Disease Investigation Specialist - Lead Program Coordinator

Sjcindiana; South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 54,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision

PTO with generous accruals

Employer Paid Life Insurance coverage

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Gym Membership Discounts

PERF Retirement Plan

Additional voluntary benefits

Job summary

St. Joseph County Department of Health seeks a Disease Investigation Specialist – Lead Program Coordinator. This role leads lead risk assessments, coordinates CHWs, and ensures HIPAA-compliant case management for pediatric clients with elevated lead levels.

The incumbent supervises staff, aligns with IDOH standards, and guides public health initiatives within the Nursing Unit. Bachelor’s degree required; strong communication and collaboration skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with previous related experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of public health laws and accepted principles and practices of disease investigation.
• Ability to communicate with individuals, assess needs, research resources, and provide information and referrals.
• Knowledge of health and social services available to St. Joseph County residents.

Responsibilities

• Ensure proper implementation of public health programs and compliance with policies and regulations.
• Manage care of clients using established protocols and ensure privacy and HIPAA compliance.
• Serve as case manager for pediatric clients with elevated Lead levels and coordinate with providers.
• Oversee CHWs and lead risk assessments, education, home visits and referrals to reduce lead exposure.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

POSITION: Disease Investigation Specialist – Lead Program Coordinator

DEPARTMENT: St. Joseph County Department of Health

WORK SCHEDULE: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. M-F

JOB CATEGORY: PAT (Professional, Administrative, Technological)

SALARY: Up to $59,535/year

STATUS: Full-Time

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

DATES: August 24, 2026 - until filled

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. Our organization is currently unable to sponsor or transfer employment visas now or in the future. Candidates requiring current or future visa sponsorship will not be considered.

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. St. Joseph County provides reasonable accommodations to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities who require accommodation to complete the application process or perform essential functions of the job unless those accommodations would present an undue hardship.

Incumbent serves as Disease Investigation Specialist–Lead Program Coordinator for the Nursing Unit of the St. Joseph County Department of Health (SJCDoH), responsible for investigating all communicable diseases or conditions and managing some of those cases, and ensuring compliance with established policies, practices, regulations, and public health standards. Coordinates lead activities among all units within the SJCDoH.

Benefits

• Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
• Paid Time Off (PTO) with generous accruals
• Employer Paid Life Insurance coverage
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD/LTD)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care
• Gym Membership Discounts to encourage wellness
• Employer-Funded PERF (Public Employees' Retirement Fund)
• Access to additional voluntary benefits and resources

Responsibilities

Incumbent ensures proper implementation of public health programs, including examining, educating, testing, and treating individuals. Goals and objectives of incumbent’s work are known, and work is reviewed primarily for compliance with Department policy and legal requirements. Decisions are restricted by only the broadest policy and/or guidance from the supervisor, which may include one or more of the following: direct consultation with the supervising provider, utilization of preapproved standing orders, and adherence to established clinical protocols. All unusual circumstances are to be discussed with a supervisor, up to and including the supervising provider regarding medical issues.

Manages care of clients using established protocols, ensuring compliance with all applicable SJCDoH policies and procedures, Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) standards, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations, and other federal and state laws related to privacy, confidentiality, and service delivery.

Serves as case manager for pediatric clients with elevated Lead levels, providing clients and families with education. Completes case documentation in compliance with SJCDoH policy and works collaboratively with provider offices to ensure case compliance with Title 410 IAC-32.

Oversees the Community Health Workers (CHWs) tasked with providing case management and case monitoring services for pediatric clients with elevated Lead levels who provide clients and families with education, repeat lead level tests, conduct home visits and environmental assessments to investigate source of Lead, and make referrals to appropriate agencies and health care providers to ensure necessary steps are taken to reduce exposure to lead. Completes documentation in compliance with SJCDoH policy.

Supervises and directs assigned personnel, including reviewing case documentation, assists in interviewing candidates for related roles, planning and delegating work assignments; training and motivating assigned staff; assists in evaluating performance, communicating and administering personnel programs and procedures; and keeping supervisors and assigned staff informed of organizational developments.

Coordinates with the Environmental Health Unit and Lead CHWs in the CARE Unit to provide home lead risk assessments to county residents through testing conducted by Environmental Health Unit staff.

Education/Experience

Bachelor's degree required with previous related experience preferred.

Working knowledge of public health laws and accepted principles and practices of disease investigation, with ability to communicate with individuals, assess needs, research medical and legal resources, and provide information, guidance, assistance, and referrals as appropriate.

Working knowledge of health and social services available to St. Joseph County residents, with ability to implement public health programs and facilitate referrals as appropriate.

Physical Requirements

Assists with training new CHWs on capillary collection procedures for lead testing.

Participates in public health outreach events as needed.

Ability to occasionally work extended, evening and/or weekend hours and travel out of town for meetings/workshops, sometimes overnight.

Attends professional education workshops and training seminars as required.

Possession of a valid driver’s license and demonstrated safe driving record.

Serves on 24-hour call for public health emergencies.