Summary:
Professional and administrative work supporting the Department’s disease investigation activities, and other services of the Shared Services Program as identified by the supervisor. Other related work as required.
Supervision:
Works under the administrative direction of the Shared Services Program Manager.
Performs highly responsible duties requiring independent judgment in organizing and coordinating disease investigation activities across multiple municipalities. Assumes accountability for timely and accurate case management, (Massachusetts Virtual Epidemiologic Network ( MAVEN) data integrity, and training delivery consistent with MDPH standards. Collaborates with other disease investigator staff in the Department to ensure coverage of communicable disease investigation services, potentially requiring work schedule flexibility.
Essential Functions:
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
- Conducts communicable disease case investigations for all reportable diseases in accordance with MDPH protocols and 105 CMR 300.000, including interviewing cases and contacts, collecting epidemiological data, and documenting findings in MAVEN.
- Serves as the primary MAVEN resource for CAPE Public Health Collaborative (PHC) communities, providing coverage for case entry, workflow management, and surveillance reporting — including during staff vacancies, leaves of absence, and surge events.
- Delivers standardized training to CAPE PHC community staff on disease investigation protocols, including case interviewing techniques, contact tracing methodologies, isolation and quarantine guidance, and outbreak response procedures.
- Trains and onboards local public health staff and public health nurses in MAVEN, including system navigation, case entry, data entry standards, reporting functions, and compliance with MDPH Workforce Standards requiring MAVEN certification.
- Maintains and regularly updates communicable disease reports and surveillance data in MAVEN across participating communities, ensuring accuracy and timeliness consistent with state reporting requirements.
- Supports the identification, investigation, and management of disease clusters and outbreaks occurring within CAPE PHC communities, coordinating with MDPH Division of Epidemiology and state partners as appropriate.
- Adheres to HIPAA and all applicable state and federal privacy laws in the handling of confidential case investigation data and protected health information.
- Communicates with healthcare providers, hospitals, laboratories, schools, nursing homes, and other community partners on disease control, prevention, and reporting requirements.
- Provides technical assistance and consultation to local health directors and staff on complex or unusual disease investigation situations.
- Develops and maintains tip sheets, quick reference guides, and educational materials related to disease investigation and MAVEN workflows for use across CAPE PHC communities.
- Participates in MDPH Infectious Disease programmatic updates, OLRH Training Hub convenings, and relevant professional development opportunities.
- Tracks and reports on training participation, MAVEN coverage activities, and case investigation metrics to the Shared Services Program Manager and CAPE PHC governance.
- Demonstrates cultural humility in all aspects of work.
- Performs similar or related work as required, directed or the situation dictates.
Recommended Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Associates degree and two years' experience in public health, epidemiology, health sciences, nursing, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor's degree in health-related field preferred. Experience working in a local or state health department or shared services environment desirable.
Knowledge:
Familiarity with communicable disease surveillance, investigation principles, and control measures preferred. Knowledge of MAVEN or comparable electronic disease surveillance systems preferred. Familiarity with 105 CMR 300.000 (Massachusetts Reportable Disease Regulations) and applicable MDPH reporting standards preferred.
Ability:
Ability to conduct sensitive interviews with individuals regarding communicable disease diagnoses in a professional, empathetic, and culturally competent manner. Ability to manage multiple active case investigations simultaneously with attention to detail and timeliness. Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment with limited day-to-day supervision across multiple community settings. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a wide range of stakeholders, including health directors, clinical providers, and members of the public. Ability to design and deliver training and technical assistance to adult learners. Ability to maintain confidential information in a secure and appropriate manner. Ability to use office equipment.
Skill:
Demonstrated proficiency or ability to rapidly develop proficiency in MAVEN. Strong organizational and data management skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated cultural competency and experience working with diverse populations. Commitment to health equity and the principles of local public health system transformation in Massachusetts. Strong interpersonal skills including diplomacy, patience, and the ability to build trust with both community staff and residents. Skilled in public health program development. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and standard office technology.
Required Licensing/Certification:
Foundations for Local Public Health Practice course within 6 months of hire. MAVEN training and certification within 30 days of hire. Completion of MDPH Infectious Disease case investigation training modules within 90 days of hire.
Special Requirements
- Valid Massachusetts Motor Operator’s Vehicle License or the ability to obtain by hire date.
- Position is contingent upon continued Public Health Excellence Grant funding through OLRH
Job Environment
Work is performed across multiple settings, including office environments at member community health departments, field locations within Barnstable County, and remote/virtual platforms for training delivery and MAVEN access. The position operates computer, standard office equipment, and automobile. Makes regular contact with local health directors and staff, clinical providers, laboratories, state public health officials, and members of the public. Errors in case investigation documentation or MAVEN data entry could result in delays in disease control response, regulatory non-compliance, or adverse public health outcomes.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Minimal to moderate physical effort required; must be able to sit for extended periods while conducting MAVEN data entry and case interviews by phone or video. Must be able to drive to various locations throughout Barnstable County if ever needed. Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds may be required (educational materials, equipment for training sessions).
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Equal Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act Employer
Pay: $32.58 - $34.56 per hour
Work Location: In person
