PUBLIC HEALTH INVESTIGATOR (GRANT FUNDED)

Under general supervision, assists in the development and implementation of communicable disease programs and performs investigative work in the enforcement of regulations and control practices of such diseases.

1. Performs investigations in the field, by phone, email, internet, and/or mail, by locating and identifying communicable disease cases, documenting investigative steps, interviewing members of the public, maintaining appropriate records, and performing necessary follow-up activities.
2. Provides information to clinic patients that request to be examined, diagnosed, and treated for specific sexually transmitted diseases and hepatitis.
3. Provides information to patients who wish to be tested for HIV. Provides test results and current information regarding HIV to patients in accordance with guidelines prescribed by the Center for Disease Control and State statutes; properly documents all activities.
4. Provides information on sexually transmitted and other communicable diseases to community groups, educational institutions, and the general public.
5. Provides treatment information to physicians or other health care providers as outlined in the CDC guidelines.
6. Interacts with other health care professionals to promote a viable and effective public health program; obtains necessary information from physicians and other health care providers to ensure treatment is in compliance with CDC standards; contacts individuals to obtain information about partners requiring treatment.
7. Conducts outreach as needed for communicable diseases; responds to specific incidents or events within the community in a timely manner to control the spread of these diseases.
8. Ensures that demographic data has been correctly entered into the State Surveillance System; enters data from the risk assessment in the State surveillance system so that proper data collection for national statistics can be obtained; obtains/provides data for monthly reports as requested to the Iowa Department of Public Health for State programs.
9. Performs related duties as required.

• Knowledge of the causes, diagnosis, spread, and treatment of communicable diseases.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local regulations pertaining to Public Health.
• Knowledge of the National Center for Disease Control (CDC) standards and requirements.
• Knowledge of simple statistical methods.
• Knowledge of interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Knowledge of the health programs and services available to members of the community.
• Ability to provide information to individuals and the public about how to promote healthy behaviors, prevent health problems, and disease management.
• Ability to collect, analyze, record, and interpret data accurately.
• Ability to maintain focus and meet deadlines while managing an unpredictable and fluctuating case load, and in the midst of frequent work interruptions.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other County employees, physicians, health care professionals, patients and the general public, fostering a collaborative and professional work environment.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations/use interpreter or language line appropriately.
• Ability to utilize and switch between multiple computer programs. 
• Ability to keep accurate and timely records.
• Ability to follow policies, practices and procedures.
• Ability to elicit private and sensitive sexual health information from clients/patients in a compassionate, non-judgmental and confidential manner.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, Biology, Sociology, Psychology, or related field, and 
• Two years of related experience in medical care, counseling, social work or associated profession, or 
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Special Requirements:

• Candidate must be able to successfully pass relevant CDC courses within six months of hire and maintain related trainings annually.     
• HIPAA training is required upon hire and annually. 
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) training is required within six months of hire.
• A criminal background check is required.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
• A valid State of Iowa driver’s license is required. 

Other Conditions:

In case of a public health or community emergency, must be willing and able to respond to after-normal workday or irregular and on-call emergency request on nights, weekends and holidays.  

Polk County is committed to providing a diverse work environment that is representative, at all levels, of the citizens we serve. Equal opportunities are available to all applicants and current employees regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.

 

Polk County believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical to our success in serving and empowering our community and to our continued commitment to be one of the nation's most innovative public institutions. 

Salary : $67,272 - $90,817