Public Health Investigator

Heluna Health invites applicants for a full-time Public Health Investigator to be part of a dynamic team in the Applied Research Community Health Epidemiology & Surveillance (ARCHES) Branch of the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH).
Under the direction of HIV Surveillance Management, the Public Health Investigator will:
A. Work on the Medical Monitoring Project (MMP), a supplemental surveillance project that includes recruitment and collection of data through in-depth interviews of project participants.
B. Conduct Core Surveillance via medical record abstraction from HIV-positive patients.
This is a temporary, grant-funded, full-time, benefitted position. Employment is provided by Heluna Health.

Pay range: $30.29- $33.38 per hour

If hired for this position, you will be required to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to your start date, or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying you for an exemption (that may or may not require accommodation).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Follows project protocols and applicable federal, state, and local laws in governing and maintaining records and files pertaining to HIV investigations to ensure the security, confidentiality, and accuracy of data collected.
• Recruits and schedules interviews for participants for MMP at various confidential locations and over the telephone.
• Interviews and interacts with persons of varied cultural backgrounds, demonstrating good listening and interpersonal skills.
• Maintains organized files/notes, including participant tracking, data documentation, and training feedback.
• Uses various medical record platforms and databases to collect, report, and enter data onto electronic and paper tools.
• Contacts clinicians at medical practices, and clinics who have recently diagnosed patients with HIV: confirms diagnosis, interprets lab results, performs extensive medical record review, and conducts routine follow-up investigations for disease progression.
• Applies working knowledge of medical terms and technology to facilitate communication with professional and paraprofessional staff.
• Actively participates as part of the HIV Surveillance team: attends meetings/trainings and contributes to related supplemental surveillance projects as needed.
• Answers questions from the public when appropriate or refers to the appropriate person or authority for questions outside the purview of assigned duties.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience
Possession of a Bachelor’s degree and six (6) months of verifiable experience working with a culturally diverse population providing health information, education, intervention, and/or referral services, OR
Two (2) years of college and twelve (12) months of verifiable experience working with a culturally diverse population providing health information, education, intervention, and/or referral services
Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
• Excellent organizational, oral, and written communication skills
• Exhibits good listening and comprehension skills, follows instructions and responds to management direction
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary, collaborative work environment with a team of diverse individuals
• Demonstrated excellence in reliability and attendance
• Ability to work independently and adapt to varied work settings and schedules
• Ability to complete projects in a timely manner
• Strong attention to detail
• Knowledge of and experience with HIV/STI counseling and testing procedures
• Knowledge of the medical and social services available in San Francisco to persons with HIV
• Ability to discuss sensitive and historically stigmatized subject matter, including details of sexual risk and substance use behavior, with clients, colleagues, and/or other individuals
• Computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc.), and other software programs

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Stand Frequently
Walk Frequently
Sit Frequently
Handling / Fingering Occasionally
Reach Outward Occasionally
Reach Above Shoulder Occasionally
Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend Occasionally
Lift / Carry Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs
Push/Pull Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs
See Constantly
Taste/ Smell Not Applicable

Not Applicable Not required for essential functions
Occasionally (0 - 2 hrs/day)
Frequently (2 - 5 hrs/day)
Constantly (5+ hrs/day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT
General Office Setting, Indoors Temperature Controlled

Heluna Health is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages minorities, women, veterans, and disabled to apply.

All qualified applicants will be considered for this position in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)