This position will perform disease intervention activities associated with the control and prevention of STDs. Management of syphilis cases in King County which includes creating case records from electronic lab records, contacting providers to verify patient and treatment information, assessment of cases for new infections and previous infections

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE: 
As the only jurisdiction in the world named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.
 
We have a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from vulnerable communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.
 
 To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity 

• Interview patients diagnosed with STDs/HIV and elicit detailed information about personal behaviors as well as partner names, identifying information and other information.
• Elicit detailed medical information from providers for case reporting-, including contacting providers to verify patient and treatment information.
• Contact untreated patients and notify exposed partners to arrange for examination, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment.
• Input and maintenance of electronic health data; ensure accuracy and completeness of data for control and evaluation.
• Ensure adequate and timely treatment for pregnant patients and their partners
• Monitor syphilis labs across pregnancy for possible re-infection or treatment failure
• Develop partnerships with area OB/GYN and prenatal providers to ensure appropriate testing and timely treatment of pregnant patients as recommended by CDC treatment guidelines and case definitions.
• Locate patients and their sex/needle sharing partners through investigative processes.
• Conduct field visits to locate sex/needle sharing partners.
• Supply community health providers with STD/HIV clinical care standards and regulatory and reporting requirements.
• Conduct HIV pre- and post-testing and counseling, perform venipuncture for blood testing and collect STD specimens.
• Create syphilis case records from electronic lab reporting (ELR)
• Assess syphilis cases for new infections and previous infections
• Educate patients about health risks and explore, promote and motivate patients toward behavioral changes to reduce risks.
• Assure confidentiality of all records, data and information as required by section, department, state and/or federal regulation.
• Interpret laboratory test and other diagnostic testing results, inform patients of results and link positive patients to treatment/care.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:

• Demonstrated interviewing and elicitation (the act of obtaining, drawing out, or bringing out responses of others) skills.
• Knowledge of HIV and STD transmission modes, symptoms and implications.
• Ability to provide HIV/STD health information simply and concisely.
• Willingness and comfort working with vulnerable populations including those experiencing homelessness, mental health, and substance use
• Willingness to conduct outreach to locate patients for treatment and care
• Knowledge and demonstrated application of motivational interviewing and motivational skills.
• Ability to protect Personal Health Information (PHI) and other confidential information.
• Ability to follow procedures/protocols and apply them to unpredictable situations.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Effective and respectful verbal and written communication skills.
• Venipuncture experience or willingness to be trained in blood draws.
• Knowledge, skills and abilities in the areas of medical terminology, diagnosis and treatment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, respectful working relationships.
• Able to speak and write effectively resulting in good notes and reports.
• Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment in making decisions.
• Experience with computer applications including Word, Excel, Access and web browsing.
• Comfort making unsolicited calls (cold calls) for both patients and providers
• Comfort with and ability to elicit detailed sexual histories from all sexual orientations and genders
• Possess a valid WA State driver's license or ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire and willing and able to drive a county vehicle in the day and nighttime hours.

• Fluency in Spanish

Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement:
King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter.

As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:

• submit proof of vaccination, or
• have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.

• An electronic application through www.kingcounty.gov/jobs or www.governmentjobs.com (use the "Apply" link) including work history and position duties.
• Responses to supplemental questions.

• The selection process may include but is not limited to: evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, and testing. For more information on our selection process, please refer to www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/jobs/hiring.
• Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.
• Staff may be required to play an active role in the event of a public health emergency, which may include changes in responsibilities, work location, and working hours.

• The selected candidate will be required to submit to a thorough background investigation.
• Documentation of current BLS CPR certification with AED training required at time of hire.  CPR/AED Heartsaver courses do not meet this requirement.
• Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.
• Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing required training on time.