This is a part-time Research Assistant who works on the MMP under the direct supervision of the Director of HIV Surveillance and Epidemiology Program. This contractor will also work with PADOH staff to manage, review, and summarize data. The resource communicates and collaborates on a regular basis with the supervisor and other HIV surveillance staff with related duties to assure consistent continuity of the project.

The primary responsibilities of this position will be data collection, analysis and reporting for residents of Pennsylvania to meet federal, state, and local reporting requirements. This contract staff will assist in developing and implementing data quality assurance processes and monitoring and evaluating performance of surveillance reporters The responsibilities of this position are, but not limited to

• contacting selected individuals living with HIV infection, scheduling extensive telephone or in-person interviews, and conducting the interviews to assess their experiences with HIV infection
• contacting medical providers to request medical charts of selected individuals living with HIV
• conducting detailed medical chart abstraction for services received
• performing community and field visits as necessary
• reviewing data for errors and initiating corrective actions
• assists with providing response to CDC's letters for missed benchmark
• assists with grant applications
• using MS Office Word, PowerPoint, Access, and Excel to generate simple summary reports
• Performing other related duties as requested.

ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:

• Interacts with customers utilizing appropriate communication skills.
• Writes/prints legibly.
• Documents specific, accurate and complete information in the surveillance systems.
• Reports factual case information.
• Prepares and submits thorough and accurate reports in a timely manner as required.
• Provides accurate and legible written work/incident related statements as required.
• Maintains confidentiality of case information.
• Reports problems promptly and accurately using the chain of command.
• Interacts with colleagues in a cooperative manner to develop effective working relationships.

CRITICAL THINKING:

Prioritizes work tasks to be accomplished.
• Utilizes available staffing and equipment resources.
• Recognizes/anticipates project needs.

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT:

Demonstrates professional conduct with coworkers/customers.
• Demonstrates ethical behavior in the workplace.
• Maintains a non-discriminatory work environment.
• Abides by the Governor's Code of Conduct and Department of Health Personnel Regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Adheres to scheduled work hours.

• Bachelor's degree with experience in public health or related field, including conducting disease investigations and data abstraction.
• Knowledge of electronic disease reporting, surveillance data, and Spanish would be a plus.

• Data formatting, capture, search, retrieval, extraction, classification, and information filtering techniques.
• Experience with public/open data and social media platforms.
• Experience working in the public health and healthcare industry.
• Experience with disease surveillance systems and medical record reviews.
• Knowledge of HIV surveillance and prevention activities.

• Attends and participates in ongoing mandatory Bureau of Epidemiology and Pennsylvania Department of health training programs.
• Attends program related local and national meetings as appropriate.

• All contract staff is required to attend training, statewide or national workshops and conferences as determined by the Bureau of Epidemiology and assigned by DOH-assigned supervisor. The training will occur during normal daytime business hours. Training will be provided by the PADOH staff. Contracted staff person must complete all mandatory workplace-related trainings and annual confidentiality training. Successful completion of training is mandatory.