4521 - Communicable Disease Investigator I

Overall Job Objective

Position Description

This grant-funded position is located in the STD Surveillance Division within the Health Deparmtent.

Salary Grade: M1

Investigates communicable disease sources and provides health education to the public for reducing risks of acquiring communicable diseases. It is distinguished from CDI II which also provides direct nursing services to patients.

Duties/Responsibilities

(Work assignments may vary depending on the department's needs and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.)

Investigates possible disease sources by interviewing patients and contacts, and reviewing associated information in order to locate the source, carriers, and all spread cases related to the disease incident;
Refers affected patients to appropriate diagnostic facilities for examination and treatment;
Performs selective blood testing surveys and applies other epidemiological techniques in high incident areas;
Maintains appropriate confidentiality and security of information created or encountered in the course of assigned duties;
Provides information and education services to the public;
Promotes uniform investigative methods and reporting procedures with physicians, laboratories, and community health facilities;
Prepares and submits manual and computer-based reports.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

Knowledge of:

• overall public health practices and procedures;
• cause, spread, and control of communicable diseases;
• investigative and interviewing techniques and procedures;
• community resources for public health education and treatment.

Skill in:

• performing communicable disease investigations;
• applying effective interviewing techniques;
• documenting and reporting activities, manually and using computer-based systems;
• communicating effectively;
• establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others and maintaining required confidentiality and security of information encountered.

Minimum Qualifications

(1) A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in public health, health education, biology, microbiology, nursing or a closely related field as defined by the appointing authority at time of recruitment.
OR:
(2) A high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalency certificate and four years of paid/unpaid experience providing public health services, health care services, health education and/or communicable disease education and intervention.

Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.

Preferred Qualifications: (Be specific in describing your experience in your application. Ensure the descriptions provided illustrate your competencies, specifically addressing the required and preferred qualifications.):

1. Minimum of one (1) year working in health care services providing health education on HIV/STIs and communicable disease.
2. Minimum of one (1) year providing direct client services to diverse populations and cultures including diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
3. Experience in data collection, client interviewing techniques, and creating computer generated reports.
4. Proficiency and skill in the use of computer software, including Microsoft Office Suite, Electronic Health Records and web-based applications.

Selection Procedure:
Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum/desired qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum/desired qualifications may be further evaluated/score against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidates from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process. Supplemental Information

Licenses and Certificates: Some positions require a valid Arizona Class D driver license at the time of application. Failure to obtain/maintain the required licensure shall be grounds for termination. Valid AZ driver's license and access to a registered/insured vehicle for business travel is required (business mileage reimbursed) at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicants suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services review and approval of the candidates driving record.


Special Notice Items: Department of Labor Regulation CFR Part 1910.1030 requires notification that this classification may have a high risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens and other communicable diseases. In accordance with OSHA and Pima County guidelines, tuberculin (TB) screening, hepatitis B vaccinations and safety training and equipment will be provided. Some positions may require fluency in English and a second language, as determined by the appointing authority. The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County.

Physical/Sensory Requirements: Physical and sensory abilities will be determined by position.