STD/HIV Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) (DOH/PHD #11252)

New Mexico Department of Health; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The New Mexico Department of Health seeks a Disease Intervention Specialist to advance HIV and STD prevention through partner services, case interviews, and testing. You will conduct surveillance, provide field outreach, and help link individuals to care.

This role requires strong communication, public speaking, and the ability to work in diverse communities across the Northwest Region, with occasional statewide travel and adherence to HIPAA and related trainings.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent and two years of experience in a health-related field.
• Any combination of education from an accredited college or university totaling two years may substitute for the required experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct STD and HIV partner services including case interviews and testing.
• Document activities in STD surveillance database and EHR.
• Provide outreach to venues with high-risk populations for testing and services.
• Support other infectious disease activities such as harm reduction and hepatitis screening.

Skills

Infectious Diseases

Communication skills

Public speaking

Computer skills

Public health

Community outreach

Time management

Punctuality

Education

High School diploma or equivalent + 2 years health-related experience

Job description

Posting Details

THIS POSTING WILL BE USED FOR ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. APPLICANT LISTS MAY BE SCREENED MORE THAN ONCE.

Salary

$20.56 - $30.85 Hourly

$42,773 - $64,160 Annually

This position is a Pay Band C4

The New Mexico Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Prevention Program has as its primary goal the reduction and prevention of the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV infection.

The STD Program provides statewide consultation and technical assistance, partner services, screening, surveillance, health care provider education, case management, and partner notification for reportable STDs in the state.

Why does the job exist?

Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) further the department's mission to promote health and improve health outcomes by conducting partner services and disease investigation for HIV and other reportable sexually transmitted diseases (STD) to break the chain of infection and reduce disease incidence.

Core tasks for DIS include conducting STD surveillance and tracking, offering testing and screening for contacts to disease and persons at high risk, doing community outreach to populations with higher disease incidence, and interviewing persons with STD and their partners to ensure timely and effective treatment. DIS also support other infectious disease activities such as harm reduction, syringe services, opiate overdose prevention education and hepatitis screening and referral.

How does it get done?

• Conduct integrated STD and HIV partner services (PS), including case interviews, ensuring timely testing and treatment of contacts, and provision of case management. Conduct HIV and STD screening, including phlebotomy. Ensure linkage to care for newly diagnosed HIV cases.
• Ensure timely closure and complete documentation of STD and HIV PS activities in the STD surveillance database. Document any clinical interactions or referrals in an electronic health records (EHR) system.
• Provide integrated infectious disease outreach to venues where high-risk populations can be reached (i.e. street outreach, detention centers, substance abuse treatment facilities and programs, LGBTQ Pride events and bars). Each outreach shall include testing, screening and other clinical services needed by the target population, per disease epidemiology.
• Support other infectious disease activities such as harm reduction, syringe services, opiate overdose prevention education and hepatitis screening and referral.

Who are the customers?

Persons at greatest risk of HIV and STD infection within the public health region.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate has experience:

• 3 years minimum working with Infectious Diseases.
• Excellent communication skills.
• 3 years minimum in public speaking, educational presentations and/or health-related training.
• Proficiency in multiple computer applications.
• Experience in a public health setting with a focus on prevention.
• Experience working in local communities on strategies to increase opportunities for healthy lifestyles
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively and manage time efficiently.
• Strong commitment to punctuality and schedule adherence, ensuring timely follow-up and case resolution.

Minimum Qualification

High School diploma or equivalent and two (2) years of experience in a health-related field. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling two (2) years may substitute for the required experience.

Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Driver's License. Must process and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course as a condition of continued employment. Successful completion of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act), and successful completion of CUA (Clinical Laboratory Improvements Act) trainings are required sixty days (60) of employment. Position will require Blood Borne Pathogen training_ and successful completing of (CPR course within thirty (30) days as a condition of continued employment.

Working Conditions

Work in an office setting with exposure to visual/video display terminal (VTD) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Conduct Field Investigations across the Northwest Region. Occasional travel within the state to various regions will be necessary for statewide meetings, conferences, and similar events. Ability to lift up to forty (40) lbs.

Supplemental Information

Do you know what Total Compensation is?

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.