Disease Intervention Specialist

Summary

Multiple Positions

The Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) is a crucial member of the Division of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention. The primary focus of this role is to conduct disease surveillance, case investigations and contact tracing (CICT), case management, and outbreak control and prevention reportable and notifiable diseases. All activities are carried out in accordance with federal, state, and local guidelines to prevent and control both communicable and non-communicable diseases.

This position plays a vital role in divisional operations that support public health efforts to prevent and control the spread of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Responsibilities include conducting CICT for reportable and notifiable diseases, while maintaining up to date knowledge of these conditions. Cross-program competency is expected, particularly in divisional programs including Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Healthcare Associated Infections and Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Sexually Transmitted Disease (HIV/STD).

Position 1: Disease Intervention Specialist- Emerging and Re-Emerging Diseases

The program focuses on diseases that are newly identified or diseases that renew as public health threats such as Ebola Virus Disease, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), Marburg Virus Disease, and Poliomyelitis (Polio).

The DIS reports directly to the Communicable Field Supervisor in the Division of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention.

Position 2: Disease Intervention Specialist- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STD) / Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

This program focuses on sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, mpox, and syphilis which spread primarily through sexual contact and can have serious health impacts if left untreated.

The DIS reports directly to the HIV/STD Field Supervisor in the Division of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention.

Position 3: Disease Intervention Specialist- Waterborne Illnesses

The program focuses on illnesses such as Giardia, Cryptosporidium and Legionella, which can spread through drinking water, recreational water or environmental sources.

The DIS reports directly to the Communicable Field Supervisor in the Division of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Essential Functions and Accountabilities

I. Case Investigation and Contact Tracing

• Collect epidemiological information to support case investigation, contact tracing (CICT), and broader epidemiological investigations, with approximately 85% of communications conducted via phone with healthcare providers, residents, and public health partners.
• Provide expert guidance to healthcare providers and public health partners on disease control measures, while counseling residents and contacts on public health interventions such as testing, treatment, vaccination, and prevention strategies.
• Conduct sensitive and confidential phone interviews with residents to assess clinical symptoms, risk factors, and treatment history, and to identify potentially exposed contacts—ensuring all communications adhere to HIPAA and public health privacy standards.
  
  

II. Subject Matter Expertise

• Maintain subject matter expertise in a designated infectious disease program area, while demonstrating proficient knowledge across all divisional programs and reportable diseases to effectively support cross-program investigations and collaborative public health efforts
• Deliver expert epidemiological guidance and recommendations to clinical laboratories, healthcare providers, and facilities to support effective disease identification, prevention, control, and response efforts.
  
  

III. Data Management and Analysis

• Conduct epidemiological and qualitative research to gather relevant information on exposure, risk factors, and disease transmission using investigative tools and trusted sources.
• Maintain accurate, real-time documentation of activities and interactions to support effective communication, case tracking, and informed decision-making.
• Monitor and evaluate data to identify patterns among cases and detect social and behavioral trends, providing insights that inform program development, strengthen prevention strategies, and support effective outbreak response.
• Utilize Digital Tools for Data Management by leveraging Microsoft 365 applications—such as Forms and Excel—for efficient data collection, organization, and analysis.
• Manage electronic surveillance systems and databases through inputting and maintaining both quantitative and qualitative data in electronic surveillance systems, databases, and tracking platforms to support comprehensive trend analysis and public health reporting.
  
  

IV. Health Education, Outreach and Prevention

• Provide disease education and outreach to individuals, families, and organizations with accurate, culturally sensitive information to help prevent the spread of disease and support risk reduction behaviors.
  
  

V. Other Duties, As Assigned

• Perform all other duties as assigned within the scope and range of job responsibilities.
  
  

Qualification Requirements

Education and Credentials

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in public health, health education, or a related field.
• Requires occasional travel throughout Montgomery County and Southeastern PA, state-wide travel, and national travel based on need; must have a valid state driver's license and reliable means of transportation.
• TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED.
  
  

Experience And Skills

• One (1) year of relevant experience in public health
• Must be available to serve as the divisional representative on-call during after-hours and weekends, on a rotational and emergency basis.
• Must be able to respond to infectious disease emergencies promptly on a 24/7 basis as guided by OPH management.
• Must be able to adjust to changing priorities and manage time effectively while handling a busy and complex workload.
• This position requires the following clearances as a condition of employment:
  
  

Child Abuse History Clearance, PA Criminal Record History, and FBI Fingerprint Clearance.

• Onsite in-person attendance is required as directed by Supervisor or Administrator.
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This role involves extended periods of computer-based work, including frequent real-time data entry and virtual communication, requiring sustained focus, attention to detail, and strong verbal communication skills. Employees must maintain a secure and private remote workspace to protect sensitive information and ensure compliance with HIPAA and public health privacy standards. Staff are expected to work independently, manage tasks with minimal supervision, and contribute to a culture of transparency, accountability, and collaboration. Real-time documentation and active participation in virtual team activities, training sessions, and check-ins are essential to maintaining a connected and effective remote work environment.