Communicable Disease Specialist

Description

Pay Grade: H
Job Code: HCP080

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Who We Are. We protect lives. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is the lead agency entrusted by the people of Georgia to protect lives and promote healthy lifestyles in communities throughout the state. We are committed to preventing disease, injury, and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing for and responding to disasters.

What We Offer. As a member of the DPH team, you will join a group of passionate individuals dedicated to serving Georgians. Regardless of your role, you will contribute to protecting lives while enjoying a wide range of benefits.

• Make a Professional Impact – Build your career where it matters and protect lives in the community where you live, work, and play.
• Enjoy Workplace Flexibility – Experience flexibility in how you work so you can be your best self for you and the people of Georgia.
• Work with a Dynamic and Diverse Team – Collaborate with employees who share ideas and leverage collective strengths.
• Achieve Career Longevity – Take advantage of opportunities for learning and development that support a long-term career.
• Take Part in a Hands-on Working Culture – Work in a unique culture of active engagement and problem-solving, no matter your role.
• Feel Pride in Where you Work – Be part of making an impact in public health alongside dedicated people just like yourself.

The Northeast Health District is looking for a Communicable Disease Specialist (CDS). Under general supervision, collects and monitors data regarding communicable diseases with a focus on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. Coordinates clinic referrals, conducts field visits, and provides patient education/counseling and partner services. Ensures implementation of timely disease intervention strategies to decrease disease prevalence in the community. Completes documentation of all case investigations occurring within the district and analyzes data as indicated. Collaborates accordingly with internal and external partners and has strong communication skills.

Job Responsibilities

• Completes partner services interviews, re-interviews, and cluster interviews on assigned cases and contacts and provides timely updates to supervisor as indicated.
• Prepares and maintains records and reports on program activities and provides accurate documentation of case activities as required and in accordance with local, state and federal regulations.
• Works and communicates with clients, external partners, and the public to provide evidence-based information and quality customer service.
• Conducts home visits and other types of field investigations for persons at risk for STIs/HIV including locating hard to reach clients and connecting them to care.
• Obtains medical and epidemiological histories, performs investigations, data collection and analysis, interpretation and responses.
• Performs pre and post-test HIV counseling and point-of-care testing on patients and contacts as indicated.
• Participate in community screenings, health fairs, and pop-up events throughout the district as needed.
• Assists in emergency preparedness response efforts as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate degree in medical and preventive services from an accredited college or university and two (2) years of experience in a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of communicable diseases
• Experience in conducting disease intervention
• Skills in patient interviewing/counseling
• Ability to work and communicate with people from varied backgrounds on sensitive topics.

Employee Benefits:

• 13 paid holidays
• Generous annual and sick leave
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance options
• State retirement and savings plans
• Opportunities for continuing education and professional development

Additional Support Programs:

• Physical activity breaks
• Worksite wellness program
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Employee discounts

Additional Information

State of Georgia employees are subject to the rules of the State Personnel Board regarding salary.

DPH accepts educational credentials recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) as valid. DPH will contact educational institutions to verify degrees, diplomas, licensures, and other relevant credentials.

The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check.

Relocation assistance is not provided.

In the event of an identified emergency, you may be required, as a term and condition of DPH employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department.

ADA Statement

DPH is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process, email DPH-HR@dph.ga.gov.

DPH is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered, but may not receive an interview. DPH will contact selected applicants to proceed with the application process. Applicants who are not selected will not receive notification.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

BENEFITS

Part-time employees are eligible to participate in the Georgia Defined Contribution Plan