Definition of Class

• The incumbent is a public health professional providing educational, advisory and supportive services for the control and eradication of communicable diseases. This individual obtains and handles highly confidential information and must ensure discretion and confidentiality. Promotes, organizes, and participates in the investigation of diseases and projects including selective screening surveys and clinic operations for the location, control, and eradication of communicable diseases. Works independently and closely with internal programs and various community members and organizations following established guidelines. Completed work is reviewed by a supervisor for compliance with established guidelines and for program effectiveness through reports and conferences.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Organizes and directs selective or comprehensive disease investigations for locating, controlling, and eliminating communicable diseases and other reportable diseases.
• Conducts case management of clients and contacts to ensure proper testing is conducted and the current recommended treatment has been prescribed and administered. When necessary, effectiveness of treatment is monitored.
• Reports all components of disease investigation to the state department of health adhering to the required timeframes.
• Works collaboratively with other team members while providing technical assistance and guidance to health department personnel and health care providers in Erie County.
• Speaks to professional and community groups on disease control aspects of the public health program. Assists in the in-service training program for health program representatives.
• Coordinates outreach and testing activities and programs.
• Performs varied tests such as blood and fluid samplings of individuals.
• Provides direct services to the public during community-based testing events, vaccination events, or during similar events as requested.
• Plans, coordinates, and implements health initiatives, including preparing materials for brochures, articles, news releases, and media spots to increase awareness of disease prevention.
• Develops, reviews, and revises reports, charts, and graphs for use by others. Position involves extensive use of electronic reporting systems, databases, and software programs.
• Performs related work as required.
• The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the job.
• Employee will be supplied with the appropriate forms of personal protective equipment for any public interactions.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of communicable diseases.
• Knowledge of the Federal and State rules and regulations pertinent to disease control.
• Ability to confidentially investigate persons suspected of communicable diseases and to evaluate pertinent information and situations.
• Ability to explain provisions of the laws and regulations pertaining to communicable diseases and the control thereof.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional individuals and groups, public and private agencies, and the general public and representatives of the Federal and State agencies.
• Ability to speak effectively in public and to express ideas clearly, orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of techniques and methods of effective individual and community education.
• Ability to evaluate pertinent information and situations.
• Adept at use of computer software programs and hardware, as well as social media.
• Skilled in de-escalation methods in person or over the phone.
• Ability to quickly learn new medical/health information and explain the information in clear terms to individuals with varying levels of health literacy.
• Ability to deliver difficult information with empathy.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in community health, public health, health education, natural, social, or behavioral science, or any equivalent combination of experience and training
• One year of applicable experience

Conditions Of Employment

• The selected candidate will be pre-employment required to obtain, at their own expense, 3 forms of clearance, including PA State Police Criminal History Record Check; PA Child Abuse History; and FBI Criminal History Background Check including finger printing. This pre-employment requirement applies to all County employees exercising their bumping rights.
• Possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver's license and the ability to obtain appropriate transportation necessary to perform the duties of the position is required.