Grade Number: 18A; $ 23.4174 per hour
Department: Community and Economic Development, Bureau of Health
Union: S.E.I.U.
GENERAL PURPOSE
The Communicable Disease Investigator is responsible for the prompt and thorough investigation and follow-up of individual cases and outbreaks of communicable diseases in accordance with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Pennsylvania Department of Health (PDH) guidelines. Responsibilities include conducting field investigations of communicable diseases, submitting disease and data reports to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, interacting with area laboratories and hospitals, assisting with epidemiological aspects of community and clinic patient care and participating/conducting professional development programs. The Communicable Disease Investigator participates in activities designed to prepare a coordinated response to public health emergencies. This includes data gathering and analysis, case mapping, trend prediction and support for efforts in electronic database implementation. Data is then used for activity and program planning. The Communicable Disease Investigator/Statistician reports to the Communicable Disease Services Manager.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the supervision of the Communicable Disease Services Manager
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Does not supervise other staff members
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
(A) Investigates communicable diseases: records, interprets laboratory data and confirms diagnosis of communicable disease. Interviews patients/family physician and contacts. Educates patient and family regarding infection, transmission, disease prevention, and control measures. Identifies source of communicable disease. Assesses urgency and potential for spread of disease. Collaborates and cooperates with the Health Bureau’s Clinical Services and Environmental Field staff as well as health professionals in the community to determine interventions. Reports information vital to the investigation and documents investigative activities in accordance with CDC and PDH guidelines
(B) Participates in activities designed to improve community as well as public health emergency preparedness.
(C) Collects and analyzes population-based health information. Identifies Populations at-risk, and develops and implements disease prevention strategies to address local trends. Conducts active disease surveillance and encourages timely reporting. Analyzes the effectiveness of prevention campaigns and provides input for future directions of Communicable Disease Program.
(C) Assists with implementation of educational programs. Consults with and Advises local laboratory, staff, medical personnel, and school and child care center personnel about communicable disease control issues. Participates in patient and community education; provides health education in the clinics, the community and the home; presents health education programs to students and health care professionals, civic groups, and human service agencies; evaluates the effectiveness of the education. Collaborate with community leaders to promote preventive and routine health care services in their community.
(D) Serves on community committees, councils and task forces. Acts as a resource for the community regarding communicable disease.
(E) Refers clients to community resources and health care providers as needed.
(F) Collects and monitors disease data in order to proactively address trends, identify disproportionately affected populations, and plan disease response / prevention accordingly based on these findings. This includes community education and community outreach.
(G) Assists in the maintenance of the public health emergency response plan.
(H) Provide quality and effective customer service with courtesy and understanding to our customers, citizens and internal departments
(I) Available to respond to public health emergencies and assume the role Designated for him/her in the public health emergency response plan
(J) Provides technical assistance to regional health care and social service providers
(K) Maintains program records in an appropriate and confidential manner
(L) Provides in-service training to Lehigh Valley health care, social service and other professionals regarding communicable disease and emergency preparedness issues.
(M) Employee will be interacting on a regular basis with the City’s Spanish-speaking population. Therefore, required to be fluent in reading, writing and speaking Spanish.
(N) Acquires, maintains and demonstrates the public health core competency Skill levels listed below:
Aware – Financial Planning
Knowledgeable – Policy Development / Program Planning
Proficient – Analytical Assessment, Communication, Community Dimensions of Practice, Basic Public Health Science, Leadership and Systems Thinking / Cultural Competency
(O) Performs related work as may be required.
DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
(A) Bachelor’s degree in public health, science, education, or a related field,
(B) Experience and training in data collection and analysis, with a minimum of 1 year of community health experience desirable.
(C) Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of epidemiology Including communicable disease investigation and medical terminology required.
(D) Comprehensive knowledge of public health standards, and health education strategies that apply to communicable disease control.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
(A) Ability to draw blood desirable
(B) Ability to work as a team leader with clinical services and environmental health staff
(C) Ability to plan, organize and lead meetings for community and professional audiences
(D) Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates; government, professional and non-professional groups; and the general public
(E) Skill in public speaking and ability to write clear, concise progress notes in clients’ health/medical records
(F) Ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse ethnic, racial and socioeconomic backgrounds
(G) Ability to speak Spanish or other languages desirable
(H) In-depth knowledge of the functions of other health and social agencies and Their relationship to public health
(I) Computer skills and knowledge of computer software programs desirable
(J) Ability to utilize data collection software and perform analysis
(K) Strong interpersonal skills
(L) Possession of a valid driver’s license required.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
None
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Daily intensive desktop computer use
Laptop computer and projector
Phlebotomy kits
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms and may be required to stand for prolonged periods of time.The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Source: Indeed.com
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