When I was 20 years old, I worked as an STD clerk at our local health department. On one of my first days, a gentleman came in and slipped me a piece of paper on which he’d written, “I have green stuff coming out of my penis.” That is when it hit me; this could have been prevented. And, that is when I fell in love with public health.

As I continued in my job checking people into the clinic, I watched the Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) come in and out of the clinic with their clients. I could only imagine what was going on behind that closed door and was very curious about exactly what they did, but it was obvious to me that they were making a difference in people’s lives.

Three years later, I decided it was time for me to take my love for the job to a new level; I WANTED TO BE A DIS!  I’ve now been in this role for 17 years and it’s still hard for me to say exactly what a DIS does. It is one of the most complex professions because there so many things we do (such as interviewing clients who are infected, investigating social and medical histories, testing clients, and informing partners of possible exposure), and there is so much that we have to know about testing and treatment.

DIS Certification

With a profession that is so complex and difficult to describe, it’s not surprising that it can be hard for others to see the true day-to-day skills and competencies it takes to be a successful DIS.

I remember hearing for the first time a DIS Certification was on the horizon. Finally!  We will have something to validate the in-depth training, knowledge, and competency needed to do this job. On an individual level, certification will indicate that one has met these predetermined standards to be a DIS but having the certification process will also increase the understanding and reputation of the DIS profession as a whole.

In fact, a study from interviews and focus groups concluded that a certification program would:

• Increase the professional reputation and prestige of the DIS profession
• Provide a baseline for DIS competency nationwide
• Increase dedication to the profession
• Increase recognition and transferences of skills between states/jurisdictions and increase practice efficacy

The Process

Last year I received an invitation to be a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the ‘Job Task Analysis’ portion of the DIS Certification Process. (Go ahead and picture me doing the happy dance, I was so excited and honored to be a part of this project!)  I couldn’t even imagine how we would even begin to define all of the tasks a DIS does, but I packed my bags and headed to Alexandria.

The ‘PHAB Job Analysis Task Force’ was comprised of 15 members from various state and local health departments as well as representatives from a community-based organization. Our job was to determine what tasks and knowledge statements are essential for a DIS to be able to perform effectively.

Prior to the meeting, a competency outline and eligibility requirements were drafted and we were to validate and adjust it, then it would be sent out for a nationwide survey to be evaluated by others in the field. Our meetings were to focus on the following items:

• Domains structure: Determine the main core responsibilities performed by the DIS
• Tasks: The distinct, identifiable, and specific practice-related activities
• Knowledge: The knowledge needed to perform each task

During the grueling two-and-a-half days of review and discussion, I was reminded of several things. Those of us who are or have been a DIS are very adamant that the job needs to be done right; we do not take it lightly and we are proud of what we do. Also, no matter where a DIS is from, there is a common language that we all speak and understand. It became very clear that the overall mission and duties of a DIS are the same across the nation though execution of those duties varies among jurisdictions. The goal of DIS certification is to standardize that.

In some ways it was shocking to see all the tasks and responsibilities of a DIS outlined on paper!  I knew all along how complex the job is and how hard it is to explain; but now I SEE why!  There were 160 knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA’s) needed to be a successful DIS!!  Keep in mind; these are only the general things that can be evaluated nationwide. It does not include the local policy and specific procedures of the jurisdiction.

Reaction from the Field

After a couple of follow-up conference calls to tidy things up, a survey of the 160 KSA’s was sent out to see if other DIS agreed they were important. There were 495 responses received.

Tasks:  Out of 57 tasks on the survey, 56 received a mean importance rating of 2.5 or more, indicating support for including these tasks in the role of a DIS

Knowledges:  Out of 103 knowledge statements on the survey, 102 received a mean importance rating of 2.5 or more, indicating support for including these tasks in the role of a DIS.

Last month, the task force met again, we reviewed the results of the survey and made adjustments to the KSA’s based on these results. We also developed a recommendation for educational criteria. Once the final job description and competencies are complete (around April 2016), we will share it with partners and decide how to distribute it to other interested parties.  It will be the basis for a test-based or portfolio-based certification.

I look forward to seeing the progress and ultimately the implementation of the DIS Certification. Not only will it give much deserved credibility to the DIS, it will provide assurance that all certified DIS have the same core abilities and will help streamline the continuity of care the DIS provide.