Disease Intervention Specialist - HIV/STI

The Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) supports the Delaware County Health Department's mission to prevent and control the spread of communicable diseases by conducting surveillance, case investigations, partner services, and linkage-to-care activities for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Under the direction of the HIV/STI Supervisor, the DIS investigates reportable cases, conducts field-based disease intervention services, provides prevention education, and connects clients to testing, treatment, and supportive services in accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

This position requires travel throughout Delaware County using a personal vehicle and/or County vehicle to conduct field investigations, client interviews, and community outreach activities.

• Conduct surveillance, case investigations, partner services, and follow-up for reportable HIV and STI cases using the Pennsylvania National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (PA-NEDSS) and other approved reporting systems. • Coordinate and manage assigned investigations to ensure timely disease intervention activities in accordance with CDC and PA DOH guidance. • Conduct confidential client interviews, risk assessments, contact tracing, and partner notification services while maintaining the highest level of confidentiality. • Provide HIV post-test counseling and partner services for individuals with positive HIV test results in accordance with CDC guidelines. • Link clients to medical care, treatment, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), behavioral health, social services, and other community resources based on individual needs. • Conduct investigative follow-up with individuals identified as candidates for PrEP and facilitate timely referrals to prevention services. • Coordinate CD4 and viral load testing for eligible clients when needed to support timely linkage to HIV medical care. • Collect blood, urine, and extragenital specimens according to PA DOH protocols for HIV and STI testing. • Ensure complete, accurate, and timely documentation of all investigative activities, case notes, laboratory information, partner services, client interventions, and surveillance data in PA-NEDSS and other required systems. • Ensure HIV and STI cases, laboratory results, testing data, and partner services activities are reported in accordance with CDC and PA DOH reporting requirements. • Maintain strict compliance with Act 148, HIPAA, CDC Data Security and Confidentiality Guidelines, and all applicable federal, state, and local privacy regulations. • Educate healthcare providers, hospitals, community organizations, and other partners regarding HIV/STI reporting requirements, treatment recommendations, and prevention strategies. • Distribute DCHD-approved educational materials and promote evidence-based HIV/STI prevention messaging throughout the community. • Participate in community outreach events, screening initiatives, health fairs, mobile health services, and public health emergency response activities, as assigned. • Collaborate with internal staff, healthcare providers, laboratories, community organizations, and state partners to improve disease surveillance, prevention, and client outcomes. • Alert supervisory staff to emerging public health concerns, unusual disease trends, outbreaks, or media inquiries related to HIV/STI activities. • Maintain professional competency through participation in required trainings, continuing education, conferences, webinars, and other educational opportunities approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. • Participate in departmental and agency-wide committees, workgroups, quality improvement initiatives, accreditation activities, emergency preparedness efforts, and special projects as assigned DCHD expects all employees to actively contribute to organizational initiatives that support the Department's mission and strategic priorities. • Perform other duties as assigned.