AIDS COUNSELOR I 2720

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general supervision, an employee in this class is responsible for conducting investigations, making recommendations for the prevention and control of communicable diseases, and providing counseling services for infected patients and those at risk of infection. Communicable diseases include, but are not limited to, AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, and vaccine preventable diseases. The work includes interviewing infected patients, their families, and other identified contacts. In compliance with Public Health Law, field investigations are made to locate individuals who have been identified as being at risk of infection. The incumbent exercises considerable initiative and professional judgment in interviewing and testing: including the drawing of blood, and counseling. Supervision is received from professional medical staff members through conferences and written reports. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Interviews individuals with communicable diseases to determine contacts and advise of required medical treatment;

Conducts field investigations to locate patient's identified contacts, and to insure that appropriate medical follow-up has been undertaken;

Provides pre and post-test counseling to individuals assessed as being at risk for HIV infection and provides referrals for appropriate testing;

Interviews individuals with positive HIV test for the purpose of providing patient requested services related to the partner notification assistance program as per current Public Health Law;

Interprets and complies with Public Health Law relating to the control of communicable diseases;

Provides current information to the medical community and conducts educational presentations as necessary;

Maintains case records and statistics, and prepares reports;

Attends seminars and educational conferences related to communicable diseases;

Insures confidentiality of all protected individuals and all information

acquired during counseling sessions and interviews.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of the operations and policies of the County's public health communicable disease programs; good knowledge of investigation techniques which may involve confidential matters; good knowledge of the principles and techniques of effective interviewing; good knowledge of current literature and sources of information regarding communicable disease; good knowledge of pertinent laws, rules and regulations; ability to prepare clear and comprehensive case work records and statistical reports; ability to safely draw intravenous blood; ability to analyze information and to reach sound decisions based on that information; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE:

either:

(a) Graduation from a New York State or regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree, including or supplemented by 30 credits in psychology, social work, nursing or other health related field, or;

(b) Graduation from a New York State or regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree and one (1) year of experience as a counselor, educator or provider of medical services in an organized, preventive medicine program dealing with AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases or other communicable diseases.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

a) Within the first six months of employment, the employee must become certified by New York State as an HIV pre and post-test counselor, and as a venipuncturist.

b) At the time of appointment and during employment in this title, employees must possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State or otherwise demonstrate their capacity to meet the transportation requirements of the job.

R8/11/04

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive