At the September 10, 2019, Board of Health meeting, the Board approved the reclassification of a 1.0 disease intervention specialist (DIS) in Prevention Services in order to address the heavy workload of the communicable disease supervisor. Since 2017, this communicable disease supervisor was responsible for nine employees working in four programs (HIV, STD, Communicable Disease Surveillance and Response, and Viral Hepatitis Outreach). Each program carries diverse work assignments and contract requirements. With the reclassification, the supervisor now has 10 employees in four programs. Other supervisors have similar numbers of direct reports, but this position has the most individual programs, each with substantial deliverables and legal mandates.
The reclassified lead position will provide technical support and consultation to other DIS and community providers, ensure policies and procedures for disease control are followed, be responsible for monitoring and ordering supplies and 340B medications, assist with orienting new staff, and collect and review data for monthly reports to Washington State Department of Health.
The lead position is being added to the bargaining unit through a memorandum of understanding. For the affected employee, the District will waive the trial service period since the employee has been in the position for one year.