SUMMARY
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is dedicated to protecting and optimizing the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. The mission of the CDPH Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Control Branch is to reduce the transmission and impact of sexually transmitted infections (STI), mpox, and viral hepatitis in California, particularly among communities disproportionately affected by these infections. Because diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of our public health work, STD Control Branch embraces and values the contributions of all communities across California to fulfill our public health mission. In collaboration with local health jurisdictions and other community partners in public and private sectors, STD Control Branch supports equitable STI, mpox, and viral hepatitis prevention and control efforts by providing statewide leadership, policy, guidance, training, technical assistance, surge capacity; and by supporting safety-net service delivery in priority settings and populations.
CDPH STD Control Branch is seeking a Medical Officer to support the Strengthening the U.S. Response to Resistant Gonorrhea (SURRG) project. SURRG is a CDC-funded initiative to enhance antibiotic resistant gonorrhea (ARGC) rapid detection and response capacity. In this project, the Medical Officer will serve as a medical consultant for SURRG/ARGC Center of Excellence activities. In addition, this position will support the STD Control Branch in addressing other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) of concern as part of a syndemic approach.
Applicants must submit a resume or curriculum vitae and a cover letter to be considered.
This is a temporary, grant funded position through July 31, 2024, and may be extended should funding become available. This position may be considered for full-time or part-time employment. The salary for this position is $134,736.00 to $189,600.00 depending on experience/qualifications.
If hired for this position, applicant will be required to provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 prior to the start date; or have a valid religious or medical reason qualifying the applicant for an exemption (that may or may not require accommodation).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Under the direction of the Chief of the Medical and Scientific Affairs Section within the STD Control Branch, the Medical Officer will perform the following essential job functions:
- Serve as a medical consultant for SURRG/ARGC Center of Excellence activities, including providing clinical consultation, technical guidance, creating and reviewing communications, and responding to inquiries concerning suspected gonorrhea treatment failures from local health departments, community clinics, hospitals, and other health care providers.
- Create antibiotic resistant gonorrhea (ARGC) educational materials, webinars, and guidance documents for medical providers.
- Provide consultation for suspected gonorrhea treatment failure inquiries by monitoring the STD Clinical Consultation Network (STDCCN) and other related notification forums.
- Promote and develop systems for laboratories, health care providers, and local health jurisdictions to report gonorrhea treatment failures and access antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST).
- Develop and/or update a statewide STI/ARGC outbreak response plan, including developing guidance for local health jurisdictions.
- Provide public health detailing for providers and clinics.
- Support the prevention and control of other sexually transmitted infections and mpox, as needed, as part of a syndemic approach.
- Perform other tasks deemed necessary by supervisor.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience
- Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine, required
- Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Preventive Medicine and/or Infectious Diseases, required
- At least two years’ experience in public health, preferred (1 year of experience may be substituted with a Master of Public Health)
- At least two years’ experience working in the field of STIs (this may include providing a substantial amount of STI clinical care to priority populations), preferred
- At least one year of experience working with or for populations disproportionately at risk for STIs (e.g., communities of color, men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, people experiencing homelessness, people who use drugs), preferred. Lived experience may substitute for working experience in this area.
- Knowledge in the fundamentals and principles of epidemiology, public health surveillance, and outbreak response.
- Knowledge of social determinants of health as well as STI epidemiology, prevention, and control strategies.
Certificates/Licenses/Clearances
- Active M.D. license, required
Other Desirable Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
- Exceptional interpersonal skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Leadership, organization, and decision-making skills
- Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with public health and healthcare professionals and internal partners
- Skilled in preparing summaries, written responses, and oral presentations
- Prioritize and handle multiple tasks
- Sensitivity to and experience working with ethnically, culturally, and sexually diverse individuals, communities, agencies, and organizations that comprise the STI/HIV public health constituency
- Knowledge of and skilled in the use of Microsoft Office Suite with the ability to collect, manage, and analyze data using Microsoft Excel
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Stand: Frequently
- Walk: Occasionally
- Sit: Frequently
- Handling / Fingering: Occasionally
- Reach Outward: Occasionally
- Reach Above Shoulder: Occasionally
- Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend: Occasionally
- Lift / Carry: Occasionally - Up to 40 lbs
- Push/Pull: Occasionally - Up to 40 lbs
- See: Constantly
- Taste/ Smell: Not Applicable
KEY
- Not Applicable = Not required for essential functions
- Occasionally = (0 - 2 hrs/day)
- Frequently = (2 - 5 hrs/day)
- Constantly = (5+ hrs/day)
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Remote, but infrequent travel for work on campus in Richmond, California in a general office may be required.
Must have functioning internet access at remote location. There is no reimbursement for internet access.
EEOC STATEMENT
It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Heluna Health is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages minorities, women, veterans, and disabled to apply.
