Job

NHBS Interviewer - Disease Research and Intervention Specialist - Public Health - Seattle & King County

Description:

NHBS Interviewer - Disease Research and Intervention Specialist

DEPARTMENT:DPH - Public Health

DIVISION: Prevention

SALARY: $33.35 - $42.28 Hourly

LOCATION: Chinook Building - 401 5th Ave, Seattle

JOB TYPE: Short Term Temporary, Part Time, Std Wkly Hrs Vary

CLOSING DATE:04/09/23 11:59 PM

SUMMARY:

The Position:
The HIV/STI/HCV Program is seeking to hire a team of Interviewers to conduct structured interviews, conduct HIV testing and provide sexual health information and referrals for the Seattle site of the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System (NHBS) locally known as the PITCH Study and Project FIRST.
 
NHBS was implemented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2004 to monitor behaviors in populations that may be at increased risk for HIV acquisition and/or transmission. The core populations of interest include men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID), people at increased risk for HIV through heterosexual contact (HET), and transgender women (Trans). The focus in 2023 will be MSM and Trans women. Findings from NHBS are used to enhance the understanding of HIV prevalence, risk and testing behaviors in these groups, and to develop and evaluate HIV prevention programs.
 
There will be two distinct NHBS projects in 2023-2024. PITCH Study will be conducting data collection using a venue-based approach with MSM, whereas Project FIRST will be conducting data collection via respondent-driven sampling with Women of Trans Experience & Trans-Feminine People.
 
PITCH Study interviewers/testers will be conducting field operations in multiple venues across King and Snohomish counties. Project FIRST will have a primary field site in Pioneer Square, plus regular mobile sites 1-2 times every week at local community-based organizations. Hours will vary for both projects, including evenings and weekends.
 
The PITCH Study is scheduled to begin data collection in June 2023 through November 2023; whereas Project FIRST will begin data collection in July 2023 through March 2024. Orientation and training typically start one-month before data collection; and some post-data collection field activities.

This posting will be used to fill multiple positions.

This posting may be used to hire additional positions within the next 6 months. 

Commitment to Equity and Social Justice:
Named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation’s history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.

The county government has a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from all communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.

We recognize that structural racism consists of principles and practices that cause and justify an inequitable distribution of rights, opportunities, and experiences across racial groups. Since declaring Racism is a Public Health Crisis in June 2020, King County and Public Health committed to being intentionally anti-racist and accountable to Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities.

To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity    

JOB DUTIES:

• Screen potential participants for eligibility and obtain informed consent,
• Conduct in-depth, standardized surveys with study participants, 
• Provide HIV & HCV testing via capillary (fingerstick) and venipuncture, 
• Provide sexual health information, counseling, and referrals,
• Complete and record detailed data,
• Prepare and maintain interview materials and supplies; and
• Participate in NHBS trainings and required Public Health and CDC trainings, including 2-day Phlebotomy Training thru STD Prevention Training Center

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS:

Required Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

• Ability to establish rapport with diverse groups of people with varied lived experiences in a non-judgmental manner
• History (working with and/or lived experience) with people from a variety of racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, like People Who Inject Drugs, Men Who Have Sex With Men, Women Who Exchange Sex, and/or Transgender People
• Ability to strictly adhere to detailed survey protocols
• Ability to comply with strict protocols for confidentiality and anonymity
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to learn NHBS specific computer applications and survey protocols
• Documentation of current BLS CPR certification with AED training required at time of hire.  CPR/AED Heartsaver courses do not meet this requirement
• Ability to travel between work sites (King and Snohomish Counties) in a reasonable time

Desired Qualifications: 

• Experience in conducting standardized surveys and research studies
• Experience in providing HIV/STI/HCV testing using venipuncture or phlebotomy skills
• Experience working with marginalized subpopulations such as people who inject drugs sex workers, previously incarcerated, immigrant communities
• Knowledge of HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases
• Ability to recruit participants and conduct standardized interviews in Spanish (this is not required for all positions)
• Knowledge and experience with harm reduction principles
• Knowledge and demonstrated application of motivational interviewing skills
• Knowledge and experience with de-escalation strategies and crisis intervention

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State’s best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we’re changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation’s best places to live, work and play.

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