Summary

Under the supervision of the Clinic Supervisor, the Communicable Disease Health Strategist performs a variety of programs, investigation, prevention, and health promotion activities. Within scope of licensure/certification, this position performs testing, and provides treatment, counseling, and education on health issues.

Essential Job Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Communicable Disease Prevention & Response

· Investigate and document reportable disease reports per state guidelines

· Apply trauma informed communication practices while interviewing and working with clients

· Utilize the Orpheus Database for disease reporting to the state

· Support Syringe Services Program

· Complete ongoing professional development related to epidemiology and communicable disease

· Support Environmental Health in foodborne outbreak investigations

· Properly identify and prioritize populations during Communicable Disease events or public health emergencies

· Support coordination of Strategic National Stockpile medications or vaccinations with local, state, and federal agencies

· Support local public health emergency response systems (i.e. 24/7/365 on-call, public health emergency information line, and Health Alert Network)

· Operate a motor vehicle for the purpose of investigating emergency situations and partner coordination

· Educate health department staff on communicable disease processes and procedures

· Support and conduct outreach/presentations on communicable disease topics for a variety of audiences

· Provide community outreach and education on communicable disease issues

· Follow state requirements for follow-up on Tuberculosis cases

· Provide home visits for Active Tuberculosis cases until treated

· Provide HIV counseling and testing for all Tuberculosis cases

· Provide Direct Observed Therapy if needed

Clinical Support

· Assist in clinical spaces, performing functions as needed during clinics

· Provide rapid Sexually Transmitted Infections testing, including HIV and syphilis

· Medical chaperone patient visits upon patient request

· Demonstrate proper techniques and documentation for all procedures

· Ensure proper specimen handling, processing, testing, charting, and disposal

· Ensure proper use of lab equipment, calibrating and documenting controls, using testing mediums and processes

Program Coordination

· Coordinate reporting and program logistics as required by funding sources

· Develop and implement data collection and assessment tools, and analyze data related to specific public health issues as needed

· Adhere to established work plans, continually evaluating effectiveness and proposing revisions as necessary

· Research and review current policy, environmental, and systems change strategies that support public health initiatives

· Support development of new work plans that meet local need and leverage additional initiatives when possible

· Identify and pursue resources that support sustainability of programs and practices

· Strategically coordinate program logistics and requirements with service group team and other programs as needed

· Serve as team representative on Department-wide planning committees, as needed

Public Health Emergency Preparedness

· Complete Public Health Preparedness Training: ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800

· Participate in Public Health Preparedness exercises and events

· Maintain an updated registration with the Everbridge emergency response system with current communication pathways

· Specialize in at least one Incident Command System (ICS) role and cross-train in another

· Respond to Public Health Emergencies and undertake response roles as necessary

Competencies

1. Equipment used: personal computer and related software (i.e. Excel, Word, databases), two-way radios

2. Knowledge of Oregon Revised Statutes and Oregon Administrative Rules that govern environmental health programs and standards for disease investigations and outbreak response

3. Knowledge of laboratory testing procedures

4. Knowledge and ability to perform interviews, counseling, and work with the public

5. Knowledge of Public Health law

6. Working knowledge of community resources

7. Ability and skill to learn and operate software programs used by the department and County

8. Ability to learn and apply established practices and procedures

9. Ability and skill to contribute to a positive work environment

10. Effective verbal and written communication

11. Maintain confidentiality without exception

12. Able to safely work with biohazards

Performance Indicators

· Complete quarterly chart reviews for quality assurance

· Maintain fiscal stewardship for clinic ordering and stocking processes

· Complete all disease investigations within required timeframes

· Timely response to organization-wide initiatives and requirements (i.e. policy compliance, workforce surveys, training documentation)

· Timely submission of reporting requirements for each assigned program area, including Operational Plan outcomes recorded in performance management database

· Timely compliance with State and Federal reporting guidelines

· Utilization of Sharepoint project management tools to support department-wide initiatives, including website and social media communications

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment

This is a largely sedentary role with some clinical and community outreach work. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, work evenings and weekends for events occasionally, and travel when required; this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers. Regular meetings with community partners.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; lift; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Ability to lift up to 20 pounds, twist, and bend.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a grant-funded, full-time position. Typical days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. On-call coverage required on rotation. This position qualifies for flexible scheduling options as approved by the department Director.

Travel

Local travel for prevention & response activities. Travel throughout Central Oregon to meetings, and occasional State or National meetings. Must hold a valid Oregon’s driver’s license.

Required Education and Experience

· Associate’s degree in Public Health, social work, or related field

· Certified Community Health Worker

· One year experience in public health, health care, behavioral health, or social services

OR

· Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills and knowledge to perform the job

Preferred Education and Experience

· Bachelor’s or Master of Public Health or related field

· Trained Disease Intervention Specialist

· Bilingual English/Spanish

· Experience with grant-funded projects or programs, including the management and coordination of activities and reporting

· Experience with community health or a combination of education and experience in communicable disease and public health preparedness

Additional Eligibility Requirements

· Must hold a valid Oregon driver’s license and valid American Heart Association CPR card

· Prior to or on date of hire:

o Able to complete a thorough employment and criminal history check

o Able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug test

o Final candidates will be required to provide official proof of college degree, certified transcripts, licensure, and certifications, as applicable

Safety Sensitive Requirements

This position is considered to be a safety sensitive position, subject to drug screen(s) and adherence to all vaccine/immunity requirements for healthcare settings.

AAP/EEO Statement

· This position is ‘at-will’, and either Crook County or the employee may terminate the relationship at any time with or without cause.

· Crook County is an equal opportunity employer

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.