DISEASE INTERVENTION SPECIALIST I

Understands and acknowledges that Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County uses evidence-based and evidence-informed public health practices based on scientific research including health promotion theory and practice, environmental health measures, and communicable disease control measures including vaccination, isolation, and quarantine practices, and medicine for treatment and prevention of disease, among others. Conducts interviews and counseling for communicable diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Virus (AIDS), providing educational, behavioral, and risk reduction messaging to targeted population(s).

Salary Range: B24 ($25.32 - $30.77/hour) - Non-exempt
* salary commensurate with experience 

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Disease Intervention Supervisor, the Disease Intervention Specialist I is responsible for investigating reports of sexually transmitted diseases; conducting counseling/interview sessions, gathering elicit partner contact information, collecting specimens, and providing testing. 

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Conducts interviews and counseling for communicable diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Virus (AIDS), providing educational, behavioral, and risk reduction messaging to targeted population(s).  Interviewing sessions consisting of contact elicitation for active disease intervention or partner notification per PHDMC policy.
• Coordinates disease intervention activities and advises local health departments and health care agencies, when appropriate, to assure optimum disease intervention. Assists with collecting and compiling of data, the planning and developing of community health-related programs; and referring and locating services for clients.
• Assists with community engagement through outreach and recruitment efforts, fostering public relationships and partnering with community groups to network and promote healthy outcomes.
• Assists with training new or less experienced staff members in quality disease intervention activities in accordance with the Quality Assurance Guidelines for Disease Intervention Specialists and program policy.
• Demonstrates both individual and program accountability by establishing and maintaining accurate, legible, appropriate, and thorough documentation of all disease intervention and related activities.
• Obtains, human biological specimens when needed/required. Performs venipuncture to collect serological specimens (if venipuncture certified) for disease testing in accordance with program guidelines and supervisory direction.  Appropriately labels specimens for identification purposes and transports specimens to appropriate testing facility. 
• Acquires knowledge of, reviews, and complies with rules, regulations, policies, and current findings relating to disease and Ohio Department of Health’s STD/HIV Prevention Unit. 
• Is an active participant in professional growth through attendance at meetings, trainings, workshops, self-instructional courses, and webinars regarding disease intervention activities.
• May participate on interview panels and in applicant selection process.
• Supports PHDMC goals, mission, vision, values, and objectives through daily tasks and special projects.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Health and Human Services, Social Work, Social and Behavioral Sciences, or another related social services field  
• Five years’ experience working with culturally and economically diverse populations, including all genders and ethnicities; gay/bisexual/transgender populations, and people living with chronic disease, substance users and persons with mental health diagnosis
• Familiarity with public health program implementation and evaluations  
• Ability to gain certification of venipuncture training by the American Red Cross or other qualified training facility within 12 months of hire, HIV Counseling, Testing and Referral (CTR) within (6) months of hire and PASSPORT to Partner Services training within three (3) months of hire
• Understands and acknowledges that Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County uses evidence-based and evidence-informed public health practices based on scientific research including health promotion theory and practice, environmental health measures, and communicable disease control measures including vaccination, isolation, and quarantine practices, and medicine for treatment and prevention of disease, among others
• Understands and acknowledges the use of tobacco or nicotine products in any form including replacement therapy products and prescription medications used to treat smoking addiction for anyone hired after January 1, 2014, is prohibited
• Required to play an active role during a public health emergency, crisis, outbreak, incident, or event in which the Health Commissioner deems additional personnel resources are warranted.  This may include changes in responsibilities and working locations/hours
• Completion of Incident Command System 100 and National Incident Management System 700 courses within 90 days of hire.
• Valid State of Ohio driver’s license and insurance on any personal vehicle that will be used for work

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education/training in social work, health promotion/education, public health, health sciences or related field.
• Motivational Interviewing and strengths-based case management  
• One (1) year experience demonstrating the knowledge and background of HIV/STDs 
• One (1) year experience interviewing and conducting case note documentation

PHDMC provides a quality, affordable, and competitive benefits package to employees, including the following:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Vacation, Sick, Personal Leave, and Paid holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Membership with Ohio Public Employees Retirement Systems (OPERS)
• Eligibility to contribute to a Deferred Compensation Program

 

Grant Funded:  Yes

Closing Date to Apply:  October 5, 2026 or until position is filled

Position is subject to a criminal background check

Applicants who declare use of nicotine/tobacco in any form including replacement therapy products and prescription medications used to treat smoking addiction on the PHDMC Application for Employment or addendum thereto, shall not be considered for employment.

Applicants who do not support and promote Public Health evidence-based and evidence-informed public health practices shall not be considered for employment.

PUBLIC HEALTH - DAYTON & MONTGOMERY COUNTY (PHDMC) IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, AGE, NATIONAL ORIGIN, DISABILITY, MILITARY STATUS, VETERAN STATUS, GENETIC TESTING, OR OTHER UNLAWFUL BIAS EXCEPT WHEN SUCH A FACTOR CONSTITUTES A BONA FIDE OCCUPATIONAL QUALIFICATION (“BFOQ”).