STD/HIV Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) (HEALTH EDUCATOR-BASIC)(DOH/PHD #70192)

New Mexico Department of Justice; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 43,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The New Mexico Department of Justice through the STD Prevention Program seeks a Disease Intervention Specialist (Health Educator-Basic) to conduct partner services and disease investigation for HIV and other reportable STDs.

Ideal candidates will have strong communication, public speaking, and organizational skills, with experience in public health settings and prevention efforts across communities. Some field work and statewide travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills and ability to present health information to diverse audiences.
• Public speaking and health education experience preferred.
• Proficiency in multiple computer applications and basic data handling.
• Experience in a public health setting with prevention focus.
• Familiarity with disease surveillance, partner services, and case management.

Responsibilities

• Conduct integrated STD and HIV partner services, including case interviews and timely testing and treatment.
• Conduct HIV and STD screening, including phlebotomy, and ensure linkage to care.
• Document STD/HIV activities in STD surveillance database and EHRs.
• Provide community outreach to high-risk populations and conduct testing or screening.
• Coordinate outreach at venues to reach target populations and provide clinical services.
• Support harm reduction, syringe services, and hepatitis screening/referral.

Skills

Communication skills

Public speaking

Computer proficiency

Infectious diseases knowledge

Public health experience

Organizational skills

Punctuality & follow-up

Education

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

Tools

EHR systems

Job description

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STD/HIV Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) (HEALTH EDUCATOR-BASIC)(DOH/PHD #70192)

For more Job Requirements & Classification Description:

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?

This position will be responsible for:

• 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

• -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.

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

Successful completion of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability ACT (HIPAA) course. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certification from the State of New Mexico, or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification 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.

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.