Disease Control Specialist

Disease Control Specialist

The Division of Public and Behavioral Health:
Office of State Epidemiology has an opening for a full time Disease Control Specialist in Reno, NV. Disease Control Specialists play a key role in protecting community health through advanced epidemiological investigations and ongoing disease surveillance. In this position, you will identify, monitor, and respond to communicable, infectious, and chronic diseases. Specialists apply a high level of knowledge and independent judgment and may provide guidance or training to team members.

Core duties involve investigating the origins and patterns of diseases, responding quickly to unusual illness activity or potential outbreaks, advising on measures to limit the spread of disease, and communicating essential treatment and prevention information to partners and the community.

Disease Control Specialists perform epidemiological investigations and surveillance activities related to the identification, control, and reporting of communicable, infectious, and chronic diseases.

Three or more years of applicable experience as described in the job duties and graduation from high school or equivalent education.

Locate disease sources, carriers, and at-risk groups to prevent, treat, and reduce incidence and risk to citizens.

Conduct epidemiological investigations to determine the cause and source of disease.

Respond to outbreaks, clusters, or epidemic threats and recommend containment or risk reduction measures.

Provide information on treatment sources, security requirements, and other procedures to reduce the spread or prevalence of the disease.

Interview cases, contacts, and others in the community about personal behaviors and activities which contribute to disease transmission.

Make collateral contacts to obtain information about others who may have been exposed or infected.

Analyze data, identify trends, and develop projections and recommendations concerning treatment, immunization, and preventive measures.

Determine the prevalence of communicable and chronic diseases in the population.

Assess community needs and available resources.

Organize, coordinate, and participate in committees, task forces, and other work groups.

Identify and coordinate efforts of individuals and groups within the community.

Develop and implement partnerships and cooperative working relationships to provide appropriate care and treatment for affected individuals.

Provide health education, risk reduction training, information, and technical assistance to stakeholders.

Disseminate health information to the public through lectures, films, in-service training, and distributing handbooks, pamphlets, and public information materials.

Enhance disease related knowledge in the population, clarify misunderstandings, and alleviate fears.

Oversee and coordinate telephone hotlines to provide information to callers.

Collect, enter, edit, and analyze data.

Prepare, develop, and distribute analytical, narrative, and statistical reports.

Ensure compliance with federal and State laws and regulations related to disease control and prevention.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of: applicable federal and State laws, regulations, guidelines, and agency policies and procedures; biological principles related to disease etiology, immunity, prevention, and treatment.

Skill in: interpersonal and communication, both verbal and written. Use and operation of office and job-related equipment and software.

Ability to: establish and maintain cooperative relationships with high-risk groups and individuals, the public, and medical and educational communities involved in programs and activities to control communicable diseases; conduct interviews and provide counseling regarding health hazards and high-risk personal behavior; conduct epidemiological investigations. Compile and evaluate data; gather and disseminate scientific and technical information related to disease prevention, transmission, and treatment;

participate in presentations to various groups; prepare written materials, reports, proposals, recommendations, and other items…