Public Health - Communicable Disease Investigator I/II

Communicable Disease Investigator I/II - Public Health

Are you interested in making a difference? If so, please consider joining our dedicated team at the Department of Health & Human Services! The Communicable Disease Prevention and Response Unit works closely with the Health Officer, Epidemiology staff, California Department of Public Health (CDPH), community partners and the local medical community to investigate infectious diseases outbreaks and prevent the spread of communicable disease per Title 17 regulations (CA Code of Regulations (CCR) §2500 and 2505).

Job Highlights:

• Conducts communicable disease investigations and contact tracing for reportable conditions under Title 17 CCR §2500 and §2505, interviewing and counseling cases and contacts, documenting findings, and reviewing outcomes with the team under the supervision of a Public Health Nurse. Monitors outbreaks and follows up on a wide range of reportable diseases, making recommendations to support appropriate prevention, treatment, control, and reporting under the direction of the PHN and Supervising PHN.

• Supports tuberculosis case management, including Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) and video DOT, delivering prescribed medications in the field or clinic, and transporting patients or contacts when needed to facilitate medical evaluation and treatment.

• Performs medical chart reviews and enters case, contact, and laboratory data into web-based surveillance systems (e.g., CalREDIE), and prepares, submits, and maintains detailed records and technical reports for local, state, and federal agencies. Applies analytical techniques and information-gathering processes and obtains required information and data for analysis.

• Serves as a liaison with medical providers, laboratories, and the public, responding to phone and email inquiries, ensuring provider follow-up is completed, delivering education and outreach on communicable diseases, and assisting with public health emergency preparedness activities.

Under general supervision, performs administrative, statistical, noncriminal disease investigations, public health information and community liaison, counseling and educational work in public health laws, rules and regulations that govern communicable or infectious diseases to ensure treatment and follow up; performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Communicable Disease Investigator I is the entry level in this paraprofessional support class. Initially under close supervision the incumbents learn program policies and procedures. This class is alternatively staffed with Communicable Disease Investigator II and the incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications of the higher level.

Communicable Disease Investigator II is an experienced class responsible for conducting investigations related to communicable disease and health problems and hazards in the community; provides education related to communicable diseases; maintains statistics and provides administrative support and analysis related to communicable disease investigative work. Performs other related work as assigned.

• Conducts communicable disease investigations.
• Monitors outbreaks of communicable diseases and provides recommendation to support appropriate prevention, treatment, control and reporting.
• Investigates and follows up on a wide range of reportable communicable diseases to ensure appropriate prevention, treatment, control and reporting are implemented.
• Discusses findings with the team and records all findings appropriately.
• Determines analytical techniques and information-gathering processes and obtains required information and data for analysis.
• Interviews and counsels clients who are at risk for or have communicable and/or chronic diseases.
• Prepares, submits and maintains detailed records for local, state and federal agencies.
• Provides consultation, outreach, patient education, training and public messaging about communicable diseases to diverse community and health care provider groups through a variety of forums.
• Participates as contact liaison for state fiscal, communicable disease program staff and county fiscal department; monitors expenditures, requests materials and equipment to meet program needs.
• Delivers prescribed medications to patients in the field or in the clinic.
• Transports patients and contacts when required to facilitate medical evaluation, care and treatment of communicable disease; communicates with providers to ensure follow up is completed.
• Prepares technical reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Prepares, submits and maintains detailed records for local, state and federal agencies.
• Provides consultation, outreach, education, training and public messaging about communicable diseases to diverse community and health care provider groups through a variety of forums.
• Contacts patients and transports when required to facilitate medical evaluation, care, and treatment of communicable disease.
• Performs medical chart reviews.
• Enters data into web-based electronic database.
• Responds to phone and email inquiries from the public and medical providers.
• Communicates with medical providers to ensure appropriate follow up is completed.
• Participates and assists with public health emergency preparedness activities.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of field investigation, interviewing and counseling techniques.
• Principles of disease transmission and prevention.
• Communicable disease etiology, manifestations, progression, diagnosis and treatment.
• Medical and drug terminology, laboratory testing procedures.
• Title 17, California Code of Regulations: Reportable Communicable Disease.
• Principles and practices of effective public speaking.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Business computer user applications, particularly as related to statistical analysis.
• Basic organization functions and operations of a public agency.
• Personal safety techniques.
• Applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

Skill in: 

• Analyzing administrative, operational and organizational problems, evaluating alternatives and reaching sound conclusions.
• Conducting interviews of a highly personal nature.
• Maintaining a calm demeanor and presenting data in highly charged and rapidly changing situations.
• Collecting, evaluating and interpreting varied information and data, either in statistical or narrative form.
• Working with diverse populations.
• Working around blood-borne pathogens and infectious diseases.
• Establishing and maintaining effective, ethical, and cooperative relationships with medical and laboratory personnel, public officials and community groups.
• Preparing and making educational presentations to varied groups.
• Preparing clear, concise and complete reports and other written materials.
• Exercising sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Maintaining accurate records and files.

Other Requirements: 

Must possess a valid California driver's license. 

Desirable Education and Experience: 

 A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:

Communicable Disease Investigator I:  Equivalent to two years in a college or university with emphasis in public health, biological science, nursing or a related field; and one year of experience working in a community health setting. 

Communicable Disease Investigator II:  In addition to the above, two years experience performing communicable disease investigation activities in a setting similar to those of the County's class of Communicable Disease Investigator I.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County’s automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca. 

Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer. 

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected. 

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement.  Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.  

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible. 

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable.  Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

Can I change my application after submitting it?

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position. 

If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. 

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States.  For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.  THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.