Nature of Work
Under general supervision, performs work at the advanced performance level by locating, preventing and controlling cases of sexually transmitted diseases/AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) through investigation, recommendation for treatment and education services. Works with a considerable degree of independence. Work is reviewed through reports and conferences with supervisor. Considerable travel is required of this position. Performs related work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics
The Public Health Investi gator 2 is distinguished from the Public Health Investigator 1 by the lead work responsibility and performance of advanced level work relative to the assignments typically made to Public Health Investigator positions.

Examples of Work
Leads the work of the public health investigators through the assignment and review of work, training others on regular and new work procedures, regulations or policies.
Assists in teaching the HIV Counseling and Testing courses to health care providers.
Maintains regular contact with private physicians, laboratory personnel and state and local health department personnel in order to improve case reporting and obtain information on treated cases or diagnostic and/or treatment techniques, advise of the latest status of the sexually transmitted disease/AIDS problem and of their potential contribution to the program.
Consults with other investigators on difficult cases and assists with non-compliant health care providers.
Interviews and re-interviews infected sexually transmitted diseases/AIDS patients and contacts to elicit contact and suspect information in order to locate the disease source and initiate referrals to clinics for treatment.
Visits private physicians, schools and local health care facilities to stimulate interest and cooperation in sexually transmitted diseases/AIDS control efforts.
Visits laboratories to obtain listings of reactive bloods and reports of reactive and mildly reactive serologic tests; validates procedures regarding the reporting of reactive tests.
Assists in teaching the HIV Counseling and Testing courses to health care providers.
Performs a variety of educational/informational activities including speaking to professional groups, lay groups and civic groups interested and involved in the eradication of sexually transmitted diseases/AIDS; secures and disseminates information and educational materials to local health departments, private physicians, public and civic organizations and to the general public.
Performs blood sampling and provides darkfield microscopic services to private physicians, hospitals and clinics for the detection of sexually transmitted diseases/AIDS.
Maintains records and prepares required reports.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of the historical development of and the management techniques and practices applied to the control and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases/AIDS.
Knowledge of diagnostic procedures and treatment schedule recommendations for sexually transmitted diseases/AIDS.
Ability to conduct sensitive interviews, investigations, surveys and visits to obtain contact and suspect information in order to locate the sexually transmitted disease/AIDS source and make referral for treatment.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with clients, private physicians, laboratory personnel, schools and local and state health department personnel.
Ability to present information and express ideas clearly and concisely to both professional and lay groups.
Ability to take blood samples and to perform darkfield microscopic examinations.

Minimum Qualifications      [Top]
Training:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in social, natural or behavioral sciences or closely related field.
Substitution:
Two years of experience in a state or large city program for sexually transmitted diseases/AIDS control may be substituted for the college major.
Experience:
Two years of full-time or equivalent part-time paid experience as an investigator in a sexually transmitted disease/AIDS control program.
Substitution:
Master's degree in public health or a closely related field may be substituted for one year of experience.

Established: 8/20/92
Revised:      1/19/95
Effective:     2/28/95