County. This position involves conducting case investigations, contact tracing, and public health interventions to mitigate disease transmission. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, empathetic, and committed to community health.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct comprehensive case investigations to identify individuals who may have been exposed to infectious diseases.
- Perform contact tracing, including reaching out to exposed individuals, providing information, and ensuring timely follow-up.
- Educate patients and contacts about disease prevention, quarantine, isolation protocols, and available resources.
- Investigates fetal and infant deaths according to the National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention guidelines.
- Document investigations accurately and maintain confidentiality of health information in compliance with HIPAA and other regulations.
- Collaborate with health care providers, laboratories, and community partners to gather and share information relevant to case investigations.
- Monitor disease trends and report findings to supervisors to inform public health strategies.
- Support outbreak response efforts, including on-site assessments and coordination with other public health staff.
- Participate in environmental public health inspections and evaluations of regulated facilities and community settings, including food establishments, lodging, childcare facilities, water and wastewater systems, and other assigned programs.
- Assist with environmental health complaints, food- and waterborne illness investigations, sample collection, documentation, corrective-action follow-up, and education of facility operators and community members.
- Complete required training and apply applicable environmental public health laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to sanitation, food safety, water quality, vector control, zoonotic disease, and other environmental health concerns.
- For staff assigned to Treatment Court duties, conduct observed urine drug screen (UDS) collections and complete required documentation in accordance with Treatment Court protocols. Same-sex observation requirements will be followed when applicable.
- Participate in public health education initiatives to raise community awareness of infectious disease prevention.
- Stay updated on local, state, and federal public health guidelines and protocols.
Qualifications:
- Masters or Bachelor’s degree in public health, nursing, social work, or a related field. Relevant experience may substitute for education.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations.
- Familiarity with public health concepts, including infectious disease transmission and prevention.
- Proficient in data entry and comfortable using technology for case documentation and communication.
- Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.
- Organizational skills and attention to detail to manage multiple cases simultaneously.
- Knowledge of or willingness to learn about the unique public health needs of Dent County.
- Experience in healthcare, social services, or public health is preferred but not required.
Work Environment:
- Office-based with occasional fieldwork in the community.
- May require flexibility in work hours, including evenings or weekends, during public health emergencies.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, and retirement contributions.
- Professional development opportunities.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Travel reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $25 - $30