Disease Investigation Specialist I/II

Overview

THE CURRENT VACANCY IS IN THE

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY – PUBLIC HEALTH BRANCH

 

ORAL EXAM IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 2024

 

SEE “SPECIAL REQUIREMENT” SECTION REGARDING

POSSESSION OF A VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE AND

POSSESSION OF CALIFORNIA CERTIFICATION IN PHLEBOTOMY

 

RESPONSES TO SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS REQUIRED

 

FINAL FILING DATE: AUGUST 20, 2024 AT 5:00 PM

 

SALARY INFORMATION

 

Disease Investigation Specialist I: $4,678 – $5,971 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $26.99- $34.45 APPROXIMATE HOURLY*

Disease Investigation Specialist II: $5,058 – $6,455 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $29.18 – $37.24 APPROXIMATE HOURLY*

 

*Please refer to the appropriate Bargaining Unit Memorandum of Understanding for potential future salary increases* Please visit https://www.shastacounty.gov/personnel/page/labor-agreements-mous.

ABOUT SHASTA COUNTY

 

Shasta County offers all the amenities of the big city while retaining a comfortable small-town atmosphere.  With its natural beauty, affordable housing, excellent educational system, abundance of recreational opportunities, and excellent quality of life, Shasta County is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

 

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

 

Health and Human Services Agency

The Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) partners with communities to protect and improve the health and well-being of Shasta County residents. Established in 2006, the HHSA is organized into four branches: Behavioral Health & Social Services, Public Health, Economic Mobility, with a centralized Administration Services. The HHSA promotes optimal health for all. The frail, the abused, the mentally ill and those without resources look to the HHSA for services and resources to meet their basic needs, and to protect their health and safety. This transformation improves efficiency, avoids unnecessary duplication of effort, encourages collaboration among programs and organizes the HHSA’s services to be more responsive to the needs of the public.

 

The Public Health Branch focuses on community-wide prevention of communicable disease, chronic disease, injury, substance abuse, family violence, and lead poisoning. Public Health helps the community develop policies and support community environments that encourage healthy behaviors. It promotes nutrition and physical activity, healthy aging, worksite wellness and healthy communities. Public Health is also where the HHSA’s emergency response unit is headquartered, and its laboratory provides testing services for Shasta and numerous other Northern California counties.

 

ABOUT THE POSITION

 

A Disease Investigation Specialist is a public health professional with applied expertise in the following areas: client centered interviews; collection of enhanced surveillance and community assessment data; partner services to include contact tracing; field investigation and other field-based activities, including specimen collection, directly observed therapy, community outreach, collaboration with medical providers, and navigation of health care systems to ensure patient evaluation and treatment.  Relevant program areas may include tuberculosis, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and other communicable disease, outbreak investigation, and emergency preparedness and response.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

 

Disease Investigation Specialist I

The Disease Investigation Specialist I is the entry level position in the series. Under close supervision, incumbents are given detailed instruction in the performance of routine tasks that are more structured and repetitive than the tasks assigned at the journey level.  The Disease Investigation Specialist I differs from the Disease Investigation Specialist II in that the Disease Investigation Specialist II is the journey level of the class series performing more complex disease investigations and serving as a resource and trainer for the Disease Investigation Specialist I.

 

Disease Investigation Specialist II

The Disease Investigation Specialist II is the journey level of the class series performing more complex disease investigations and serving as a resource and trainer for the Disease Investigation Specialist I.  The Disease Investigation Specialist II is the targeted competency and performance level for the Disease Investigation Specialist series.

 

IDEAL CANDIDATE

 

The Communicable Disease (CD) Unit in the Public Health Branch is seeking a dedicated and passionate Disease Investigation Specialist to join our team in preventing the transmission of communicable diseases in Shasta County. The ideal candidate will have experience in CD prevention, a thorough understanding of all aspects of disease transmission, and the ability to effectively work with vulnerable or hard-to-reach populations.

 

Our ideal candidate possesses excellent oral and written communication skills, demonstrating comfort in directly communicating with clients, referring them to necessary resources, and collaborating with medical providers and community partners. The candidate should be able to work both autonomously and collaboratively within a team, showcasing a flexible and proactive approach. Key qualifications for the ideal candidate include experience with reading and interpreting medical records, comfort with medical terminology, and direct patient contact experience. Additionally, the candidate should be comfortable with the idea of collecting specimens from various sources, including the performance of venipunctures, and managing potentially contaminated blood and stool specimens. Experience in performing client interviews (in-person or telephonic) to obtain critical information during disease investigations, proficiency in working with computers and computer applications, and knowledge of the basic principles of infection control and prevention, acquired through either experience or education, are also essential. The ideal candidate will have experience in communicating and engaging with various healthcare providers and other community-based organizations, possess flexibility and the ability to work with ambiguity, and exhibit initiative and a self-starter mentality. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to public health and be passionate about ensuring the health and safety of the Shasta County community.

 

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:  Conduct investigations using various investigation methodologies (e.g. field investigation, available record search and electronic tools, electronic health and medical records, site assessments); comprehensive interviews of persons with suspected and active communicable diseases to identify potential contacts, source of infection and location of disease transmission; locates suspected contacts and persons infected with communicable diseases to notify and educate them about test results, disease exposure and tests required; enters and retrieves data and compiles reports pertaining to case investigation using multiple databases, programs and worksheets; document intervention activities in a timely and accurate manner; promote a confidential and comfortable environment for client communications while maintaining compliance with HIPAA requirements; verify that clients received testing, adequate treatment, and follow-up services as appropriate; provide clinical testing and specimen collection based on specific diagnosis; participate in event based and targeted testing, screening and outreach; administer, and or deliver testing, test results, and/or treatment to clients; collect and transport specimens as appropriate; provide or facilitate transportation to client’s clinic appointments; maintain field supplies and comply with field safety procedures; serve as a local resource for public health information or recommendations to the community and providers; participate in emergency preparedness training and support outbreak response interventions.

 

 

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education and experience sufficient to directly demonstrate possession and application of the following:

Knowledge of:  Ethical and professional conduct; privacy practices (HIPAA) and disease reporting procedures; client-centered interviewing and counseling techniques; modes of transmission, diagnosis, disease characteristics, treatment, prevention and control of STD, HIV, and other communicable diseases; methods and techniques of investigation of diseases, disease testing protocols; public health law enforcement and organizational functions of public health.

Ability to:  Communicate clearly using active listening; establish and maintain collaborative professional relationships; conduct effective interviews of a highly personal nature; utilize critical thinking, initiative and tact in contact tracing for follow-up treatment; work effectively with medical personnel and public officials; collect, handle and process patient specimens; utilize social media and record searching modalities for investigative purposes; prepare and maintain confidential reports and correspondence; adapt to unfamiliar and changing environments; problem solve in the field and in client living settings; work with a socio-economically and culturally diverse population of clients including unsheltered persons, injection drug users, undocumented, incarcerated and populations with high rates of STD.

These employment standards are typically attained with:

 

Disease Investigation Specialist I

 

Completion of 60 semester or 90 quarter units (AA degree equivalent) from an accredited college or university in biological sciences, health science, public health, behavioral sciences, or a related field AND two years of experience working in a public health, community based, or medical organization in the provision of community-based health services such as communicable disease investigation, health education, counseling, interviewing or a closely related field. A bachelor’s degree in biological science, health science, public health, behavioral health, or a related field may substitute for one year of experience, OR
Three years of experience working in public health, community based or medical organization conducting communicable disease investigation.
Disease Investigation Specialist II

 

A bachelor’s degree in biological science, health science, public health, behavioral health or a related field; AND two years of experience working in a public health, community based, or medical organization in the provision of community-based health services such as communicable disease investigation, health education, counseling, interviewing or a closely related field, OR
Completion of 60 semester or 90 quarter units (AA degree equivalent) from an accredited college or university in biological sciences, health science, public health, behavioral sciences, or a related field; AND three years of experience working in a public health, community based, or medical organization in the provision of community-based health services such as communicable disease investigation, health education, counseling, interviewing or a closely related field, OR
Four years of experience working in public health, community based or medical organization conducting communicable disease investigation.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

 

Disease Investigation Specialist I

 

Possession of a California Driver’s License
Obtain HIV/HCV testing certification within 6 months of hire.
Obtain Partner Services STD certification within 6 months of hire.
Obtain California certification in phlebotomy within 18 months of hire.
Disease Investigation Specialist II

 

Possession of a California Driver’s License
Possession of California certification in phlebotomy
Obtain HIV/HCV testing certification within 6 months of hire.
Obtain Partner Services STD certification within 6 months of hire.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS

 

Responses to the following must be submitted with a completed application.

Have you completed at least 60 semester or 90 quarter units (AA degree equivalent) from an accredited college or university in biological sciences, health science, public health, behavioral sciences, or a related field AND two years of experience working in a public health, community based, or medical organization in the provision of community-based health services such as communicable disease investigation, health education, counseling, interviewing or a closely related field? If yes, please state the major(s) of your degree and applicable experience. If no, please type “n/a.”
Do you possess a bachelor’s degree in biological science, health science, public health, behavioral health, or a related field? If yes, please state the major(s) of your degree. If no, please type “n/a.”
Do you have three (3) – four (4) years of experience working in public health, community based or medical organization conducting communicable disease investigation? If “yes”, please list the job title(s), dates of employment, and the job duties. If no, please type “n/a.”
I acknowledge that this position does/may require a valid California driver’s license. Yes/No
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

 

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear or to use hands to finger, handle, or feel.  The employee frequently is required to walk and sit.  The employee is occasionally required to stand; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

 

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

 

All new employees are required to have their paycheck directly deposited to a bank account.
Some positions may require a valid California driver’s license and acceptable driving record according to County policy.
Reasonable accommodations may be made for those persons who are disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act to perform the essential functions of the position.
As part of the selection process, all individuals provided with a preliminary offer of employment with Shasta County will be subject to a background investigation, including a criminal history check (primarily completed through the taking of fingerprints). An image of your fingerprints will be captured and sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history, (if any), will be evaluated along with the other information received in connection with your application. Except as otherwise required by law, a criminal conviction will not necessarily disqualify you from the position. The nature of the offense, the date of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, and the relevance of the offense to the position applied for may, however, be considered.
Based on the results of the background investigation and criminal history check, applicants may then be provided with an offer of employment conditioned on the results of a medical examination, which includes drug/alcohol testing.
Shasta County participates in E-Verify. For more information visit https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RighttoWorkPoster.pdf (Download PDF reader). If you do not have internet access, contact Personnel at (530) 225-5515 to request a flyer.
In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, County employees, in the event of a disaster are considered disaster workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
Positions in this classification are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the County and the United Public Employees of California – General Unit.
Employees in this classification are covered under the CalPERS retirement program. Depending on the provisions of the California Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and other applicable laws, an employee in this classification will be covered under one of the following CalPERS retirement formulas: (1) 2% at 55, (2) 2% at 60, or (3) 2% at 62. An employee in this classification will also contribute up to 9.5% his/her pay to this plan or will contribute such other amount to the plan as authorized by PEPRA and other applicable laws. Please visit our employees benefit page at https://www.shastacounty.gov/personnel/page/employee-benefits for additional information regarding benefits and CalPERS coverage information. The provisions in this flyer and on the County website are for information purposes only. To the extent the provisions of the flyer or the County website are inconsistent with PEPRA and other applicable laws, PEPRA and other applicable laws shall govern.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURES
Shasta County Personnel will accept applications and responses to the supplemental questions until 5:00 p.m., on August 20, 2024. A Resume and/or Cover Letter will be accepted in addition to the application form but will not serve as a substitute for a completed application. It is not acceptable to complete the application with statements such as, “Refer to Resume and/or Cover Letter,” or “See Attached Resume and/or Cover Letter” the employment application must be completed in its entirety prior to submission. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Closing date postmarks or faxes will NOT be accepted. This recruitment will establish a list that may or may not be used by other departments. Prior applicants must reapply to be considered.

 

Applicants will be screened and those considered best qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the announced 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.

 

Veterans’ Credit: Veterans (as defined by California Government Code section 18973) who have been discharged from military service under conditions other than dishonorable and who receive a passing score on all components of the employment examinations (up to and including oral examinations) shall receive credit for an additional five points to be added to their final examination score. To be considered for this credit, a veteran MUST provide a copy of his or her discharge document (DD-214 or equivalent) and information as to the type of discharge (honorable, dishonorable, etc.) WITH THE EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION ON OR BEFORE THE FINAL FILING DATE.

 

Applicants are encouraged to apply on-line at www.ShastaCountyCareers.com or submit an application to the Shasta County Personnel Office.

 

Arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants with disabilities. Requests for accommodations may be made to the Shasta County Personnel Office by the filing deadline posted on this bulletin. Shasta County does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you feel you are being denied service based on a disability, our ADA Coordinator may be reached at (530) 225-5515; relay service (800) 735-2922; fax (530) 225-5345.

 

Shasta County will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Shasta County is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act.

 

 

SHASTA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Shasta County Personnel

1450 Court Street, Suite 348; Redding, CA 96001; (530) 225-5515