Disease Research & Intervention Specialist – Mobile Medical PrEP



Disease Research & Intervention Specialist – Mobile Medical PrEP

Salary

$66,705.60 - $84,552.00 Annually

Location

Various Locations throughout King County, WA

Job Type

Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week

Job Number

2022CF16619

Department

DPH - Public Health

Division

Community Health Services

Opening Date

07/27/2022

Closing Date

8/31/2022 12:00 AM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

D1 : WSCCCE L21HD-DPH

Summary

This Disease Research and Intervention Specialist (DRIS)  position will work with the Mobile Medical teams including the Seattle Van, South County Van and Street Medicine team. This position will also have scheduled hours at the Downtown Public Health and Navos Public Health, to support clients with follow up PrEP and STD related appointments. This position will train at the Sexual Health Clinic and with the Mobile Medical Teams.
 
This Disease Research and Intervention Specialist (DRIS) will focus on PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) navigation in addition to providing client-focused HIV screening, and other STD screening as well as assessing client risk behaviors for contracting/transmitting HIV, Hepatitis and other STDs. They will also engage clients in exploring risk reduction methods to promote and support client behavior change. The DRIS will navigate insurance, schedule appointments, provide outreach, follow up and see patients at mobile medical sites and clinic sites for all their PrEP appointments. The DRIS will conduct point of care testing for HIV, HCV, Syphilis as well as other STD testing. This includes education, health counseling, performing tests (including performing phlebotomy).
 
The Public Health-Seattle & King County's Mobile Medical program seeks to build relationships with people experiencing homelessness by providing patient-led health and social services, meeting people where they are, and fostering health and well-being.
 
First consideration will be given to all applicants whom apply by 11:59pm on Wednesday, August 24, 2022.

Commitment To Equity And Social Justice: As the only county in the United States named after Martin Luther King Jr, one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nations' history, King County is a vibrant community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the artistic and social traditions of many cultures. Together, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence.

We continue to build on an enduring legacy of shared values of equity and social justice, employee engagement, innovative thinking, and continuous improvement. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda aimed at advancing regional change and is developing the systems and standards necessary to achieve better outcomes for all of our residents, regardless of their race or income. All of these qualities make King County one of the nation's best places to live, work, and play.

Job Duties

  • Conduct HIV pre- and post-testing and counseling, perform venipuncture for blood testing and collect STD specimens.
  • Educate patients about health risks and explore, promote and motivate patients toward behavioral changes to reduce risks.
  • Maintain detailed records regarding interactions with patients/partners and maintain databases/data entry into databases.
  • Assure confidentiality of all records, data and information as required by program, department, state and/or federal regulation.
  • Complete insurance and assistance program renewal applications for PrEP clients.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve client barriers to medical costs for PrEP clients.
  • Coordinate PrEP clinic appointments and troubleshoot barriers to attending.
  • Provide PrEP education, awareness, navigation with accessing healthcare, financial benefits and adherence planning which includes medically accurate information, that enables clients to make informed decisions about PrEP.
  • Coordinate with community resources providing outreach and HIV testing services to engage clients in PrEP.
  • Interpret laboratory test and other diagnostic testing results, inform patients of results and link positive patients to treatment/care.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

  • Demonstrated skill interviewing and elicitation (the act of obtaining, drawing out, or bringing out responses of others) of sensitive information.
  • Knowledge of HIV and STD transmission modes, symptoms and implications, as well as trends, clinical issues, and populations most affected by HIV and STDs
  • Ability to provide HIV/STD health information simply and concisely.
  • Demonstrated experience making outside referrals and/or coordinating care with another organization (i.e. insurance navigation, medical/dental services, housing, substance use disorder treatment, mental health services) 
  • Knowledge and demonstrated application of motivational interviewing and motivational skills.
  • Experience with data entry.
  • Ability to protect 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.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people experiencing homelessness.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Work hours vary and include some evenings. May be asked to adjust hours based on community needs.
  • Documentation of current BLS CPR certification with AED training required at time of hire. CPR/AED Heartsaver courses do not meet this requirement.

Supplemental Information

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.

People are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after receiving the final dose of a vaccination approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Executive Branch includes employees in the Executive branch, the Assessor's Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff's Office, and the Executive Office.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

Who May Apply: This Career Service position is open to all qualified applicants.

 Application Process: 
 The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:
  • 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. Please do not copy and paste your resume or resume sections as responses to Supplemental Questions. Doing so will result in an incomplete application, unless the submitted information completely and directly answers the questions posed. 
 
Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed NeoGov application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.
  • 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.
 
Necessary Special Requirements
  • The selected candidate will be required to pass a thorough background investigation.
  • 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.
  • Possess a valid WA State driver's license or ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire
Work location: This position will be based out of the Chinook Building, located at 401 5th Ave in Seattle, and will work at various locations throughout King County joining the Mobile Vans and Street team as well as the Downtown Public Health Center in Seattle, the Navos Public Health Center in Burien, and the Sexual Health Clinic in Seattle. Some travel to locations throughout King County may also be required. Some work will be performed via telecommuting.
 
Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.  Employees must reside in WA state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.  There will be situations where the employee is required to report to a County worksite.  Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required by the department in alignment with the Public Health Directive from the Seattle & King County Public Health Officer.
 
To support employees during this time King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team. King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint.
 
Work schedule: This is a full-time (1.0 FTE- 40 hours per week) Career Service position, and the typical work week is Monday - Friday. Work schedule will be determined at time of hire, may vary based on operational need, and will include some evening hours. This position is non-exempt and subject to the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Union affiliation:
This position is represented by the WSCCCE L21.
 
Contact:
For more information about the application process, please contact Catherine Fitzpatrick, HR Analyst at Catherine.fitzpatrick@kingcounty.gov.    

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being.  Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
  • Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
  • Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
  • Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
  • 12 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
  • Generous vacation and paid sick leave
  • Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Wellness programs
  • Onsite gyms and activity centers
  • Employee giving program
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
  • Training and career development programs
For additional information about employee benefits please visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy.  If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.  Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
 
NOTE:  Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
 
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

01
The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire, you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal. "See resume" is not an acceptable answer to the questions. Do you agree?
  • Yes
  • No
02
Do you have demonstrated experience interviewing and eliciting information regarding sensitive individual personal behaviors?
  • Yes
  • No
03
If you answered yes to the previous question, describe your experience interviewing and eliciting information on personal behaviors. Include the employer or organization, the position(s) you held, and the length of time you worked or volunteered. Be specific. If you answered no, put N/A.
04
Do you have experience making outside referrals and/or coordinating care with another organization (i.e. insurance navigation, medical/dental services, housing, substance use disorder treatment, mental health services)?
  • Yes
  • No
05
If you answered yes to the previous question, please describe your experience and include the employer or organization, If you answered no, please put NA.
06
Do you have knowledge of current HIV/STD trends, clinical issues and populations most affected by HIV and STDs?
  • Yes
  • No
07
If you answered yes to the previous question, please describe how you acquired this knowledge, including practical experience. If you answered no, put NA.
08
This position requires a current BLS CPR certification with AED training (CPR/AED Heartsaver courses do not meet this requirement) at time of hire. If you have a current certification, please attach it to your application. Select from the following choices:
  • I have attached a valid CPR/BLS card to my application.
  • I have a valid CPR/BLS card but did not attach it to my application.
  • I do not posses a valid CPR/BLS card, but will be able to obtain one at time of hire
  • I do not possess a valid CPR/BLS certification and will not be able to obtain one by time of hire.
09
Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
  • Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
  • No.
10
If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff

Required Question

Agency
King County
Address
King Street Center
201 South Jackson Street
Seattle, Washington, 98104
Phone
206-477-3404