PH Disease Intervention Specialist I

nc; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 43,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work option

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is seeking a Publ Hlth Disease Intervention Spec I (S) to support the Communicable Disease Branch. The role conducts field‑based public health work to limit the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV across multiple counties, performing client interviews and documenting findings with accuracy.

Travel is required, and a 6–9 month training period precedes independent work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and two years of public health investigation and/or disease control experience from the NC vacancy posting.

Responsibilities

• Perform field and office work to control the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV across assigned counties.
• Conduct personal interviews with clients to obtain case-specific information for investigations.
• Explain disease processes, treatments, prevention strategies, and legal requirements to clients and stakeholders.
• Analyze epidemiological information to determine follow-up priorities and guide investigation steps.
• Provide education, consultation, and technical assistance to health departments and providers.
• Perform phlebotomy on suspected cases per procedures.

Skills

Interviewing for case information

Data entry accuracy

Community engagement

Phlebotomy procedures

Cultural competency

Education

Bachelor's degree in public health or related field

Job description

Agency

Dept of Health and Human Services

Division

Public Health

Job Classification Title

Publ Hlth Disease Intervention Spec I (S)

Position Number

60039811

Grade

MH08

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work

The PH Disease Intervention Specialist I supports the Communicable Disease Branch by conducting field‑based public health work focused on limiting the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV across a multi‑county region. It performs interviews to gather case information, explains disease processes and prevention measures, and evaluates epidemiological details to determine priorities for follow‑up.

This role provides education, consultation, and technical assistance to local health departments and private providers on interviewing techniques, records, treatment procedures, and quality control. It performs phlebotomy on suspected cases and ensures accurate, timely documentation in support of communicable disease investigations.

The PH Disease Intervention Specialist I position requires frequent travel, effective communication with diverse communities, and completion of a structured 6–9 month training period before working independently.

Key Duties Include

• Perform field and office work to control the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV across assigned counties.
• Conduct personal interviews with clients to obtain case‑specific information needed for communicable disease investigations.
• Explain disease processes, treatments, prevention strategies, and legal requirements to clients and stakeholders.
• Analyze epidemiological information to determine follow‑up priorities and guide next steps in investigation efforts.
• Provide education, consultation, and technical assistance to local health departments and private providers on interviewing techniques, records, treatment protocols, and quality control.
• Perform phlebotomy on suspected cases in accordance with communicable disease procedures.
• Travel throughout assigned counties using a personal vehicle to conduct fieldwork, meet clients, and deliver services.
• Establish rapport and communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders from diverse cultures, races, ethnicities, and lived experiences.
• Document case information and investigation outcomes in accordance with Branch protocols and quality standards.
• Complete additional duties assigned during the required training period and transition to independent work upon successful completion.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade Range

$43,477.00 - $65,216.00

Recruitment Range

$43,477.00 - $51,500.00

Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement.

The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:

• Demonstrated intermediate proficiency conducting client interviews to gather case‑specific information related to communicable disease investigations.
• Proven experience entering and managing large volumes of epidemiological or case data with consistent accuracy in centralized database systems.
• Documented experience of engaging diverse communities through outreach or partnership activities, including work with faith‑based organizations.
• Demonstrated success performing specimen collection procedures, such as phlebotomy, in support of communicable disease follow‑up activities.
• Experience building rapport and maintaining effective communication with individuals from varied cultural, racial, ethnic, and lived‑experience backgrounds during sensitive public health interactions.

The Posting Will Close At 11:59 P.M. The Night Before The End Date

This Position Is 100% Federally Funded

This Position Is Eligible For A Hybrid Work Option

Must Have A Valid Driver’s License; Use Of Personal Vehicle May Be Required For Travel

Physical Requirements

Ability to work independently in non-handicapped accessible areas

About the NC Division of Public Health (DPH)

The NC Division of Public Health works to promote and contribute to the highest possible level of health for the people of North Carolina. Our entire statewide system of public health has dedicated professionals who carry out our mission every day through a wide range of essential and activities touching the lives of everyone in our state.

About the Communicable Disease Branch

The Communicable Disease Branch strives to protect and improve the health of people in North Carolina through disease detection, tracking, investigation, control, education, prevention and care activities to reduce morbidity and mortality resulting from communicable diseases that are a significant threat to the public. The Communicable Disease Branch works with the public, local health departments and other public health agencies, healthcare professionals, educators, businesses, communities and healthcare facilities to ensure that North Carolina is prepared to respond to any communicable disease situation that affects the people who live, work and visit here.

Compensation and Benefits

The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.

Supplemental Contact Information

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job. For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/

DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.

In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second‑chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice‑involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.

ADA Accommodations

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience in public health investigation and/or disease control activities

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

EEO Statement

the State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.