Disease Intervention Specialist Under the general supervision of the DIS Supervisor, this position functions as a Disease Intervention Specialist with integrated clinical nursing capabilities to support communicable disease prevention and control. The role is responsible for conducting disease investigation, sample collection, partner services, client interviewing, case management, and public health interventions related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, syphilis, and other communicable diseases. This position utilizes clinical nursing skills to enhance field-based and clinic-based interventions, including testing, treatment, and follow-up care. The employee is expected to carry a full DIS caseload while incorporating clinical judgment and nursing competencies to improve client outcomes, reduce barriers to care, and strengthen public health response efforts. This position serves a multi-county region and requires independent judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage sensitive and confidential information. The employee receives periodic review and appraisal of performance plus functional and administrative supervision. The ideal candidate will display a strong commitment to the practice of public health and embrace the mission, vision and values of Canton City Public Health.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:- Conducts case investigations for known and suspected communicable diseases, including interviewing cases and contacts, obtaining medical and behavioral histories, identifying partners, and performing contact tracing and outreach.
- Conducts field visits to homes, hospitals, correctional facilities, shelters, and other community settings to locate clients and provide services.
- Performs record searches using electronic medical records, disease surveillance systems, and other databases to support case finding and follow-up.
- Maintains accurate and confidential client records in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- Compiles and submits epidemiological data and reports related to case investigations, morbidity reporting, and program monitoring.
- Produces and maintains documentation for case tracking and partner services activities.
- Provides education, consultation, and guidance to healthcare providers, laboratories, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
- Develops and delivers public health education and outreach to individuals and community groups.
- Maintains strict compliance with all applicable privacy and confidentiality laws and regulations, including HIPAA, when handling protected health information.
- Clinical and Field-Based Intervention Support:
- Performs clinical assessments in field and clinic settings to support disease investigation and treatment.
- Collects specimens, including blood samples, and performs or facilitates appropriate testing.
- Provides pre-test and post-test counseling, including education on results, risk reduction, and prevention strategies.
- Administers medications and treatments under established protocols and within scope of nursing practice.
- Reviews laboratory results and ensures appropriate follow-up, treatment, and continuity of care.
- Identifies and addresses barriers to care by connecting clients to medical, behavioral health, and social services.
- Supports mobile and field-based clinical operations, including accompanying providers as needed.
- Applies infection control and safety practices when working with bloodborne pathogens and communicable diseases.
- Public Health Response and Program Support:
- Participates in public health emergency response activities, including surge response, outbreak investigation, and emergency preparedness efforts.
- Assists in monitoring local, state, and national disease trends to inform response activities.
- Facilitates or supports program-specific activities such as congenital syphilis review processes and other intervention initiatives.
- Attends required trainings, including those mandated by the Ohio Department of Health.
- Participates in staff meetings, committees, and team-based initiatives to support program effectiveness.
- Contributes to continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to enhance services and outcomes.
The employee is expected to support both Disease Intervention Specialist and clinical nursing functions, with duties assigned according to program priorities and operational needs. Clinical nursing assignments will generally be planned and communicated in advance; however, occasional schedule or duty adjustments may be necessary to support staffing coverage, outbreak response, or other public health activities. Every effort will be made to maintain continuity of core DIS services and case management responsibilities.
Minimum Qualifications and Credentials:
Minimum of an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) from an accredited nursing program.
Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Ohio.
Valid driver's license.
First Aid and CPR certification.
The following must be acquired and maintained. These credentials are not required upon initial hire but must be acquired after hiring within 6 months. Training will be provided for all these credentials:
National Incident Management System (NIMS) / Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 700, and 800.
Work Environment:
This position requires work in both office and field environments across a large, multi-county region. Fieldwork may involve travel to high-risk areas and interactions with vulnerable populations. Moderate to high concentration and clinical skill may be required in field settings. Frequent use of personal protective equipment is necessary to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Interactions may entail regular exposure to psychologically or emotionally challenging information, necessitating resilience and a supportive team atmosphere to maintain well-being of self and staff and effectively address the needs of individuals served. This position may require scheduling of duties at night, on weekends or other non-traditional work hours. Scheduling of duties may occur with less than 24 hours' notice. City vehicles will be provided for work activities/work travel with supervisor approval. Travel may be required outside of Canton and occasionally, overnight. Reasonable accommodation in accordance with ADA Compliance will be made available to those who need it to achieve the above descriptions. Benefit: This position takes part in a pension plan from the Ohio Public Employment Retirement System. Eligible for insurance (medical, dental, vision, life), paid sick leave, paid vacation and paid holidays.
