Maternal Linkage to Care Coordinator (212243)

Position Summary & Responsibilities:

The position (K0243447)

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has a Maternal Linkage to Care Coordinator opening in Topeka. This position conducts public health investigations for promoting appropriate public health practices for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other infectious diseases as assigned, based on established recommendations of CDC and KDHE. Primary focus will be on clients who may be pregnant, high-risk women of childbearing age, prenatal STI and HIV cases, and congenital syphilis cases. Regardless of if the client declines Maternal and Congenital Linkage to Care program participation, the coordinators will still complete clinical follow up, such as 3rd trimester and at-birth testing. Maternal and Congenital Linkage to Care Coordinators will complete routine follow-up on cases for the duration of pregnancy through completed treatment of congenital syphilis case, if necessary. All females of childbearing age (CBA), in the statewide queue, are assigned to Coordinators for follow up. Conducts interviews of identified individuals to obtain information on their social, sexual, and/or needle-sharing partners. All contacts initiated will be routed to the Senior DIS that the contact resides in. Conducts testing for HIV and other types of STIs and hepatitis screenings, through phlebotomy and specimen collection. Provides case management and prevention counseling of those in coordinators caseload. Provides linkage or referral to other services (e.g., reproductive health services, prenatal care, substance abuse treatment, social support, housing assistance, legal services, and mental health services), when needed. Documents all surveillance data and investigative activities in accordance with program investigative standards for timeliness, rigor, accuracy, and completeness. Travels frequently within the state, including occasional overnight stays, to conduct fieldwork necessary for assigned investigations by locating and motivating persons infected or at risk of infection to seek medical examination and treatment, and by obtaining serologic or other specimens for laboratory testing. Conducts patient/client transportation when needed, only uses local DIS for transportation under extreme circumstances. Travel and fieldwork are required of this position.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

Provides guidance, feedback, and education in response to inquiries received from partnering agencies, medical providers, and community members related to the services, requirements, and activities of the Maternal and Congenital Linkage to Care project. Prepares and conducts oral presentations and other methods of training for diverse audiences (health departments, private medical providers, partner agencies and other stakeholders) on appropriate public health practices for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of STIs, HIV and other infectious diseases as assigned, based on established recommendations of CDC and KDHE.

Collaborates with local health departments, community-based organizations, community health centers, and private medical providers by promoting appropriate public health practices for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of STIs, including HIV, based on established recommendations of the CDC and program guidance. Participates in provider and community engagement activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• One or more years of working independently as an Advanced Disease Intervention Specialist; OR
• Two or more years of experience independently as a Disease Intervention Specialist.

Education:

• High School, GED

Licensing & Certification:

• Valid Driver’s License – Incumbent is required to have and maintain a valid driver’s license when operating a state vehicle, a private vehicle, or a rental vehicle for the benefit of the State.

Preferred Qualifications

Any additional skills, experiences, or qualifications that would be beneficial, but aren’t strictly necessary.

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health or related field.
• Two or more years of experience working as a Disease Intervention Specialist conducting public health investigations related to sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
• One or more years of experience providing person-centered case management services to clients with relevant conditions such as substance use, mental health, or chronic disease management.
• Knowledge of methods used to prevent and control the spread of communicable infections.
• Experience collaborating with community-based organizations.
• Experience in analytical/critical thinking.
• Experience working with State and Local health officials.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written communication.
• Ability to interact with a diverse population of individuals in a non-judgmental way.
• Experience evaluating investigations.
• Knowledge of STI Investigation Guidelines at an advanced level.
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail.
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.

About the Position:

• Who can apply: Anyone (External)
• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm (Flexible schedules available)
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
• Veterans’ Preference Eligible: Yes

Employment Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
• Sick & Vacation leave
• Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
• Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
• Fitness Centers in select locations
• Employee discounts with the STAR Program
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs

How to Apply:

Specific instructions for applying, which might include submitting a resume, cover letter, list of references, or completing an online application.

• Please include the Job ID number when emailing.

Job Application Process:  Only applications submitted within our State of Kansas Careers Portal will be considered.

• First Sign in or register as a New User at https://admin.ks.gov/offices/personnel-services/jobs
• Complete or update your contact information on the State of Kansas Careers Portal > My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
• Upload required documents listed for each specific job posting.
• Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and submit when it is complete.

–  Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.

• Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.

–  Email – sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page.

–  Notifications – view the Careers> My Job Notifications page.

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions.”

Contact Information:

[email protected]

Salary Range

$ $20.13 to $23.87