Health Investigator - TB Elimination (Health Services)

Position Summary

Works under the general direction of a supervisor to plan and participate in programs to control tuberculosis (TB). Identifies sources of disease, carriers, and at-risk populations to prevent, treat, and reduce TB incidence in the community. Provides directly observed therapy (DOT), conducts investigations, and educates individuals about the causes, prevention, and transmission of tuberculosis.

Pay Grade: 43

Salary Commensurate with Experience and Education

Minimum Qualifications

• Four (4) years of experience in customer service, health services, education, community outreach, social service industry, or conducting intake interviews, and a high school diploma or possess a GED, OR
• Two (2) years of experience in customer service, health services, education, community outreach, social service industry, or conducting intake interviews, and an associate degree from an accredited college or university; OR
• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Proof of education, training, and/Or experience is required.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Interviews TB cases, contacts, and community members regarding behaviors and activities that contribute to tuberculosis transmission and answers disease-related questions.
• Conducts case investigations and contact tracing activities to identify possible sources of infection and exposed individuals.
• Makes collateral contacts to obtain pertinent information and ensures compliance with applicable State and federal laws, regulations, and public health guidelines.
• Assists with administering and monitoring directly observed therapy (DOT) and encourages compliance with treatment plans, clinic visits, and medication regimens.
• Collects sputum specimens and assists with TB testing activities, including applying and reading skin tests at off-site locations.
• Maintains accurate documentation, records, and reports related to investigations, case management, and patient follow-up activities.
• Consults and collaborates with physicians, schools, community organizations, voluntary agencies, and other partners to support tuberculosis prevention and control efforts.
• Keeps current with local, national, and international tuberculosis trends, outbreaks, and public health recommendations.
• Participates in staff meetings, case management discussions, training sessions, and public health emergency response activities as required.
• Performs other related duties as required or directed.

• KSA’s
• Knowledge of tuberculosis prevention, control practices, and communicable disease investigation principles.
• Knowledge of Shelby County communities and geographical areas.
• Skilled in investigative techniques, interviewing methods, and gathering sensitive information.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling protected health information.
• Ability to establish rapport and communicate effectively with diverse populations and hard-to-reach individuals.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with healthcare providers, community partners, and TB Elimination staff.
• Ability to prepare reports and maintain accurate documentation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other County software applications.

• Special Requirements
• Must possess a valid Tennessee driver’s license or secure one by the date of employment.
• Must have daily access to an operable automobile and meet county requirements of automobile insurance upon the date of employment.
• Must be available to work weekends, evenings, and after regular work.
• Must maintain all required licenses, certifications, and training credentials throughout the duration of employment.

• Physical Requirements
• Frequent travel throughout Shelby County for field investigations and community visits.
• Must be able to work in all types of weather conditions.
• Exposure to a variety of working environments, including urban and rural communities.
• Will work with individuals who have infectious or communicable diseases.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and drive for extended periods of time.

Disclaimer

This position is subject to a background check for any convictions that have a substantial relationship to potential job duties. Only convictions that are substantially related to potential job duties will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Shelby County Resident Disclaimer

All employees hired after September 1, 1986, must be residents of Shelby County and shall continue to reside in the County as a condition of their employment. The residency requirement shall not apply to certain public safety/civil service employees. This means exemption from this policy is in effect for the following departments and positions: (1) Sheriff Deputy Patrol Officers, Deputy Jailers and Dispatchers, employed by the Sheriff Department, (2) Correction Officers employed by the Division of Corrections, (3) Firefighters, Paramedics and Dispatchers employed by the Shelby County Fire Department. The residency exemption for public safety/civil service employees does not include appointed positions with the Sheriff’s Office, Division of Corrections, or the Fire Department.