County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under direction, to conduct communicable disease case finding investigations to arrange for the examination, treatment and surveillance/reporting of persons having had communicable disease contacts; to counsel communicable disease patients on their responsibilities to the public, to provide support in the delivery of communicable disease related services in a clinical setting and to encourage compliance with the provisions of Public Health laws; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Public Health Investigators aid in the discovery of existing or suspected cases of communicable disease and assist in the enforcement of medically prescribed treatment. Positions in this class are distinguished from the higher class of Chief Public Health Investigator by the fact that the Chief Public Health Investigator is a working supervisor responsible for scheduling, assigning and evaluating the work of the investigators. Positions in this class typically require some evening field work.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Arrange and conduct personal interviews with persons who have been diagnosed or suspected of having a communicable disease; obtains names and addresses and descriptions of all known contacts that have been exposed to the disease.
2. Uses confidential information from index cases, citizens, public authorities and other available means to locate and interview the contacts, without revealing the purposes of the search to non-interested parties.
3. Instructs and advises each provider, contacts suspect and diagnosed patient on his/her responsibilities to comply with State and local health laws.
4. Refers persons to other medical and social agencies as necessary.
5. Coordinates case investigation, surveillance and reporting activities with health departments of other jurisdictions.
6. May contact physicians and providers regarding the treatment and post-treatment follow up of patients; arranges for patient interviews, treatment and/or follow up; assists laboratories, physicians and providers to comply with state legislation requiring them to report all diagnosed cases of reportable diseases. This may entail site visits to medical providers’ offices to conduct medical chart reviews and to obtain required information.
7. May work in support of clinical service in public health communicable disease clinics or other settings including performing phlebotomy, collecting and processing lab specimens, giving patients their lab results and providing pre-and post-test counseling, setting up examination rooms, assisting in the completion of health assessment questionnaires and related forms.
8. May assist in conducting community surveys and activities that ensure data quality.
9. Attends staff meetings and health department training programs and seminars on communicable diseases held by the public health department, State, Federal and other health jurisdictions.
10. Performs educational and information presentations on communicable diseases to various public and private organizations and institutions, such as public schools, civic groups and medical and health professional groups.
11. Prepares and completes data forms/reports for submittal to the department and state per mandate.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:

The equivalent of one year of experience in the public health investigation field or in a comparable capacity providing investigative or social services to the public.

Education:

The equivalent of a high school diploma or GED.

AND
License:

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

Special Requirement: Work hours may include evenings and weekends.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Basic computer functions.
• Communicable/sexually transmitted diseases.
• Functions of a local public health agency as related to the discovery and control of communicable disease.
• Principle and practices of disease investigations.

Ability to:

• Work Independently
• Conduct effective fact-gathering interviews of a highly personal nature.
• Exercise initiative and tact in tracing contacts and bringing them to seek treatment.
• Work effectively with medical providers, and exercise judgment in seeking supervisor direction.
• Organize/prioritize work.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Work with diverse population group.
• Exercise independent judgment.
• Establish and maintain working relationships.
• Work effectively as a member of a team.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

TT:lfm Revised: 5/29/81
LB:pb Updated: 5/19/88
Old doc: 0535h
New doc: 5770.doc
ys/7/01
CSC Date: 6/8/81
CC:pf Rev.10/15/04-DRH:po Rev. 10/17/06
CSC Date: 12/5/2007

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.