DISEASE INTERVENTION SPECIALIST 1

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed charm with top-flight arts and cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities, and great restaurants.

 The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed to providing exemplary service to the City’s residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

Under the direction of the Sexual and Reproductive Health Program Manager, the Disease Intervention Specialist 1 uses scientific public health principles, inter-agency collaboration, and health education programs to provide timely, comprehensive, and evidenced-based follow-up on cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Detection, Intervention, Reporting, Surveillance, and Referral

• Independently perform detection, intervention, reporting, surveillance, notification, and referral activities related to persons in southeastern Wisconsin with STI/HIV infections and their contacts at risk for STI/HIV transmission; provide services for reportable cases to control and prevent the spread of infection in accordance with national standards.
• Locate and provide contact interviewing, prevention information, risk reduction counseling, referral to medical care, partner referral services, and follow-up to persons identified to have been exposed to STI/HIV, in accord with established state and national standards.
• Initiate, maintain, and complete STI/HIV infection investigative report forms and other data collection and reporting materials.
• Use laboratory quality assurance standards to conduct clinical testing procedures related to STI, HIV, and hepatitis. Obtain blood and oral mucosal and other specimens from clients and conduct desktop laboratory procedures to accurately interpret HIV rapid results.
• Apply a trauma-informed approach in providing sexual health education and services to all persons, including transgender, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming and diverse populations.
• Using interpretation services, provide non-English speaking clients with access to culturally and linguistically appropriate STI and HIV partner counseling and referral services.
• Follow established procedures to ensure strict confidentiality of client information in accord with Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Code and policies and procedures established by the Wisconsin STI and AIDS/HIV Programs.

Education, Consultation, Technical Assistance, and Training

• Provide education, consultation, technical assistance, and training of public and private health agencies and community groups.
• Co-facilitate annual training for new STI/HIV partner counseling and referral service workers.
• Present at regional meetings, as requested by the Wisconsin Division of Public Health (DPH).
• Assist and advise local health providers and laboratories relative to STI/HIV case detection, case intervention techniques, policies and procedures, quality assurance standards, data collection tools, and the development and implementation of STI/HIV-related testing, diagnostic and treatment services.
• Provide educational presentations and workshops related to STI/HIV to multi-disciplinary community groups.
• Participate in local and statewide task forces and committees, advisory groups, and professional organizations focused on STI/HIV care and prevention services.
• Assist with developing, implementing, and evaluating educational materials, informational resources, curricula, and health education programs that focus on STI/HIV prevention and individual risk reduction; review and provide input into statewide educational resources. 
• Demonstrate dedication to the promotion of health and prevention of disease and a commitment to stay apprised of current practices for reducing the spread of STIs and HIV in the community.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

The Disease Intervention Specialist 1 must be willing and able to do the following:

• Work standard hours are 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; however, on Mondays, the schedule is 10:45 a.m.-7:15 p.m.; occasional weekend and evening hours may be required.
• Wear industry related personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, a facemask, and/or a face shield to protect against exposure to infectious agents or toxins.
• Travel throughout and outside the City of Milwaukee to perform field activities or attend training and conferences.
• Carry a mobile device during business hours.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• The preplacement medical requirements for this position include:
  • Physical Exam w/ Lift test
  • Vision Exam
  • Audio-Gram
  • Drug Screen - Non DOT
  • Varicella Vaccine
  • Current Covid-19 Vaccine
  • MMR Vaccine
  • TB Test, annually throughout employment
  • Hep B

1. Bachelor’s degree in public health, community health, health education, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
2. Successful completion of State of Wisconsin HIV Partner Services training and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention course “Passport to Partner Services” within six months of appointment. NOTE: Course content may be viewed at: https://www.cdc.gov/std/training/passport-partner-services.htm.
3. Valid driver's license and possession of a properly insured vehicle for use on the job at time of appointment and throughout employment. Mileage reimbursement is provided pursuant to Section 350-183 of The Milwaukee Code of Ordinances.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered. For example, an Associate degree in a health-related field of study from an accredited college or university and two years of professional experience related to the essential functions above may be considered equivalent.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

• Ability to provide interpretation for Spanish speaking clients.

Technical

• Knowledge of public and community health principles and practices.
• Knowledge of STI/HIV prevention principles and strategies directed at high risk populations.
• Knowledge of STI/HIV case management principles and procedures.
• Knowledge of epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory services related to STI/HIV intervention.
• Knowledge of community resources related to STI/HIV.
• Ability to make accurate calculations to maintain accurate programmatic statistics.
• Ability to read and interpret work-related documents, including procedural manuals, governmental publications, and periodicals.
• Ability to provide consultation, technical assistance, and training to diverse communities, agencies, and individuals.
• Ability to assess issues related to substance abuse and mental health to determine appropriate referrals.
• Ability to use software programs, such as the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS), the Microsoft Office suite, electronic health records, email, and the Internet.

Communication, Customer Service, and Interpersonal

• Written communication skills, including the ability to write clear and thorough reports.
• Presentation and training skills.
• Verbal communication skills, including the ability to listen attentively, be assertive, and be persuasive.
• Ability to establish rapport and provide services sensitively and collaboratively with clients from diverse lifestyles and backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate diplomatically and tactfully with clients who may be emotional or agitated.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary staff, community partners, and the public.
• Ability to work cooperatively and fairly with people whose backgrounds may differ from one's own.

Time Management and Judgment

• Ability to independently plan, organize, and prioritize work to achieve objectives within deadlines.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to appropriately handle sensitive information and to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to maintain situational awareness, follow safety and security procedures, take appropriate action, and report potentially unsafe conditions.

The current salary range (Pay Range 2DN) is $55,195-$61,902 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $56,851-$63,759 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

BENEFITS 

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance 
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves 
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits. 

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test, a structured interview or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE - The examination will be held as soon as practical after the application deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the examination. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative test administration. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

• APPLICATIONS and further information can be accessed by visiting www.jobapscloud.com/MIL. 
• Applications should be submitted no later than the deadline listed above.
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

EEO = 206

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.