Under general supervision, disseminates surveillance information to health care workers and the community at large regarding Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and other infectious diseases such as Tuberculosis (TB); and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Employees in this journey-level class perform a broad range of community services in the area of HIV/AIDS case surveillance, reporting and education. Supervision is received from the AIDS Program Coordinator.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Establishes and maintains information networks and contacts regarding AIDS information and services with medical personnel in hospitals, medical group clinics, private physician offices and laboratories.
Develops active AIDS surveillance process with cooperating laboratories performing tests that diagnose AIDS.
Assists the AIDS Program Coordinator in developing and maintaining active surveillance protocols with hospitals, medical group clinics, private physicians and clinical laboratories.
Contacts and coordinates activities with service providers regarding AIDS case reporting; conducts medical chart reviews of patients co-infected with HIV and TB; completes AIDS case report forms.
Investigates reported cases and interviews AIDS patients with no identified risk to determine possible HIV exposures; interviews and counsels clients regarding risk factors and prevention; personally notifies clients of HIV test results.
Maintains computerized HIV/AIDS database and prepares statistical reports and other records.
May make presentations to various community groups, provide staff consultation and attend in-service training programs; works as a team member with all staff involved in HIV/AIDS and communicable disease programs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with emphasis in health science, public health, biological science, nursing, or related social sciences.
Experience: Two years experience in the field of community health care which included the treatment, surveillance, investigation, prevention, education or control of communicable diseases, including HIV and AIDS.
Substitution: Additional experience may substitute for two years of the required education on a year-for-year basis.
KNOWLEDGE
Current knowledge of HIV/AIDS, related infections and disease progression; basic understanding of current medical treatment for HIV/AIDS; medical terminology; community groups and organizations that may be used to disseminate information about HIV/AIDS; effective interviewing and counseling techniques for matters of a personal and sensitive nature; basic human anatomy and physiology; infection control methodologies.
ABILITY
Interact compassionately, effectively and tactfully with clients of diverse backgrounds and cultures on matters of a personal and sensitive nature; communicate technical information effectively by telephone and in person; read and understand information contained in medical records; develop and maintain effective working relationships with departmental employees, other health care professionals, and representatives from community groups and HIV/AIDS support agencies; maintain patient/client confidentiality; utilize spreadsheet, database and word processing software applications.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to cope with occasional exposure to grief/trauma; constant exposure to persons suffering from communicable diseases; i. e. AIDS/HIV and others.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
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