Disease Prevention Specialist

Under general supervision of the Public Health Epidemiology Program Manager, this position performs a mix of public health responsibilities, including investigating communicable diseases, enforcing public health standards, educating the community, and participating in emergency response activities. This role has mixed responsibilities for gathering data related to public health concerns and active cases, determining and locating individuals who may have a communicable disease or have been exposed to reportable diseases, and implementing interventions to prevent and control disease spread. This job class is treated as FLSA Exempt. 

Essential Functions:Essentialfunctions mayvary amongpositions,butmayincludethefollowingtasks,knowledge,abilities,skills,andothercharacteristics. This listof tasks is ILLUSTRATIVEONLYandisnotintended tobeacomprehensivelistingoftasksperformed byallpositionsin thisclassification.

1. Public Health Investigations

• Investigates complaints, conducts inspections, and gathers data related to public health concerns.
• Investigates alleged violations of the sanitary code and local health ordinances.
• Conducts investigations for health nuisances and environmental factors.
• Advises on visible health violations and refers the findings to Public Health Epidemiologist.

2. Disease Investigations

• Investigates active cases to identify individuals who may have or have been exposed to reportable diseases.
• Conducts telephone and field investigations to locate, interview, and refer individuals for diagnosis and treatment.
• Assesses environmental conditions in homes or workplaces to identify factors contributing to disease spread
• Communicates with medical providers, produces data reports, and educates patients and providers regarding interventions.
• Interviews patients to obtain epidemiological information, including risk factors and prior disease history
• Maintains required disease reporting and documentation in compliance with local, state, tribal, and federal public health laws and reporting standards.

3. Public Health Representation & Documentation

• Provides the community with public health law enforcement, prevention education, and contact tracing services.
• Responds to public inquiries regarding health laws and standards.
• Creates, maintains, and updates case investigation documents, records, and reports.
• Prepares case histories and investigation summaries.
• Maintains essential records and files in accordance with confidentiality and privacy regulations.
• Utilizes REDCap, MEDSIS, PRISM, and ASIIS for disease reporting and surveillance,

4. Public Health Emergency Response

• Participates in emergency response training as scheduled
• Is available to respond as directed during public health emergencies.

5. Performs other job-related duties as assigned to maintain and enhance departmental operations.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics

• Knowledge of SRPMIC history, culture, laws, customs, and traditions.
• Knowledge of division purpose, policies, projects, and employee responsibilities.
• Knowledge of local, state, tribal, and federal public health laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Knowledge of communicable disease investigation principles, including STI surveillance, reporting, and control.
• Knowledge of sanitary condition investigations and public health nuisance control.
• Knowledge of epidemiological data collection and reporting within Tribal Communities.
• Knowledge of MS Office tools including Teams, SharePoint, and Excel.
• Knowledge of MEDSIS, PRISM, REDCap, and ASIIS or similar disease reporting systems.
• Skills In conducting case investigations, contact tracing, and follow-up activities for communicable diseases.
• Skills in interviewing individuals to obtain sensitive health information using culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches.
• Skills in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting epidemiological and surveillance data.
• Skills in preparing clear, accurate, and timely reports, case summaries, and documentation.
• Skills in delivering health education and prevention messaging to diverse audiences.
• Skills in utilizing electronic health records, surveillance systems, and data management tools.
• Skills in managing multiple priorities, investigations, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Skills in maintaining confidentiality and ensuring compliance with HIPAA and applicable regulations.
• Skills in collaborating effectively with healthcare providers, community partners, and multidisciplinary teams. 
• Ability to interpret, apply, and support compliance with public health laws and regulations.
• Ability to build, modify, and follow investigative processes and procedures.
• Ability to accurately document, report, and maintain disease surveillance data in compliance with privacy and confidentiality standards.
• Ability to learn and utilize electronic and manual recordkeeping and reporting systems.
• Ability to interview individuals of varying backgrounds with tact, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity.
• Ability to observe, analyze, and evaluate conditions and make data-driven recommendations.
• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written formats with diverse populations.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and timely reports.
• Ability to maintain essential records and files.

• High school diploma or GED required; For enrolled Community members without a GED, must obtain a GED. Associate’s degree in public health, Health Care Administration, or a closely related discipline preferred
• Required: One (1) year of experience in field investigations involving the collection of sensitive personal data and preparation of investigative reports.
• Required: One (1) year of experience in health promotion, public health, medical technology, health sciences, or a health-related field.
• Required Special Experience: Two (2) to four (4) years of experience investigating, reporting, and conducting follow-up for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), including case investigations, contact tracing, documentation, and coordination with medical providers in compliance with reportingrequirements.
• Required Technical Ability: Demonstrated ability to utilize, or rapidly learn to utilize, public health disease surveillance and reporting systems, including MEDSIS, PRISM, and ASIS, with the ability to obtain and maintain authorized access.

Within One (1) Year of Hire - Required Training

• Completion of ICS 100, 200, and 300
• American Red Cross Shelter Training
• Disease Investigator training courses
• Completion of a Health Education and/or Health Promotion training, approved by the Public Health Clinical Services Practice Administrator, to enhance skills necessary to inform and educate the Tribal Community

Underfill Eligibility:An enrolled Community Member who closely qualifies for the minimum qualifications for a position may be considered for employment under SRPMIC Policy 2-19, Underfill

• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of an extensive background check and drug screening. Employees in, and applicants applying for, jobs providing direct services to children are subject to the “Community Code of Ordinances”, Chapter 11, “Minors”, Article X. “Investigation of Persons Working with Children”.
  • Preferred to possess and maintain a valid Arizona Operator’s License. 
  • New hires in non-clinical roles with the CPR/BLS requirement must provide valid certification prior to first day of employment or complete course within 60 days of hire.
  • Ensures all patient information is kept confidential and complies with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations and SRPMIC HHS policies and procedures.

Prior to hire as an employee, applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Will be required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check. 

"SRPMIC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer" Preference will be given to a qualified: Community Member Veteran, Community Member, Spouse of Community Member, qualified Native American, and then other qualified candidate.

In order to obtain preference, the following is required: 1) Qualified Community Member Veteran (DD-214) will be required at the time of application submission 2) Qualified Community Member (must provide Tribal I.D at time of application submission),3) Spouse of a Community Member (Marriage License/certificate and spouse Tribal ID or CIB is required at time of application submission), and 4) Native American (Tribal ID or CIB required at time of application submission).

Documents may be submitted by one of the following methods: 

1) attach to application

2) fax (480) 362-5860

3) mail or hand deliver to Human Resources.

4.) email to [email protected]

Documentation must be received by position closing date.