Health Services Representative - 64002837

Health Services Representative

This position serves as the Team Lead in the STD Department to detect, control, and prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis & HIV) in Area 15 (St Lucie, Martin, Okeechobee, and Indian River Counties). The incumbent is under the direct supervision of Health Services Manager-SES. This position is classified as a sensitive position. Incumbent handles protected health information on a need-to-know basis following Department of Health Information Security and Privacy Policy, Protocols and Procedures. Employee abides by State/Federal laws governing health information. Responsible HIPAA compliance and maintaining the confidentiality, security, privacy and integrity of protected health information. Client information used or obtained in the field must be safeguarded from access by unauthorized personnel. Manages a daily task list of STI and HIV investigations using the STARs database in accordance with Bureau of STD and Area 15 guidelines. Monitors the STARS task list, overseeing the assignment of records from the STARS Task List, the Electronic Tests, and the ELR Task List to the DIS stationed across Area 15 CHDs. In addition, oversees, prioritizes, and assigns daily caseloads for DIS staff to ensure timely and effective investigation and documentation of STI and HIV cases. Assists with training of new DIS staff, including field shadowing, STARs documentation, and partner services protocols. Conducts comprehensive investigations including record searching, telephone calls, interviews, and field visits to locate infected individuals, communicate test/lab results, elicit partners, and provide/offer partner services. Demonstrates advanced knowledge of signs, symptoms, and disease progression of STIs and HIV to properly stage disease status and educate clients and partners. Interviews and re-interviews Patients infected with STDs including HIV/AIDS for educating patients regarding their infection, guide risk reduction, future medical follow up and developing a plan to locate and refer their sexual partners and others who may be infected. Ensures that infected individuals and their partners are referred into a medical facility for an examination and/or needed treatment. This includes but not limited to jails, rehabilitation centers, clinics, hospitals, private providers, all areas of the community including private homes, parks, homeless areas, etc. Incumbent will be required to drive a county and/or state vehicle on field visits, including transporting clients to and from provider and clinic appoints while following the local and state policies and procedures regarding the vehicles. Investigation may also include conducting internet searches and communication using select mobile dating application approved by the STD program office to notify persons exposed to or at risk for STDs including HIV. Ensures that HIV clients are referred to Test & Treat appointments, Linkage to Care, Ryan White, and Maternal Child Health programs in accordance with the guidelines and timelines for each. All partner notification activities will be carried out within established communication parameters as outlined in the internal operating policy, STD and HIV Partner Notification via Mobile Dating Applications. Consults with providers, infection control, laboratories and other community partners as needed for: case reporting, obtaining information on cases or determining diagnosis, provide current guidance on diagnosis and treatment. Works closely with and is cross trained as a Linkage to Care Coordinator to identify newly diagnosed clients and re-engage clients who have fallen out of care, and assist providers, in locating non-compliant clients and bring them back into care & treatment. Identify potential barriers to care and complete necessary referrals. Documents initial and periodic reviews of interview, counseling and investigative forms. Conducts field screenings for STD and HIV (serological/blood draws/phlebotomy/urine collection) of targeted population as needed using phlebotomy techniques and universal precautions. Participates in the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of targeted health education efforts aimed at improving health. Coordinates outreach logistics including supply tracking, transportation, and event setup/breakdown. Communicates with providers and laboratories on reporting requirements as appropriate, provides education including CDC guidelines for testing, preventative treatment, and treatment of STDs in accordance with Florida Statutes 381.0031, 381.004, and 384.24. Initiates provider visits for disease reporting, conducting in-services on STD/HIV testing/treatment as needed or requested. Prepares and actively participates in meetings, trainings as required (chalk talks, program meetings, conference calls, meeting calendars, reminders, and schedules, etc.) Ensures that all cases assigned for interview or counseling are managed and documented properly in statewide database. Supports program planning and evaluation efforts, contributing to strategic goals and performance metrics. Completes travel reimbursement forms, HMC service codes, Employee Activity Report (EARs), etc. Gathers data from outreach events and submits to supervisor as requested. Performs additional duties above and beyond job description (serve as team lead/representative, outreach coordinator, special projects, etc.).

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Effective written and verbal English communication skills
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Ability to perform basic computer operations
• Knowledge of computer databases including STARS, Microsoft word
• Ability to interpret data
• Ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision
• Must have reliable personal motorized transportation, i.e., automobile, or similar vehicle, to perform field activities
• Must have the ability to lift up to 15lbs, load equipment and unload equipment into vehicles
• Must be able to travel out of town for mandatory trainings and/or meetings
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 15 lbs and work outside as needed
• Must have proficient knowledge in the following databases or display proficiency within 6 months of hire date: HMS, STARS
• Must be phlebotomy trained within 6 months of hire date

Qualifications:

• Minimum:
• Must be willing to serve in special needs shelter during hurricane season and/or any other emergency duties involving natural and/or man-made emergency
• Must have a valid driver's license. If out of state, a valid Florida driver's license is required within 30 days of hire
• Phlebotomy certification or willing to become certified within 6 months of hire
• Willing to periodically work before and/or after work hours, including weekends to organize and participate in outreach events
• Preferred:
• Must be willing to travel out of county, into varied socioeconomic neighborhoods, out of county travel, 25-50% of time per week
• Experience managing STI/HIV caseload and/or daily cases investigations
• Experience managing HIV/STD/Hepatitis Prevention, Linkage, or Case Management Program and/or related work
• Associate degree or equivalent relevant work experience in a healthcare or human services field preferred
• Certified phlebotomist and/or trained phlebotomist
• Bilingual or multilingual in Spanish and/or Haitian Creole
• Experience in a Lead Role
• Must have minimum of one year experience working in an HIV/STD/Hepatitis Prevention, Linkage, or Case Management Program
• Must have minimum of one year experience working as lead team and/or program