George Kraus, MPH
Saint Paul,MN
Summary
Experienced with managing team operations and overseeing project execution. Utilizes leadership and communication skills to enhance team productivity and cohesion. Track record of resolving issues promptly and maintaining high standards of work quality.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Worker – HIV Care Link Services
Minnesota Department of Health
St. Paul, MN
12.2023 - 01.2026
- Continued with my previous role as Lead Worker. Responsible for the direct oversight of CLS DIS. I led a team of 3. Worked directly with ID clinic social work teams and medical staff to help build more consistent comprehensive care for clients. Also worked with clinic administrative staff to assist clients with their complex financial, housing, mental health and substance use situations. Coordinate all components of the HIV Perinatal Program to ensure all HIV+ pregnant client are connected to perinatal case managers.
Supervisor - HIV Care Link Services
Minnesota Department of Health
St. Paul, MN
09.2021 - 12.2023
- Newly created position as plans to expand the HIV Care Link Services. Updated existing policies to strengthen existing client services. Developed policies to expand essential services as we work more closely with ID Clinics statewide. Began working to expand and revise perinatal medical codes to ensure all medical disciplines work more effectively for comprehensive perinatal HIV care statewide. Oversee 3 existing CLS DIS and 2 additional CLS DIS.
Lead Worker – HIV Care Link Services
Minnesota Department of Health
St. Paul, MN
05.2017 - 09.2021
- I led a team of 3 CLS DIS re-engage those with HIV who have fallen out of care. Worked directly with ID clinic social work teams and medical staff to help build more consistent comprehensive care for clients. Also worked with clinic administrative staff to assist clients with their complex financial, housing, mental health and substance use situations. Coordinate all components of the HIV Perinatal Program to ensure all HIV+ pregnant client are connected to perinatal case managers. My monthly HIV and perinatal investigation case load varies greatly from 20-50. Cases are worked quickly but some require more attention.
Disease Intervention Specialist
Minnesota Department of Health
St. Paul, MN
09.2015 - 05.2017
- Care Link Services for those previously diagnosed HIV who have dropped out of care. Assist the HIV+ person with the navigation back into care by linking them with their previous care provider or assist them in securing another provider. Investigate persons with a new HIV and STD diagnosis to ensure the proper treatment and understanding of their infection. Also assist those diagnosed with HIV and/or and STD with contacting and informing partners to ensure that each partner is aware of their exposure, clinically evaluated and/or treated and counseled about their exposure.
Disease Intervention Specialist
Howard Brown Health Center
Chicago, IL
06.2013 - 06.2015
- Responsible for a variety of specific activities that contribute to the control of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and the prevention of complications due to untreated STDs in at-risk communities and in the general population. Also responsible for counseling patients with STDs, and conducting field investigative activities to locate and refer for examination people who are suspected of having an STD. Also provide management and analysis of syphilis and HIV cases to determine the source and spread of infection.
Community Health Specialist
Red Door Services
Minneapolis, MN
06.2012 - 06.2013
- Conduct HIV counseling, testing, referral, and care coordination services for MSM, incarcerated individuals, and other populations at higher risk for HIV infection. Assist individuals to identify their risk for HIV infection or transmission. Build community partnerships with individuals, agencies and businesses to expand and build a strong community HIV prevention network.
Education
Master of Public Health - Public Health
Indiana University
Bloomington, INBachelor of Science - Health and Safety
Indiana University
Bloomington, INSkills
- Critical thinking
- Multitasking Abilities
- Self motivation
- Excellent communication
Accomplishments
Minnesota Department of Health, Supervisor Core Training, 01/2022-04/2022
Timeline
Lead Worker – HIV Care Link Services
Minnesota Department of Health
12.2023 - 01.2026
Supervisor - HIV Care Link Services
Minnesota Department of Health
09.2021 - 12.2023
Lead Worker – HIV Care Link Services
Minnesota Department of Health
05.2017 - 09.2021
Disease Intervention Specialist
Minnesota Department of Health
09.2015 - 05.2017
Disease Intervention Specialist
Howard Brown Health Center
06.2013 - 06.2015
Community Health Specialist
Red Door Services
06.2012 - 06.2013
Bachelor of Science - Health and Safety
Indiana University
Master of Public Health - Public Health
Indiana University
Training, Skills & Accomplishments
Introduction to STD Intervention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Denver, CO, 1998 - 1998 - The development of skills and techniques for interviewing STD patients in order to identify sex partners for referral to medical evaluation. It also focuses on how to help patients manage current infection and prevent future infections., Minnesota Department of Health, Supervisor Core Training, 01/2022-04/2022, OUTBREAK RESPONSE WORK, Minnesota Department of Health Star Honors Award, 02/2018 – I am proud to have made such an impact during my time here at MDH to receive this award for the work on the Hmong TB Outbreak. I worked with the Ramsey County Health Department to train a Hmong DIS to work these TB cases from 06/2017-12/2017. We located more than 170 clients possibly infected with TB and were able to get all tested and/or treated. I was temporarily reassigned to work with Ramsey County on this outbreak during the last 2 months of the outbreak., Minnesota Department of Health, 07/01/2017-Present – I have been actively involved assisting with syphilis outbreaks in the Native American community in Greater Minnesota. The first outbreak took place 07/01/17-01/01/19. The second outbreak has been ongoing. I will be temporarily reassigned to work to begin actively working on these syphilis cases on 12/01/19. This will be a 1-2 month reassignment from my current duties of HIV CLS Lead Worker.
Awards
Minnesota Department of Health Star Honors Award, 02/2018 – I am proud to have made such an impact during my time here at MDH to receive this award for the work on the Hmong TB Outbreak. I worked with the Ramsey County Health Department to train a Hmong DIS to work these TB cases from 06/2017-12/2017. We located more than 170 clients possibly infected with TB and were able to get all tested and/or treated. I was temporarily reassigned to work with Ramsey County on this outbreak during the last 2 months of the outbreak.