The STD/HIV program currently includes six disease investigation specialists (DIS) to conduct case investigations, patient follow-up, patient testing, provider response and consultation, and treatment coordination.
Through August 2022, Snohomish County continued to see an increase in several sexually-transmitted diseases over 2021 rates. Areas of concern include:
- Gonorrhea: +19%
- Early Latent Syphilis: +14%
- Congenital Syphilis: +200%
In addition to rising case numbers, the complexity of cases continues to increase, resulting in the need for additional time, technical consultation, and oversite of cases. The Lead DIS would provide valuable expertise and better capacity for managing caseloads, particularly during complex investigations such as congenital syphilis or incidences of co-infection. This position would also increase capacity around the District to support disease investigation work during large scale communicable disease outbreaks.
The lead position is a previously approved position that is still represented in the organizational chart. The position was vacated in February 2022 when the incumbent was promoted to the STD/HIV program supervisor position. The position remained unfilled during the probation period for this staff transition and is not in the current budget.
The approximate annual cost for a Lead Disease Intervention Specialist is $67,584 - $90,576 plus benefits (an assumption of 30%).
The funds for this position would come from Foundational Public Health Funding and General Funds and would support the area of reinforcing capacity.