Disease Intervention Specialist-Basic (DOH/PHD/NE #11256)

$18.34 - $29.34 Hourly

$38,140 - $61,024 Annually

This position is a Pay Band 55

Posting Details

Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.

New Mexico Department of Health/Public Health Department-Northeast Region

Why does the job exist?

This position provides disease investigation and partner services to decrease the high incidence of infectious diseases, with a focus on HIV and reportable sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) position, which focuses on investigation and follow-up of priority STDs including HIV and syphilis. This work is crucial to avoiding morbidity and mortality.

As part of the department's mission to promote health and improve health outcomes, DIS conduct sexually-transmitted infection surveillance, disease investigations, screenings, and ensure adequate treatment; HIV testing and treatment; sexual health education; immunization education; community outreach to high-risk populations (such as incarcerated people, treatment center patients, and the homeless); and harm reduction services including overdose prevention.

The core work of DIS is disease investigation, which aligns with COVID-19 contract tracing in terms of activities and skills. As such, DIS across the state were among the first NMDOH staff to support this crucial activity. Their expertise in each region is essential to continuing effective and timely responses to COVID-19.

How does it get done?

This job gets done by conducting disease investigation and partner notifications which prevents the spread of infection. This work is done in the office, clinic and in the field. Untreated infection can lead to more severe health outcomes for individuals exposed to or diagnosed with sexually transmitted disease. Statewide efforts have been dealing with a large increase in the number of syphilis cases that are being detected in every region of the state and failure to adequately respond could lead to disease outbreaks.

Who are the customers?

This position serves the Northeast Region which includes: Santa Fe county, San Miguel County, Colfax County, Los Alamos, Rio Arriba County, Taos County and Santa Rosa County.

Ideal Candidate

Working knowledge of Microsoft office, previous experience with data bases, fluent Spanish speaker ability to conduct interviews and provide education in English and Spanish. Collaboration with community-based organizations or outside entities to meet the needs of a targeted populations or mutual goals within the community. Experience working with diverse populations in multiple settings. Great customer services skills, pays attention to detail, holds confidentiality to a high level, is accountable and a team player. Case manager skills would be a plus.

Minimum Qualification

High School Diploma or Equivalent and two (2) years of experience in a health related field. Substitutions Apply. See Substitution Table below.

Substitution Table

These combinations of education and experience qualify you for the position:
Education Experience 1 High School Diploma or Equivalent AND 2 years of experience 2 Associate's degree or higher (Bachelor's, Master's) AND 0 years of experience
• Education and years of experience must be related to the purpose of the position.

• If Minimum Qualification requires a specific number of "semester hours" in a field (e.g. 6 semester hours in Accounting), applicants MUST have those semester hours in order to meet the minimum qualifications. No substitutions apply for semester hours.

Employment Requirements

Successful completion of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability ACT (HIPAA) course. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certification from the State of New Mexico, or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of continued employment.

Working Conditions

Office setting, exposure to Visual/Video Display terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and telephone usage with extended periods of sitting. Must be able to lift 25 lbs.

Supplemental Information

Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here

Agency Contact Information: Gerardo Pacheco (505) 795-1551. Email

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.