Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) are responsible for promoting public health and infectious disease awareness within a community. With Disease Intervention Specialists, risk groups are identified and those currently infected are notified, helping to prevent the spread of serious illness. Disease intervention specialists act as public health and awareness agents.
We’ve put together this career guide to help you better understand the role of a disease intervention specialist. If you possess strong research skills, an empathetic nature, and excellent customer service, becoming a Disease Intervention Specialist could be a great career choice. One of the many advantages of this position is the ability to work remotely. We included Disease Intervention Specialists on our list of the best home nursing jobs.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Disease Intervention Specialist
What Does A Disease Intervention Specialist Do?
Disease Intervention Specialists serve as public health outreach workers who are commonly responsible for locating and counseling people with sexually transmitted diseases, as well as their contacts. Her skills include communication, contact tracing, interviewing, case analysis, and community engagement.
The job duties of a DIS parallel those that would be required to respond quickly and efficiently to critical public health issues, such as bioterrorism.
Some Of The Daily Job Responsibilities Of A Disease Intervention Specialist Include:
- Follow-up of patients who have STDs such as syphilis, HIV, and gonorrhea.
- Ensuring that each patient receives appropriate treatment and educational counseling.
- Ensure that each patient’s partners are brought in for testing and treatment.
- Conducting voluntary interviews with patients to acquire the names and contact information of their partners.
- Use contact information to contact patient associates and notify them of their potential exposure.
- Advise the patient on how to successfully notify and refer their partners.
- Notify exposed partners if the patient prefers that they do so.
- Employ entry-level investigative skills to perform job tasks related to infectious disease threats to public health.
Where Do Disease Intervention Specialists Work?
Disease intervention specialists may work remotely for health departments, community health centers, and other similar institutions. They run contact tracing, partner services, and emergency response for their employer. However, since the heart of this job is building trust, developing a relationship, and providing support to the public, you will likely need to travel and meet other people in addition to virtual communication.
Disease Intervention Specialist Hours
Disease intervention specialists may work during regular business hours. They also tend to hold full-time positions at 40+ hours per week. On occasion, they may be required to work outside of normal business hours and travel to events.
Disease Intervention Specialist Skills
Becoming a disease intervention specialist may be a good option for you if:
- Offer excellent interpersonal communication skills.
- Possess strong contact tracing skills
- Excellent in interviews, counseling, and case analysis.
- Be aware of observation
- Interact with the community as needed
- They are trustworthy, empathetic, resourceful, and supportive.
- Approach tasks with a patient and dedicated mindset
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Works well with others, various personality types, etc.