Communicable Disease Investigator

Merced County; Fowler (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Merced County is seeking a Community Health Specialist to investigate communicable diseases, perform fieldwork, and provide counseling and referral assistance. The role includes data collection, patient education, and collaboration with clinics to ensure complete treatment courses for Medi-Cal beneficiaries.

The position requires a two-year college program with physiology, anatomy and biology coursework, plus a valid California driver’s license and potential CPR/bilingual skills.

Qualifications

• One year performing duties equivalent to those of a Community Health Specialist in Merced County.

Responsibilities

• Investigates reported cases of communicable disease including Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) patients to determine location of known contacts and trace persons who may be sources of acute communicable diseases.
• Records content of interviews, explains procedures and treatments, Initiates treatment procedures.
• Locates persons whose treatment is incomplete to secure their further examination or treatment.
• Conducts field investigations, counsels patients and provides referral assistance as needed.
• Plans and participates in educational activities and training programs for individuals and groups.
• Provides pre and post HIV counseling which includes phlebotomy.
• May be assigned to assist in various clinics, to collect and transport laboratory samples.
• May be required to translate for Non-English speaking clients.
• May provide Targeted Case Management services and engage in outreach and other activities to enhance services to Medi-Cal beneficiaries.

Skills

Epidemiology basics

Counseling

Data collection

Communication

Case management

Education

Two-year college coursework in psychology or communications

Physiology concepts

Anatomy basics

Biology basics

Job description

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Investigates reported cases of communicable disease including Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) patients to determine location of known contacts and trace persons who may be sources of acute communicable diseases.
• Records content of interviews, explains procedures and treatments, Initiates treatment procedures.
• Locates persons whose treatment is incomplete to secure their further examination or treatment.
• Conducts field investigations, counsels patients and provides referral assistance as needed.
• Plans and participates in educational activities and training programs for individuals and groups.
• Provides pre and post HIV counseling which includes phlebotomy.
• May be assigned to assist in various clinics, to collect and transport laboratory samples.
• May be required to translate for Non-English speaking clients.
• May provide Targeted Case Management services and engage in outreach and other activities to enhance services to Medi-Cal beneficiaries.

Experience:

One (1) year performing duties equivalent to those of a Community Health Specialist in Merced County.

Education:

Equivalent to graduation from a two (2) year college with coursework in each of the following areas: Psychology or Communications; Physiology, including the concepts and treatments of communicable diseases; Anatomy; and, Biology.

License:

Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.

Some positions require the possession of the CPR Certification and bilingual capabilities.

Desirable:

Certificate in Phlebotomy and/or Medical Technology is desirable.

SOME POSITIONS IN THIS CLASSIFICATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECKS PURSUANT TO THE HUMAN RESOURCES RULES AND REGULATIONS, SECTION 2, B

• Operate a personal computer and other office equipment.
• Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
• Analyze data, interpret policies, procedures and regulations, and develop appropriate conclusions.
• Meet deadlines under stressful conditions; resolve conflicts and respond appropriately to complaints.
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
• Conduct field activities on uneven surfaces under various environmental conditions.
• Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception.
• Frequent use of data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motion.
• Occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
• Sit for extended periods of time.
• Frequent public contact, concentration in noisy conditions, exposure to emergency situations.
• Occasional exposure to hazardous materials, cold and heat.
• Regular attendance is an essential function.

Knowledge of:

• Basic principles of epidemiology or communicable diseases.
• Community health techniques and procedures.
• Basic human anatomy and physiology.
• First aid procedures.
• Basic laboratory techniques.
• Counseling and investigative techniques.
• Basic education techniques and data collection.

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain effective professional relationships.
• Understand and follow instructions and procedures.
• Obtain facts from client in sensitive situations.
• Recognize pertinent information.
• Organize and maintain a caseload.
• Communicate effectively in order to make presentations.
• Communicate effectively in writing.
• Conduct investigations and to enforce/obtain compliance with legal standards.
• Analyze situations and information accurately and adopt an effective course of action.