Principal Disease Control Investigator

Definition

Under general direction, supervises and administers an investigation and control division providing disease control services within the Department of Health; establishes, develops and interprets policies and methods for use by disease control investigators and coordinates their investigative and control activities; implements and evaluates overall disease control programs in accordance with various codes and guidelines; and performs related duties as required.

Distinguishing Features

Positions in this class function as managers of a health investigation and control division within the Public Health Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and AIDS Division. The Principal Disease Control Investigator differs from the lower level class of Senior Disease Control Investigator, in that the former manages and provides consultation for County-wide programs such as Sexually Transmitted Diseases, AIDS, or the Tuberculosis Control Program; whereas the latter supervises a unit of Disease Control Investigators and functions less independently, following procedures set by departmental policies and guidelines, and State and local public health codes.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties

“The class specification shall be descriptive of the class and shall not be considered a restriction on the assignment of duties not specifically listed.” (Civil Service Commission Rule 7)

1. Plans, programs and directs the activities of a health investigation and control staff through subordinate Senior Disease Control Investigators and others assigned to specialty areas; prepares the program budget and grant requests for a disease control and investigation division including one or more County-wide programs.

2. Assesses the quality and needs of disease investigation and control programs to determine effectiveness and plan for improvements.

3. Establishes standards, procedures and policies used in the investigation, reporting and control of communicable diseases; collaborates with supervisors to formulate methods of implementing policies and procedures.

4. Selects, trains and evaluates the performance of Senior Disease Control Investigators and other staff assigned to the programs; provides counseling to supervisors on techniques of staff supervision, problem solving, interpretation of policies and methods of enforcing laws; takes disciplinary actions when necessary.

5. Supervises the maintenance of records on cases of communicable disease; may prepare reports which reflect and/or evaluate disease control activities and morbidity for further review and analysis by epidemiological and management staff.

6. Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with other divisions or community agencies involved in disease control activities to keep abreast of health trends, demands and needs of the community; advises schools, health centers, departmental staff and community groups regarding laws and regulations relating to communicable disease control.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

A broad knowledge of: communicable diseases and the investigation and control techniques and procedures used to mitigate them; Federal, State and City ordinances, rules, and regulations pertaining to disease control; some knowledge of the needs of populations affected by specific diseases.

 Ability to: administer and supervise the technical and clerical work of subordinate personnel; meet and deal effectively with the general public and Federal, State and City agencies; speak effectively before various groups and organizations to promote an understanding of disease control programs; analyze records and prepare reports.

Disaster Service Workers

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.