What are the responsibilities and job description for the Health Counselor/Disease Intervention Specialist position at Virginia Department of Health?
The Virginia Department of Health is currently recruiting for a Health Counselor/Disease Intervention Specialist for the Mount Rogers Health District.
The primary responsibility in this role is to independently and effectively perform disease intervention activities for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI). These activities include, but are not limited to, notifying persons diagnosed with or at risk for HIV/STI or other communicable diseases; providing partner services to diagnosed individuals and their partners, assisting with linkage to care; and providing risk reduction education to clients at high risk of infection. The incumbent will be expected to provide HIV/STI education and counseling in a culturally competent manner in various clinical and community-based settings to a wide range of audiences.
Duties include but are not limited to interviewing patients and partners regarding HIV/STI information; analyzing and investigating cases of communicable diseases; providing education and risk reduction counseling; performing phlebotomy in community and clinical settings; documenting all investigative activities on appropriate forms and medical records; and providing educational presentations to a wide range of audiences.
Primary work locations may be in the Smyth County, Washington County, or Wythe County health departments, but the individual may provide coverage for other counties in the assigned region or temporarily physically deploy elsewhere in the state if needed. Occasional overnight travel may be required. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required. The individual must be able/willing to travel for required training. Employer will cover travel costs.
Minimum Qualifications: Knowledge of public health practices, STIs, and HIV. Strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills. Experience with surveillance, reporting, and QA. Must be able to successfully complete required training programs offered by VDH and the CDC. Valid Virginia driver’s license and access to a vehicle are required. Employee will be reimbursed for work-related mileage.
Preferred Qualifications: Experience as an STD Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS). Completion of an HIV/STI partner services training or certification program, such as Passport to Partner Services, Introduction to Sexually Transmitted Disease Intervention (ISTDI), or Certified in Disease Investigation (CDI). Degree in Public Health, Health Education, or related field. Experience performing phlebotomy. Bilingual in English and Spanish.
This is a contract position and has no benefits such as paid leave, health insurance, retirement, etc., except as they may be available through the staffing agency (22nd Century Technologies, Inc.).
Pay rate is $30.00/hour
Send resumes and cover letters to Nortrivah Martin, Regional STD Program Coordinator at nortrivah.hill@vdh.virginia.gov.
Pay: $30.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Salary : $30