Disease Intervention Specialist
Muskegon County, Muskegon, MI, United States
Position Overview
Under general supervision, the Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) performs professional public health investigative work focused on the prevention and control of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other communicable diseases, and zoonotic exposures including animal bites with rabies risk assessments.
This position conducts comprehensive case investigations; performs confidential interviews; completes partner services; assesses transmission risk; coordinates testing, treatment, and follow-up; and conducts field‑based investigations in homes, healthcare settings, and community environments. The DIS applies independent judgment in prioritizing cases, determining public health interventions, and identifying situations requiring supervisory or medical escalation under established public health authority.
In addition to communicable disease investigations, the DIS conducts animal bite investigations, assesses rabies exposure risk, coordinates quarantine or testing procedures in collaboration with animal control and healthcare providers, and ensures appropriate follow‑up with exposed individuals.
The position requires advanced interviewing skills, investigative competencies, phlebotomy and specimen collection skills, and the ability to work autonomously in field settings. In the event of a public health emergency, this position may be assigned specialized duties or required to perform emergency response functions within or outside of Muskegon County.
Education and Experience Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Health, Health Sciences, Nursing, Social Work, Behavioral Sciences, or Emergency Medical Services and a minimum of two (2) years of work experience in the above fields.
Alternative Experience Minimum of five (5) years of work experience in any of the following fields:
Public health practice Clinical or healthcare services Emergency medical response or EMS field services Communicable disease investigation or epidemiology support Case management or client navigation services Direct client interviewing, counseling, or outreach in community or field settings
Driver’s License Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Phlebotomy Certification Must hold phlebotomy certification at time of hire or obtain it within six (6) months of hire.
Physical Activities Work activities include field-based mobility, occasional lifting of objects weighing up to thirty-five (35) pounds, and the physical ability to conduct field visits in various residential and community environments.
Environmental Conditions An employee in this class works in a variety of settings including the Public Health Department, healthcare facilities, client homes, correctional settings, and community-based locations. Daily travel throughout the county is required. The employee may be exposed to diverse environmental conditions and individuals with infectious or communicable diseases. Adherence to infection prevention and safety protocols is required.
Evaluation Content The selected candidate must take a post‑offer medical examination (including a back screen and complete physical) and a drug screening test given by a County-appointed physician before the first day of employment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the results of the medical examination and drug screening test. Applicants for County employment may also be subject to a post‑offer criminal background check, depending on the nature and assignment of the position. When such a check is conducted, an offer of employment is contingent upon the results of the criminal background check. Appointees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period before the appointment will be considered permanent.
Applicant Review Procedure Any applicant is entitled to a review of any determination or action taken by the County regarding the applicant’s employment application. Inquiries should be directed to the County Human Resources Department.
Purpose The purpose of this recruitment is to establish an eligible list from which to fill present and future vacancies in this classification in the County system. For each opening, the Department Head has her/his choice of the candidates who meet the required minimum entrance qualifications. This list remains in effect for three months unless exhausted or extended.
Muskegon County is an equal opportunity employer.
Muskegon County has adopted a Veterans Preference Policy that recognizes qualifying military service.
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This position conducts comprehensive case investigations; performs confidential interviews; completes partner services; assesses transmission risk; coordinates testing, treatment, and follow-up; and conducts field‑based investigations in homes, healthcare settings, and community environments. The DIS applies independent judgment in prioritizing cases, determining public health interventions, and identifying situations requiring supervisory or medical escalation under established public health authority.
In addition to communicable disease investigations, the DIS conducts animal bite investigations, assesses rabies exposure risk, coordinates quarantine or testing procedures in collaboration with animal control and healthcare providers, and ensures appropriate follow‑up with exposed individuals.
The position requires advanced interviewing skills, investigative competencies, phlebotomy and specimen collection skills, and the ability to work autonomously in field settings. In the event of a public health emergency, this position may be assigned specialized duties or required to perform emergency response functions within or outside of Muskegon County.
Education and Experience Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Health, Health Sciences, Nursing, Social Work, Behavioral Sciences, or Emergency Medical Services and a minimum of two (2) years of work experience in the above fields.
Alternative Experience Minimum of five (5) years of work experience in any of the following fields:
Public health practice Clinical or healthcare services Emergency medical response or EMS field services Communicable disease investigation or epidemiology support Case management or client navigation services Direct client interviewing, counseling, or outreach in community or field settings
Driver’s License Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Phlebotomy Certification Must hold phlebotomy certification at time of hire or obtain it within six (6) months of hire.
Physical Activities Work activities include field-based mobility, occasional lifting of objects weighing up to thirty-five (35) pounds, and the physical ability to conduct field visits in various residential and community environments.
Environmental Conditions An employee in this class works in a variety of settings including the Public Health Department, healthcare facilities, client homes, correctional settings, and community-based locations. Daily travel throughout the county is required. The employee may be exposed to diverse environmental conditions and individuals with infectious or communicable diseases. Adherence to infection prevention and safety protocols is required.
Evaluation Content The selected candidate must take a post‑offer medical examination (including a back screen and complete physical) and a drug screening test given by a County-appointed physician before the first day of employment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the results of the medical examination and drug screening test. Applicants for County employment may also be subject to a post‑offer criminal background check, depending on the nature and assignment of the position. When such a check is conducted, an offer of employment is contingent upon the results of the criminal background check. Appointees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period before the appointment will be considered permanent.
Applicant Review Procedure Any applicant is entitled to a review of any determination or action taken by the County regarding the applicant’s employment application. Inquiries should be directed to the County Human Resources Department.
Purpose The purpose of this recruitment is to establish an eligible list from which to fill present and future vacancies in this classification in the County system. For each opening, the Department Head has her/his choice of the candidates who meet the required minimum entrance qualifications. This list remains in effect for three months unless exhausted or extended.
Muskegon County is an equal opportunity employer.
Muskegon County has adopted a Veterans Preference Policy that recognizes qualifying military service.
#J-18808-Ljbffr