Dis Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Under the general supervision of the Director of Nursing (or designee), a person in this class includes a broad scope of disease investigation and client interviewing. Supervises and evaluates the performance of the Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) staff, evaluates that the goals and objectives of the program are being met. Develops and updates STI/HIV policies and procedures as needed. May assist the DIS in case investigation and field work to address caseload and assure time frames are being met. The employee provides appraisal of performance plus functional and administrative supervision. The employee must exercise independent judgement in the performance of duties. The employee will be responsible for confidential and personal health information and must adhere to the confidentiality and privacy policies of the department. This position is grant funded and will be sustained as long as grant funds remain available.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 95%

• This individual functions in the role of DIS supervisor of the DIS team which includes the DIS and may include the STI/HIV epidemiologist. This individual supervises and evaluates the performance of DIS staff, coordinates with staff to develop goals and objectives of the program, conducts 1:1 meeting, recommends personnel actions in collaboration with the Director of Nursing.
• Assigns potential cases of infectious diseases, especially sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV and other STIs.
• Ensures timely reporting and provides medical consultation to clinics, county health departments, prisons, jails, etc.
• Consult with private/public providers to obtain information on treated cases and the performance of appropriate diagnostic and treatment techniques.
• Reviews and approves documentation of investigations, intervention activities and outcome findings in a timely manner and accurately enters data into computerized databases maintaining electronic case files.
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive patient and protected health information.
• Consider nontraditional interventions such as targeted screening programs.
• Develops and updates STI/HIV policies and procedures as needed. Develop, review and compile STI/HIV information necessary for required federal state reports and bi-annual grant reports.
• Provides frontline support during STI/HIV breakout investigations.
• Perform STI/HIV filed investigations including blood draws when needed. Review orders, distribute appropriate informative and promotional materials.
• Provide information and make referrals regarding social, medical and community services to clients.
• Strategize with local and state partners to develop programs/methods to decrease syphilis in various populations in Region 5 (Carroll, Coshocton, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Stark, Tuscarawas and Wayne Counties).
• May be required to play an active role during a public health emergency, crisis, outbreak, incident. This may include changes in responsibilities and working locations/hours.
• May provide training and information on assigned programs in schools, public and private facilities, and to the general public.
• Attends mandatory meetings/training required by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).
• Assists with the grant writing for DIS program funds.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a biological science, health science, social science, or a closely related field with two to three years' experience in case investigation and client interviews or five years of experience performing duties such as a public health nurse with experience in a STI public health clinic and/or DIS role. A valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications: General awareness of public health level of care and Canton City Public Health services. Understanding of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) and Ohio Revised Code (ORC) law regarding disease investigation. Knowledge of the following:

• Communicable disease etiology, manifestations, progression, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Medical and drug terminology and laboratory testing procedures.
• Field investigation, interviewing and counseling techniques and principles.
• HIV Counseling, Testing and Referral Certification (CTR).
• Personal safety techniques.
• Confidentiality guidelines.
• Computer operation or the ability to learn how to use a microcomputer.
• Communication skills (oral and written).
• Presentation skills.
• Analytical and investigative skills.
• Organizational and detail-oriented skills.
• Skill working with diverse populations.
• Skill in working independently and handling several projects simultaneously.
• Skill in learning how to perform phlebotomy in nontraditional settings and environments.
• Skill in responding in a calm and diplomatic manner to unprovoked or erratic behavior patterns.
• Skill in working as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Skill in working with and around blood-borne pathogens and infectious diseases.
• CPR certification.

Minimum Credentials: The following credentials/trainings must be acquired and maintained either prior to initial hire or within the first 90-days of hire:

• Introduction to Partner Services for Partner Services Providers
• Introduction to Telephone Interviewing for DIS
• Implementing Social Networking Technologies for Partner Services
• DIS Training Plan with Outbreak Response

Work Environment: Field work in the following counties: Carroll, Coshocton, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Stark, Tuscarawas, and Wayne. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. The position also includes various public/community establishments used for training classes, presentations, meetings, and other required duties. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to talk, stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. There may be exposure to infectious individuals or bodily fluids. Work-related travel is required to and from contracted sites and other destinations as necessary. Travel will be done using a City vehicle, some occasions may require the use of a personal vehicle. May be deployed throughout the state to assist with disease outbreaks. A valid driver's license is required to drive City vehicles. Reasonable accommodation in accordance with ADA Compliance will be made available to those who need it in order to achieve the above descriptions.