Disease Intervention Specialist

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Department of Human Services (DHS) merged on July 1, 2022, to form one agency, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). We are seeking a Disease Intervention Specialist.

Under the supervision of the section supervisor, maintains a regional field office for the delivery of disease prevention and public health services. Serves as a liaison between the Division of Public Health and local public health for communicable diseases, including HIV, STIs, viral hepatitis, TB, and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Delivers STI and HIV partner services, including counseling, interviewing, and educating persons infected with communicable diseases.

Solicits partner and contact information, provides referrals for support services, and acts as an advocate by ensuring linkage to case management, medical, and other support services. Performs partner/contact investigations, including location of partners, risk reduction counseling, HIV testing, and linkage to other follow-up testing and treatment. Conducts re-interviews for persons living with HIV identified as out of care or never in care and works to connect them with appropriate medical services.

Performs phlebotomy, as needed, for testing. Collects and reports timely partner services and Ryan White Part B Program service information through client-level data systems. Conducts quality assurance of data, and participates in quality improvement projects for the delivery of partner services and the collection and management of data. Provides information, education, consultation, and problem-identification services to community-based organizations, community task forces, local public health, private medical providers, hospital infectious disease practitioners, blood banks, plasma centers, and public and private laboratories.

Participates in the development and distribution of bureau resources for health care providers and local public health. Trains local public health disease intervention staff on use of client-level data systems for disease reporting and case investigation. Develops and provides informational and educational programs, trainings, and conferences for and with public health partners both within a region and statewide. Monitors and evaluates regional disease prevention activities.

Participates in local planning processes to develop educational initiatives for communicable diseases and outbreaks. Works jointly with local and state experts to develop processes that successfully manage disease transmission, public health emergencies, and outbreaks. Works with state officials in developing and improving current reportable disease and outbreak systems. Participates in assessments of ongoing infectious disease monitoring systems. In conjunction with the Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology and other Division of Public Health staff, performs epidemiological investigations. As needed, performs an integral role in the Department's Disaster Preparedness plan by being on call 24 hours per day seven days a week, possessing expertise in disaster response, and coordinating responsibilities with other Departmental staff. Participates in field exercises for emergency preparedness planning and contributes to plan improvements. Other duties as assigned, including in an emergency or disaster.

Preference given to candidates who live in or would relocate to Woodbury County or a contiguous county in Iowa, Nebraska, or South Dakota.

Applicant must pass a background check prior to employment.

How to Apply:

For help creating a profile or entering your information, please go to the online Employment Application Guide.

Benefits:

We have a great total compensation package, including:

• Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS)

• Retirement Investors Club (RIC) (Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan)

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance

• Vacation Leave

• Sick Leave

• Paid Holidays (9 days/year)

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Life Insurance

• Long-Term Disability Insurance

For additional information on benefits, please visit the Iowa Department of Administrative Services website at https://das.iowa.gov/state-employees/human-resources/employee-benefits-programs.

Director's Statement: HHS values those with "lived experience" and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired - Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).

E-Verify Statement: Our agency uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements will be placed on the eligible list. 535 Public Health

 6 months experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both related to improving, maintaining, and protecting the general condition of health within society, either on a personal, institutional, organizational, or community basis. Experience may be gained from direct provision of health care or from other ancillary programs and support mechanisms such as government public health departments

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in a human services field, a health-oriented field, nursing, or education, and experience equal to three years of full-time work in a human services field, a health-oriented field, nursing, or education.

2. Certification as a paramedic and experience equal to three years of full-time work as a paramedic.

3. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in public health, nursing, science, a human services field, a health-oriented field, or education, and two years of full-time work experience as described in number one.

4. A total of seven years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one or two), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in a human services field, a health-oriented field, nursing, or education equals one year of full-time experience.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.Applicants must possess a valid driver's license and be available for regular travel within assigned region, including occasional overnight and weekend travel as needed.