Communicable Disease Investigator Trainer (#TS9269)

Under general direction, coordinates, monitors, and participates in the training of staff responsible for investigating communicable disease cases. This is a temporary position description classification. The primary role of an employee in this temporary position is to provide training to staff who investigate cases of communicable disease for treatment, prevention and control purposes. The employee may also make client referrals; conduct interviews and counseling of communicable disease patients and patient contacts, gather information from clients, medical records and health care professionals; and make public presentations regarding communicable diseases and their prevention.

• Conducts the training and coordinates and monitors the training of staff in the investigation of communicable diseases.
• Investigates cases of communicable disease through field visits; conducts field investigations to locate suspected infected persons; makes referrals for medical examination and/or treatment; interviews suspected or diagnosed clients and their contacts; conducts follow-up interviews and provides counseling to ensure treatment program is followed.
• Prepares and conducts informational and educational presentations to community groups and high-risk individuals regarding communicable diseases, effects, and prevention.
• Maintains communicable disease investigation records; enters data into structured data bases, and prepares reports.
• Maintains cooperative relationships with patients, health care professionals, and local officials and agencies on communicable disease reporting and control.
• Collects specimens, draws blood, places and measures tuberculosis skin tests.
• Assists in enforcement of public health laws, regulations, ordinances, and health orders; serves legal orders from the Health Officer.

Experience: Four years of communicable disease investigation experience in a public health department or agency.

AND

Certifications: Upon employment with San Joaquin County, incumbents may be required to successfully complete HIV/AIDS counseling and/or sexually transmitted disease certification.

Licenses: Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

principles and practices of supervision including training, coaching, counseling, and staff development; methods and techniques of investigation; communicable disease prevention; methods of transmission, diagnosis and treatment of communicable diseases; public health law related to communicable diseases; health education methods; principles and practices of diagnostic testing; medical recordkeeping methods; basic computer and modern office automation technology and computer software programs relevant to department operations.

lead, train, and motivate staff; develop and promote teamwork; prepare material for training staff; elicit and record complete and accurate medical information, frequently through an interview process; identify medical conditions which require immediate consultation with the physician; follow protocols established by public health professionals; conduct diagnostic testing; recognize the behavior and attitudes that influence individual high risk behaviors; provide guidance and health instruction to patients; work with high risk clientele; work independently; operate basic computer and modern office automation technology, including pertinent software; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; make presentations to groups regarding communicable disease control.

Mobility— Operation of a data entry device; repetitive motion; frequent sitting, standing, walking; driving; occasional pushing, pulling, bending; Lifting—frequently 5 pounds or less; occasionally 5 to 30 pounds; Visual— frequent color perception; occasional eye/hand coordination, peripheral vision and depth perception; frequent reading and reading/close-up work; read computer screens; use of eye/hand coordination; Dexterity---reaching; grasping; repetitive motion; writing; Hearing/Talking— constant hearing of normal speech, hearing/talking on the telephone, talking in person; Emotional/Psychological—frequent decision making, concentration, and public contact; occasional exposure to trauma, grief and death; public speaking before large groups; Special Requirements – some assignments may require working weekends, nights, and/or occasional overtime; working alone; Environmental — occasional exposure to hazardous materials; working in varied weather conditions.