Disease Intervention Specialist 5292 - Meridian Health Services

Text 5292 to 765-523-4622 to Quick Apply for this Disease Intervention Specialist opportunity!

Focusing on “Whole-Person” Healthcare
Meridian Health Services is a progressive healthcare organization that believes in treating the “whole-person” integrating physical, mental and social well-being to help people achieve their optimum health. This approach connects treatments and doctors working together to heal both the body and mind for total well-being.

We are currently seeking a full time Disease Intervention Specialist to act as an investigator that intervenes in the spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). DIS investigate reported, suspected, and potential cases of STDs. DIS additionally provide Partner Services and medical or social referrals for those who are newly living with HIV or those who have been lost to HIV care.

Disease Intervention Specialist Key Responsibilities:

• Completion of a training course entitled Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Passport to Partner Services and achievement of a grade of 80% or higher on all examinations as required by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within 6 months of hiring. The STD Passport to Partner Services is a series of online modules, each dedicated to a specific topic in STD and HIV prevention and disease intervention/investigative action. Additionally, the completion of all required and assigned trainings as provided by the STD Program’s DIS Training Coordinator.
• Completion of an approved Authorization Training course, whether that training course be provided by IDOH or a federally funded course from the CDC or other regional partner.
• Successful completion of the HIV Skills Building Course for DIS, as provided by the STD Program, which included observed testing and referral sessions. The DIS may complete the HIV Prevention Program’s training course, as provided by the HIV Prevention Trainer, as well.
• Completion of an approved phlebotomy training within 6 weeks of final Authorization, with documentation of appropriate immunizations and training of blood-born pathogens’ precautions.
• Demonstration of the ability to conduct a thorough, timely, and effective STD and HIV case investigation.
• Interviews patients diagnosed with specific STDs or HIV for the purpose of educating the patient and eliciting information that would lead to the testing and treatment of others who may be at risk for the same infection.
• Attempts to contact patients who have positive STD or HIV lab tests, clients who are known to have been exposed to an STD or HIV, or clients who have behaviors that put them at risk of acquiring infection. Contact may be made by phone, mail, or in- person. DIS will prioritize the patients and partners who pose the greatest risk to public health.
• Appropriate and effective assessment of case information to establish investigation priorities and timeline for disease intervention; ability to distinguish]h between primary and secondary disease intervention needs, and the ability to prioritize primary disease intervention activities.
• Establishes relationships with community organizations and takes time to review the Community Needs Assessment of assigned locality to recognize needs within a community for screening, education, and outreach.
• Ability to communicate professionally with internal and external partners
• Participates in community events that are locally based or statewide; appropriately and effectively represents the IDOH and their host agency at the events; appropriately and effectively provides services and referrals during testing events.
• Conducts HIV Counseling and Testing and provides Counseling and Referral Services for HIV-positive clients according to standard ISDH and CDC protocols. Refers all HIV positive clients to care coordination and HIV medical services and ensures linkage to care occurs for each client.
• Initiates and maintains confidential case records and ensures that they are completed accurately per IDOH’s internal policies and their host agency’s policies.
• Thorough knowledge of the current STD Treatment Guidelines and STD Surveillance Case Definitions published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Acts as an informative and knowledgeable resource for recommended STD treatments to healthcare providers and other medical staff.
• Interacts regularly with members of the medical profession to verify and/or obtain pertinent medical information; is adequately aware of the HIPAA Privacy Rule for Public Health.
• Completes necessary reports and forms, maintaining thorough documentation of all interviews and field activities, per the training and policies of IDOH and CDC.
• As needed, designs and participates in community outreach activities that include screenings, health fairs, and educational presentations. Screening venues may include neighborhoods, health-care facilities, correctional facilities, bars/clubs, or other settings.
• Performs phlebotomy in the field and in a clinic setting for patients in need of blood tests.
• Interprets laboratory results for standard STD tests and recognize recommended treatments for a variety of STDs.
• Possess basic computer skills including ability to utilize multiple databases, spreadsheets, and Microsoft Office software.
• Conducts all business in a professional, nonjudgmental manner utilizing tact and diplomacy.
• May be required to work other evenings and weekends periodically as directed by the Program Staff.

We are seeking Disease Intervention Specialist candidates with the following qualities:

• Applicant must possess a four-year undergraduate degree from a related field (such as: public health, biology, social service, human sexuality) from a four-year accredited college or university; or six years professional experience in public health or a health care related field.
• A valid driver's license with a driving record meeting Meridian's driving policy, reliable transportation, and proof of auto insurance
• Ability to work, communicate, and provide services to patients and clients of culturally, racially, ethnically, economically, and geographically diverse populations in non-judgmental, empathetic manner in safe and comfortable environment.

Meridian Health Services provides the following benefits to qualified Disease Intervention Specialist :

• Health, dental, vision plans
• Merit Based Compensation Plan
• Voluntary benefits, including critical illness, short term disability, etc.
• 401k with company contribution
• Generous PTO plan
• Wellness plan
• Paid Holidays
• Life balance oriented organization

Drug screen, TB test, extensive background check, and fingerprinting are required of all Meridian employees. Meridian Health Services recommends that all individuals who join Meridian have a flu shot and Covid vaccination to further protect our staff and the patients we serve. We also adhere to Covid-related protocol including wearing masks, social distancing, and sanitizing.

Meridian Health Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V) and also participates in E-Verify.