Disease Investigator

Scope of Work

The Disease Investigator will contact those diagnosed with notifiable conditions during the infectious period to investigate the potential source of the exposure, document initial symptoms, and answer any questions the patient may have. This position will conduct or assist with workplace and healthcare facility notification and conduct outbreak/cluster investigation. Disease Investigators are required to follow all scripts, policies and procedures provided by City of Midland Health Department and comply with Health Department training regarding confidential information related to personal information. Positions are not compatible with telecommuting or remote work. All positions are on-site work only.

Essential Job Duties

• Conduct case investigation for newly diagnosed patients.

• Communicate with contacts in a professional and empathetic manner.

• Collect and record information on symptoms.

• Conduct follow-up phone calls.

• Conduct confidential notification to healthcare facilities if risk was present

• Provide guidance to healthcare providers, community partners, and facilities

• Maintain disease investigation protocols and other tools or resources (e.g. forms, scripts)

• Maintain daily contact with supervisor.

• Other duties as assigned.

Physical and Environmental Conditions

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk and sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate typical office environment.

Required Qualifications

REQUIRED CONTACTS:

Ability to communicate effectively with supervisor and co-workers, other city departments, city and statewide organizations, the general public and contractors. Ability to create collaborative partnerships with community entities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to exhibit a professional, positive attitude and work ethic

• Excellent interpersonal skills required and ability to interact professionally with culturally diverse individuals during a time of crisis and distress

• Excellent organizational, communication, and written documentation skills

• Ability to show empathy to distressed individuals

• Critical thinking and sound judgment required

• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism

• Must display good judgment and comfort in making independent decisions, while understand limitations and elevating as needed in the absence of information

• Effectively manage multiple investigations and prioritize time effectively in a rapid pace environment

• Effectively interpret guidance and adapt Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),Texas Department of State Health Servicesguidance to various settings

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma or equivalent required. Education or work experience in health, health sciences or public health preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions. Ability to speak effectively to customers or employees of the organization. Bilingual Spanish preferred.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Spreadsheet software and Word Processing software and Internet software.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Valid Texas driver's license, clear background check and clear drug screening