Disease Intervention Specialist 1 - 52501

Disease Intervention Specialists 1 (DIS) play a critical role in improving sexual health outcomes and preventing and controlling Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI). Under the supervision of program management and leadership, DIS duties includes disease counseling and prevention, case investigation and treatment navigation, referrals for care and linkage to resources, and identification and outreach to partners. DIS work with a diverse population, engage in field investigation and field-based activities, perform community outreach, collaborate with healthcare providers, and assist in navigating healthcare systems to ensure appropriate and timely client evaluation and treatment. The DIS primary focus is on STIs and HIV but may also provide support during outbreak situations or public health responses.

Required Tasks

• Conduct case investigations of STI/HIV cases through performing client-centered interviews, reviewing of test results, confirming appropriate treatment completion and adherence recommendations, and providing health education.
• Coordinate with healthcare providers and link client to services to ensure timely and appropriate treatment.
• Outreach and engage clients that have are not in care or who have not been notified of results and navigate them to appropriate follow-up.
• Perform contact tracing of individuals diagnosed with STIs through interviewing clients and identifying and notifying sexual partners of potential exposures.
• Coordinate Expedited Partner Therapy as indicated and deliver medication to patients and partners as needed.
• May participate in conducting medication inventory and provision and/or transport of medications to community providers for treatment of STIs.
• Provide education and counseling to individuals diagnosed with STIs, as well as their partners. Offer information on safe sex practices, treatment options, and the importance of regular testing.
• Provide HIV and STI partner services (PS) follow-up in accordance with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
• Educate clients and refer for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
• Conduct field visits in the community for the purpose of case and outbreak investigations and community outreach. Field visits may include private residences, work and school locations, and various community locations.
• Collect, process, and package specimens for testing including point of care tests and venipuncture.
• Engage in community outreach and partner with community organizations to promote STI/HIV testing, counseling, risk reduction health education, and importance of regularly screening.
• Provide appropriate referrals for medical care, mental health services, case management, substance use disorder counseling, housing, transportation, and other social services.
• Prepare and provide informational presentations.
• Collect, record and enter data into appropriate databases or computer systems.
• Provide culturally sensitive care to diverse populations including Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color (BIPOC), and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) communities.
• Assist with public health disease outbreaks and responses as needed.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of HIV and STI related issues and guidelines at the local, state and national level.
• Ensure proper storage and maintenance of STI/HIV tests.

Educational Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university
• A valid State of Michigan driver's license and an acceptable safe driving record. Candidates must have access to transportation on a daily basis and be willing to travel to different parts of the County as needed.
• Within 12 months of hire, appointees in this class must successfully complete and be certified in HIV/AIDS Counseling, Testing and Referrals (CTR)
• Within 12 months of hire, appointees in this class must successfully complete the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STI) and Partner Services (PS) Certification training
• Regular status in this class will not be granted until such training and certification is complete, and documentation is provided. Failure to complete certification will result in reinstatement to a vacant position in their former class or available position of a lower classification.

Experience Requirements

• At least one (1) year of full-time paid experience in a health care or public health setting which includes counseling or interviewing clients, making client referrals, and health education.

The Charter County of Wayne

The Charter County of Wayne is Michigan's largest county. We are home to 34 cities and nine townships. From Rockwood to Livonia, from Sumpter Township to the Grosse Pointes, each community in Wayne County offers residents and businesses a unique blend of opportunity to live, work, play and raise families.

Headquartered in Detroit, our largest city and the automotive capital of the world, Wayne County offers a diversified economy and high standards for our residents' quality of life. Our history is rich and we take pride in being one of the most diverse communities that values culture, arts, and world-class amenities.

Wayne County provides leadership that ensures the County operates efficiently, effectively, and responsibly. We provide transparently while building a stronger County inclusive of collaborations, innovation, and a clear focus on serving our residents.

Administration Focus

Public Health Response

Economic Response

Fiscal Responsibility

Operational Efficiencies

Economic Development

Infrastructure Maintenance & Enhancements

Access to Health Care

Community Support

Homeland Security Emergency Management

Parks & Recreation