Direct Observation Therapy Specialist

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Job Opening: Direct Observation Therapy Specialist
Department: Bureau of Personal Health
Posting Date: August 3, 2022
Work Schedule: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, extended hours as needed
Salary: $40,000


Position Description

This Direct Observation Therapy Specialist position supports the organization's mission of providing infrastructure for the implementation of core public health functions in a high quality, effective and responsive manner that will positively impact the health status of Pennsylvanians by providing assistance in patient centered tuberculosis (TB) and HIV care outreach activities to providers, TB control support activities, and verification of appropriate HIV-related activities and documentation in the Delaware County Health Department, for a culturally diverse group of clients.


Duties of Position

Support TB and HIV data gathering and reporting for Delaware County.

Update patient files to include HIV testing and care information, TB reports, x-rays, and lab work and other documents as needed.

Disseminate patient reports as directed by using knowledge of Protected Health Information and DOH confidentiality guidelines to ensure that patient health information is transmitted accurately, timely and securely.

Maintain documents such as patient records and logs by writing or posting pertinent information about in order to reflect the disposition, amounts, results, production, time, organization status, transaction or other details.

Prepare monthly reports on TB related activities.

Support TB clinics as a patient/community liaison and clinic assistant to facilitate efficient and customer-oriented running and recordkeeping of TB clinics, mass TB screening programs, and outreach programs.

Work collaboratively with the TB clinic nurse to develop plans to locate delinquent patients and immigrant and refugee patients who require follow-up for TB and possible coinfection of HIV and TB.

Provide directly observed therapy (DOT) to TB patients.

Report any deviation from routine in observing medication ingestion to TB clinic nurse and/or Communicable Disease nurse supervisor (CDNS).

For patients diagnosed with both TB and HIV, ensure awareness of the significance of medication adherence for HIV Antiretroviral medications.

Reports any complaints or concerns expressed by the patient to TB clinic nurse and/or CDNS.

While providing DOT, assure that HIV positive patients are currently engaged in HIV care.

Deliver supplies of TB medication to clinics, residences and institutions where patients are located and provided TB treatment. Provide transportation for TB patients and Ryan White patients to clinic visits when indicated.

Record patient information and activities in PA-NEDSS and the patient chart including patient interactions, DOT visits, side effects and adverse events, HIV related information such as last known HIV test, Viral Load (VL) and HIV medical provider and other pertinent information regarding a patient.

Review TB Patients in PA NEDSS to identify patients who are missing HIV testing information. If identified, information is reported to the TB clinic nurse and/or CDNS for follow up.

Provide TB patients with laboratory and X-ray requisitions.

Assist in the completion of reports, forms, charts and files under the direction of the clinic nurse.

Assist in administrative functions for clinics including clinic set up, weighing patients, calling or sending letters to patients who missed appointment, obtaining X-rays, etc.

Obtain information, clinician signatures, reports, x-rays and patient records, etc. from other community agencies as directed by the clinic nurse and returns same as needed.

Reviews state health center patient charts to ensure patients are offered an HIV test and it is documented in the patient chart and PA-NEDSS.


Qualifications

Minimum High School or GED required; Associates degree preferred

Computer, typing, and data entry skills with the ability to use Microsoft Office

Current CPR / First Aid certification

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Excellent organizational skills

Customer service experience

Ability to work as part of a team

Ability to maintain confidential information and handle confidential matters

Bilingual (English/Spanish) ability a plus.

A valid driver's license is required

Knowledge of infectious diseases including STDs and their treatment


Contact

To apply, please fill out our online application form.



Contact Us

  •   201 West Front Street,
         Media, PA 19063
  •   8:30AM - 4:30PM
           Monday - Friday
  •   610-891-4000
  • webmaster@co.delaware.pa.us

About Delaware County

Delaware County, presently consisting of over 184 square miles divided into forty-nine municipalities is the oldest settled section of Pennsylvania.


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