Infectious Disease Specialist

INFECTIOUS DISEASE SPECIALIST

Department : Health - Clinical Services & Case Management FLSA Status : Non-Exempt

Classification / Level : B5 Date Last Reviewed : 08 / 2022

Under the direction of the Clinical Services and Case Management Director, the Infectious Disease Specialist provides clinical and administrative support to nursing and medical staff, performs epidemiologic surveillance, and assists with completing contact investigations for reportable communicable diseases. This position will not necessarily be a clinical position and is engaged in fieldwork as assigned. This position is Covered as defined by The Board of Commissioners of the County of Allen Employee Handbook.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

• Administers public health testing, conducts phlebotomy and immunizations, as well as engages in specimen collection, preparation and shipment of blood, stool, sputum, urine, oral swab, and other bodily exudate per the Health Commissioners standing orders. Testing conducted includes but is not limited to, Tuberculosis (TB) skin testing, Rapid HIV testing, fecal collection for parasites, STDs, childhood lead poisoning, and nutritional screenings as directed.
• Conducts case investigations and contact tracing for patients who are diagnosed with reportable communicable diseases.
• Interviews and counsels' individuals regarding risk, movement restrictions and gives guidance on preventing the spread of disease as directed.
• Collects epidemiological information on patients as directed, inquiries about activities, and contacts, and records all information into prescribed electronic databases for reporting and recordkeeping.
• Responsible for Electronic Medical Record (EMR) use which includes scanning and indexing health records, data entry into CHIRP immunization registry, as well as the use of Excel spreadsheets and internal databases.
• Collaborates with various Divisions and Department staff on case management, reporting, and conducts home visits when necessary to find patients. Delivers medications to patients as needed at home, work, school or elsewhere as directed.
• Provides immunizations and other related services per the Health Commissioners standing orders.
• Educates clients regarding communicable disease risk reduction.
• Responsible for practicing infection control measures.
• Cross-trained in other Divisions to assist when directed.
• Performs all other duties as assigned including overtime as required.

REQUIREMENTS :

DIFFICULTY OF WORK :

The Infectious Disease Specialist has the understanding of the Department of Health's rules and procedures concerning Communicable Disease reports and investigations involving relatively standardized tasks when acquiring appropriate medical records and contacting affected individuals.

RESPONSIBILITY :

The Infectious Disease Specialist performs a variety of relatively standardized tasks when interviewing cases, treating patients, and providing guidance and education. Errors in work are easily detected. Work requires some judgment when educating clients regarding communicable disease risk reduction. Completed work is reviewed for compliance with procedural requirements.

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS :

The Infectious Disease Specialist maintains frequent contact with other County employees, Community Partners and clients of the Health Department Clinic concerning Communicable Diseases.

WORKING CONDITIONS :

The Infectious Disease Specialist works in the field and in an office setting with the ability to move around freely requiring frequent sitting with the ability to frequently lift up to 40 pounds, with some bending, pushing and / or pulling loads, reaching over head, kneeling and frequent exposure to temperature extremes with some exposure to dangerous equipment and noise.

SUPERVISION : None

LICENSING :

National Incident Management System (NIMS) certification upon employment as required for all public health staff

Ability to complete CPR and TB Skin Testing Certification upon hire

Ability to complete N95 Fit Testing upon hire

Valid Driver's License to operate a County owned vehicle

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR :

Clinical Services and Case Management Director

HOURS :

8 : 00 am - 4 : 30 pm and as needed, 37.5 hours per week

EEO CATEGORY : 0803

WORKERS'S COMP CODE :

9410

Please complete the application accurately and thoroughly. A resume is optional. Remember to save and submit your application. If applying for multiple positions, submit a separate application for each one. You'll receive an email confirmation once your application is received. Due to the high volume of applications, further communication will only occur if you're selected for an interview.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). Accordingly, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, age, disability or medical condition, national origin, and veteran status, and all other categories protected by federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. Reasonable accommodations for persons with a known disabling condition will be considered in accordance with State and Federal Law.