County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under close supervision, to assist in the investigation and location of communicable disease cases; to learn the techniques of counseling communicable disease patients and encouraging them to comply with health laws; to arrange for the examination and treatment of persons with communicable disease; to learn common medical and professional terminology and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is a training classification for persons without the education and experience required for Public Health Investigator. Incumbents of the class perform many of the simpler investigative and record-keeping tasks of Public Health Investigators while gaining experience in the more technical duties of the job. Some simpler investigations are assigned to Trainees by the Chief Public Health Investigator according to the capabilities of the individual.

While close supervision is required for the Trainee, as experience is acquired and proficiency increases, trainees are expected to function with little supervision, and to qualify for PubIic Health Investigator by the completion of an eighteen-month training period.

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. Learns medical and legal terminology necessary for effective investigation; learns State Health and Safety Code and city ordinances affecting Public Health Investigation; learns public and private agencies and organizations which may provide needed services for clients, or serve as resources in case investigation; and learns to interview persons with diagnosed cases of V.D. in a clinic or community setting, obtaining names, addresses, and descriptions of all known contacts who may have been exposed to the disease.

2. Assists Public Health Investigators in detecting and locating suspected communicable disease contacts; obtains and utilizes information from private citizens, public authorities, and other available sources to locate contacts.

3. Prepares case finding reports in typewritten form; files same and assists Chief Public Health Investigator in the maintenance of records, noting problem cases or any irregularities.

4. Accompanies Public Health Nurses on home visits to uncooperative clients; occasionally provides transportation and serves as an escort for such cases.

5. Attends staff meetings and Health Agency training programs and seminars on communicable diseases held by health departments of other jurisdictions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Special Requirement:

All persons must be 2l years of age by date of appointment.

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.

Ability to:

· Handle extensive public contact and gain the confidence and cooperation of fearful or distrustful individuals.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

JFD:nw
12/18/73
Old document: 0536h
New document: Jobspecs/5771
ys/7/01

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.