Disease Investigation Specialist

Under general supervision, performs professional public health nursing responsibilities of considerable difficulty with a specialized focus on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention and control, primarily syphilis, with the goal of reducing syphilis transmission and the incidence of congenital syphilis. Performs disease investigation, surveillance, testing, treatment, case management, reporting, education, and provider coordination; performs related work as assigned. (Essential function, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics.

This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.) Coordinates, plans, and implements specialized public health nursing activities related to STI and syphilis prevention, detection, treatment, surveillance, and control, with particular emphasis on preventing congenital syphilis. Conducts Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) activities, including investigation and follow-up of syphilis cases, patient interviewing, partner services, contact identification and notification, linkage to testing and treatment, and documentation of investigation activities.

Reviews surveillance information and available epidemiologic data to identify, prioritize, investigate, and follow syphilis cases in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local guidance and established case-prioritization protocols. Assesses clients' health status and risk factors; obtains health and sexual histories; provides STI and syphilis testing; collects specimens for laboratory testing; interprets results within nursing scope of practice; and coordinates appropriate follow-up care.

Provides and/or coordinates treatment for syphilis in accordance with current clinical guidelines, standing orders, medical direction, and nursing scope of practice. Monitors treatment completion and facilitates timely treatment for patients and identified partners. Conducts case management and follow-up for pregnant persons diagnosed with or at risk for syphilis to support timely testing, appropriate treatment, partner management, continuity of care, and prevention of congenital syphilis.

Coordinates with prenatal, obstetric, hospital, and other healthcare providers as appropriate. Provides individualized education and counseling to patients regarding syphilis and other relevant STIs, including transmission, prevention, testing, treatment, reinfection, partner services, pregnancy-related risks, and recommended follow-up. Serves as a clinical and public health resource to healthcare providers regarding syphilis testing, treatment, reporting, case management, and congenital syphilis prevention. Collaborates with physicians, healthcare facilities, laboratories, ADHS, and other partners to facilitate appropriate patient care and disease-control activities.

Completes timely and accurate disease surveillance, case investigation, and reporting activities in required electronic systems, including PRISM. Reviews records and data for completeness, accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with applicable reporting requirements. Communicates with ADHS regarding syphilis cases, investigations, treatment, surveillance, reporting, and other disease-control activities. Participates in technical assistance, training, quality assurance, and data-review activities as appropriate. Analyzes program and surveillance data to identify trends, gaps, barriers, and opportunities to improve syphilis prevention and congenital syphilis outcomes.

Assists with monitoring program performance, quality improvement activities, and achievement of established project goals, milestones, and performance measures. Provides education and technical guidance to healthcare providers, community partners, staff, and other appropriate audiences regarding syphilis prevention, testing, treatment, reporting requirements, congenital syphilis prevention, and evidence-based public health practices. Prepares and maintains records and reports of services delivered, disease investigations, treatment, patient outcomes, educational activities, and other program activities necessary to meet local, state, and grant reporting requirements.

Assists with implementation and monitoring of RHTP Project B:
Maternal and Fetal Health–Congenital Syphilis activities, approved action plans, deliverables, performance measures, and…