Job Description

PHMC serves as both a direct service provider to individuals, families, and communities across the region and an intermediary agent, managing large-scale contracts, government and philanthropic partnerships, and multidisciplinary initiatives that require operational sophistication, strategic leadership, and deep mission alignment.

DEPARTMENT: Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH)

DIVISION: Division of Disease Control (DDC)

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH), through its STD Control program located within the Division of Disease Control, works to control the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Philadelphia, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV. The program provides  walk in testing and treatment for STIs, works to control the spread of STIs by offering confidential services, including referral, testing, and treatment to the sex partners of people with an STI, provides education, urine-based screening, and treatment for gonorrhea and chlamydia in all Philadelphia public high schools, provides advice and consultation to doctors, nurses, and other community partners about the diagnosis and treatment of STIs, and provides  free male and female condoms

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION:

DIS are core personnel in many local and state health departments who investigate communicable diseases and perform several tasks related to preventing the spread of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV. These tasks include but are not limited to: client-centered interviews; collection of enhanced surveillance and community assessment data; partner services, including contact tracing; field investigation and other field-based activities, including specimen collection, performing phlebotomy, directly observed therapy; community outreach; collaboration with medical providers and navigation of health care systems to ensure patient evaluation, treatment, linkage to care and other supportive services; and mobilization for outbreak investigation and emergency response.

The duties of a DIS are primarily performed in the field, often in high-risk urban areas. DIS are required to perform field investigative activities in areas where STDs and other infectious diseases are prevalent, which are often areas with extreme poverty and high crime rates. In addition, a DIS must have a personal vehicle and be willing to transport patients, coworkers, supervisors, and clinical specimens. Reimbursement may be available for staff to supplement current auto insurance coverage to allow transport of those previously mentioned.

The funding for this position is available through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which aims to strengthen the ability of state and local health departments to respond to outbreaks of infectious diseases. Although this position will be housed in the Philadelphia Department of Health’s STD Control Program, staff employed in this position may be deployed to other Health Department Programs to assist in addressing outbreaks of infectious diseases.

This position will report to designated supervisory and management staff, which may include federal, state, city, and/or contract staff within the STD Control Program. Overall direction for the STD Control Program is provided by the STD Control Program Manager, in efforts to reduce STD morbidity and prevent the sequelae of untreated infections in Philadelphia. The STD Control Program receives direction from the Division of Disease Control, PDPH.

This position is full-time, Monday through Friday. Employees are expected to work in the office or in the field full-time. The individual must be willing to work variable hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends. This is a grant-funded position; continuation is contingent upon sustained funding.

Responsibilities:

• Counsel patients with STDs, HIV, and/or other infectious diseases by conducting field investigative activities to locate and refer for examination people suspected of having these diseases.
• Manage assigned individuals diagnosed with STDs in accordance with established STD Program protocols, including interviewing individuals, ongoing analysis of source/spread/cluster relationships, rapid response to Supervisory directives, identification of high-risk locations for subsequent screening activities, and timely case closure. Assures exhaustive case management and documentation.
• Conduct timely field investigative activities to locate individuals with suspected or confirmed STD infection and assure appropriate examination/treatment. Document all activities in accordance with STD Program protocols.
• Obtain clinical specimens from patients, including blood (phlebotomy), urine, and pharyngeal specimens, in field and clinic settings, in accordance with established protocols.
• Provide screening and education at high-risk venues such as bars, bathhouses, crack houses, and other locations.
• Provide STD presentations at health fairs, schools, community-based organizations, and local, state, and national conferences regarding STDs.
• Participate in a variety of STD Program activities including screening/education/referral services at Family Court, Philadelphia Prisons, Youth Study Center, and STD Clinics, for example.
• Staff Mobile Units and assist in recruitment of high-risk individuals (e.g., prostitutes and drug users), conducting specimen collection and processing of paperwork and specimens.
• Support the Philadelphia High School STD Screening program by providing presentations, urine specimen processing, student follow-up and interviews, and other activities.
• Transport specimens (blood, urine, etc.) to the Public Health Laboratory, as needed.
• Transport patients to and from public health centers and other medical facilities.
• Provide targeted outreach at sites throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding counties to individuals at high risk of STDs and other communicable diseases.
• Complete the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) STD Employee training and achieve at least 80% on each of the module tests and the comprehensive exam.
• Be available, attend, and complete the one-week, out-of-town CDC-sponsored training.
• Complete HIV Counseling training provided by the Philadelphia AIDS Activities Coordinating Office (AACO).
• Complete Phlebotomy training and training in other (urine, sputum, pharyngeal, fecal, etc.) specimen collection/handling/transport techniques for clinic and field settings, including routine implementation of universal precautions to avoid accidental infection and specimen contamination.
• Complete training and demonstrate competence in the use of the STD Control Program’s STD Computer Information Database (SCID), a web-based computerized system used to document/monitor/manage nearly all aspects of STD Program operations.
• Participate in Emergency Preparedness response training and demonstrate a willingness to perform assigned role/s.
• Respond to public health emergencies.
• Available to other STD Control staff and occasionally STD Clinic staff for translation services should the DIS be bilingual.
• Perform related duties as required.

Skills:

• Valid driver’s license, automobile insurance, and insurance rider (to allow for the transportation of patients) required. This documentation must be submitted to the employer and updated annually.
• Ability to perform all specified duties and tasks.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated respect for the confidentiality and privacy of health data.
• Ability to interact sensitively, effectively, and professionally with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds.
• Equally comfortable working individually and within a team environment.
• Willingness and flexibility in accepting direction.
• Bilingual skills preferred.
• Be able to work a non-traditional work schedule.

Experience:

• One year of work experience in a public health field preferred but not required.
• Previous phlebotomy experience is desired but not required, as training will be provided.

Education Requirement:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.

Salary:

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. This position comes with a comprehensive benefits package consisting of medical and dental coverage, as well as paid sick, vacation, and personal time.

Position Salary: $51,500

PHMC is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.