Public Health Disease Intervention Specialist I

Summary: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is one of the largest agencies in the state, focusing on the health and well-being of North Carolinians. They are seeking a Public Health Disease Intervention Specialist I to support the Communicable Disease Branch by conducting field investigations related to sexually transmitted diseases and HIV, providing education and technical assistance, and performing phlebotomy procedures. Responsibilities: - Conduct personal interviews with individuals involved in sexually transmitted disease and HIV investigations to obtain accurate case‑related information - Locate and engage high‑priority case suspects, contacts, and associates to ensure timely medical examination and treatment - Explain disease processes, treatment expectations, prevention strategies, and legal requirements to clients during investigative interactions - Analyze epidemiologic information from interviews and records to determine follow‑up priorities and necessary actions - Provide education, consultation, and technical assistance to local health departments and private providers regarding interview techniques, record procedures, treatment protocols, and quality control - Perform phlebotomy procedures on suspected cases as part of diagnostic and investigative activities - Offer notification, counseling, and referral services for individuals with HIV and their sex or needle‑sharing partners, including risk‑reduction education - Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, medical providers, and community stakeholders across diverse populations - Assist in evaluating the quality and impact of partner notification processes to improve overall disease control outcomes - Travel across assigned counties using personal transportation to complete field investigations and follow‑up responsibilities Required Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution - Demonstrated experience conducting personal interviews and eliciting case‑related information using established investigative and supportive counseling techniques, with intermediate proficiency in applying structured interview processes - Proven skill performing field investigations to locate and engage high‑priority case suspects, contacts, and associates, including managing multi‑county travel and completing follow‑up activities within required timeframes - Experienced in explaining sexually transmitted disease and HIV disease processes, prevention strategies, legal requirements, and treatment expectations in a manner aligned with public health guidance - Professional experience providing technical assistance to local health departments and private providers on interview techniques, treatment procedures, record handling, and quality control standards - Advanced skills in conducting phlebotomy on suspected cases and documenting results as part of the diagnostic and investigative workflow, with demonstrated consistency in adhering to program protocols Required Skills: Field investigations, Phlebotomy, Epidemiologic analysis Important Skills: Interview techniques, Technical assistance Nice-to-Have Skills: Counseling, Education Benefits: Health insurance options, Standard and supplemental retirement plans, NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis), Paid vacation, Sick leave, Community service leave, Paid parental leave