Disease Intervention Specialist - Open Until Filled

THIS WORK MATTERS!

This recruitment will be used to fill multiple vacancies, including one bilingual Spanish/English position.

Are you looking for a new exciting and challenging job addressing the sexual health disparities in the local community?  Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) play a crucial role in preventing and reducing reportable sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV. Working as part of a nationally recognized DIS team, you will work in a culturally appropriate manner to provide access to STD, HIV and Hepatitis C treatment and care for the most affected populations within Multnomah County and the State of Oregon.
 
The mission for the STD/HIV/Hepatitis C and Adolescent Health program is to promote sexual and reproductive health, reduce the transmission and impact of disease acquisition and drug-related harm, and support an equitable system of care that empowers people and improves quality of life.

As the Disease Intervention Specialist you will:

• Receive and manage non-negative test results for reportable STDs;
• Identify, locate, notify and refer the sex partners of persons infected or potentially infected with sexually transmitted disease(s) for examination and/or treatment;
• Conduct individual behavioral risk reduction counseling for those with or exposed to STDs, HIV & HCV;
• Provide HIV, hepatitis C, & syphilis screening, counseling, testing and referral services;
• Engage in community education and health promotion;
• Provide test results by phone;
• Assist with the training of students, residents, interns, etc.;
• Assist in research studies;
• Coordinate and collaborate with specific program elements, other Multnomah County Health Department programs, community groups, and community members in order to accomplish the program's mission.

Do you have experience of, or working with, African American men who have sex with men (MSM)? Or are you a fluent Spanish speaker with experience of working in the Latino community? We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying (unless an item or section is labeled required).  
 
Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant. For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page.

Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills*:

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade, AND 
• Two years' experience at a level equivalent to Community Health Specialist and one year of experience in conducting health-related investigations. 
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a certificate of training in Introduction to Sexually Transmitted Disease Intervention. 
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check and be allowed access to jail, corrections and prison settings.
• Possession or the ability to obtain an appropriate and valid driver license. 
• Public Health Science skills - ability to understand basic epidemiology and disease transmission concepts and explain medical and health information accurately and understandably to clients with low health literacy;
• Ability to work with sexually explicit material, including visiting sexually explicit web sites and attending events at bars or clubs in a sexually charged atmosphere;
• Ability to work with communities affected by sexually transmitted infections in a professional and non-judgmental manner including working with men that have sex with men, injection drug users, people of color and youth;
• Effective communication skills in working with patients, community members, and co-workers.  Communication must be effective, positive and respectful, and include skills such as active listening, empathy, courtesy, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to assist patients and community incorporate health care recommendations and appropriately modify health behaviors; 
• Ability to create trust with the clients, community members, and co-workers.  One aspect of creating trust is to offer meaningful access and equal quality to individuals from the cultural and linguistic population served, based on an understanding of each population's distinct needs; 
• Ability to demonstrate competency in use of computer for internet partner notification, internet searches, and email; entering information into the STD DIS database for case management, utilizing ORPHEUS for Chlamydia reporting and record searches, and scheduling patient appointments in the MCHD Epic practice management system;
• Must be able to pass the Center for Disease Control and Prevention course "Introduction to Sexually Transmitted Disease Intervention" and become certified as a Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) within probationary period;
• Must be able to pass a phlebotomy course and draw blood as part of daily job performance.

• Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Biology, Social Services OR
• Master's degree in Public Health or Social Work

The Application Packet:
1.      A completed online application
2.      Responses to the supplemental questions
 
The Selection Process: For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows:

1. Initial review of minimum qualifications
2. Supplemental question review
3. Phone screen
4. Oral exam
5. Consideration of top candidates
6. Language assessment (if applicable)
7. Background, reference, and education checks

Type of Position: This hourly union-represented position is eligible for overtime
 
Veterans' Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans' preference for this recruitment. Review our veterans' preference website for details about eligibility and how to apply.
 
Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter below in advance to request assistance. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may contact the recruiter through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711.
 
Questions?

Keri Caffreys, SHRM-SCP, Recruiter
Health Department
421 SW Oak St, Rm 210, Portland, OR 97204
Keri.caffreys@multco.us
503-988-7472
 
Disclaimer: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.